Abstract
The impact of new digital technologies creates challenges for the digital transformation process in company sustainability areas. The purpose of this study was to determine the degree of contribution of digital-transformation-enabling technologies to company sustainability areas of three pulp and paper manufacturing companies in Brazil and relate it to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through a systematic literature review based on the PRISMA method, we sought to assess the key concepts of sustainability and the implementation of digital transformation (DT) through its enabling digital technologies. A field study was conducted in three Brazilian pulp and paper companies to assess the degree of contribution. They are leading companies in the paper and cellulose industry in Brazil. The results obtained indicate that the companies in this sample are still in a growth process regarding the use of digital technologies in their sustainability areas. Only one digital technology, cloud computing, appears relevant in one of the companies studied, which differs from the theoretical framework presented by the literature. To achieve the SDGs goals, countries, especially emerging ones, need to develop their technologies and their business and improve the results that relate to sustainability. The research method applied in this study can be replicated to other companies where the impact of digital transformation technologies on company sustainability is critical.
Highlights
Digital Transformation (DT) refers to the idea of new products or services driven by the increasing number of innovations and use of digital technologies
AI (Artificial Intelligence) is still not used in any effective way; on the other hand, cloud computing presented the most answers as it is integrated in the business model at both peripheral and core activities and is integrated in the business model at both peripheral and core activities and is positively related to sustainability issues
Most answers stated that CPS (Cyber-Physical Systems) are not used in any capacity at the company, two responses stated the use of CPS is integrated at the core of the business model; when we asked about 3D printers, only one answer stated that 3D printers reduce costs and waste and provide flexibility and innovation to business activities, and for the most part, 3D printers are not used in any capacity at the company
Summary
DT refers to the idea of new products or services driven by the increasing number of innovations and use of digital technologies. This movement toward products is due to the fact that DT must be guided by a broad business strategy [1]. The purpose of DT is restricted to one group or business area [2] as it runs through the company as a whole. Sustainability is present in the strategy of companies with the purpose of minimizing environmental impacts, providing business benefits, and increasing the performance and competitiveness in the market in which it operates [5]
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