Reverse logistics and sustainability: the case of the Federal Institute of Acre, Brazil

Abstract

The implementation of sustainable practices in the educational context is fundamental to foster a culture of environmental and social responsibility. This study investigates reverse logistics practices at the Rio Branco Campus of the Federal Institute of Acre (IFAC), aiming to identify implemented actions, challenges faced, and propose strategies to strengthen the institutional commitment to sustainability. Using a mixed-method approach, we combined documentary analysis of the internal regulations and the Institutional Development Plan (IDP) with semi-structured interviews with members of the academic community. The documentary analysis revealed institutional alignment with sustainable practices, evidenced by environmental and social responsibility goals in IFAC's IDP. However, the lack of specific guidelines for post-consumer reverse logistics suggests the need for improvement. Interviews highlighted employees' awareness of sustainability and reverse logistics as positive, but pointed to the lack of clear guidelines as a gap. Although the Rio Branco Campus of IFAC demonstrates a commitment to sustainability, there is room for improvement in integrating post-consumer reverse logistics practices. We recommend the inclusion of specific goals and strategies for solid waste management in the IDP, as well as a more comprehensive approach to sustainability in institutional policies. These final considerations establish a basis for future research and practical improvements, aiming to strengthen the institutional commitment to sustainability at IFAC.