Green supply chain management: An investigation of pressures, practices, and performance within the Brazilian automotive supply chain

Abstract

Over the past few decades, companies have shown growing concerns in relation to the environmental impact of their manufacturing activities. Green supply chain management (GSCM) has been considered by the manufacturers as a feasible option to reduce the environmental impact of operations while simultaneously improving their operational performance. The literature suggests that further research on institutional pressures, performance, and environmental practices are needed, especially in the case of developing countries. The present paper explores the GSCM pressures, practices, and performance observed in suppliers of a Brazilian automotive supply chain. The data were treated using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) provided by SmartPLS software. The results show that the economic and environmental performance of the studied supply chain is positively related to the adoption of GSCM practices. In addition, the present research also identified the institutional pressures that influence this supply chain to pursue green supply chain management practices. The results of this study provide managerial and theoretical approaches for different industries in Brazil to focus on environmental awareness by adopting GSCM practices. In addition, this study helps increase confidence among managers and policy makers of Brazilian companies in the adoption of GSCM practices to improve firm performance.