to achieve the sustainable development of supply
chains by integrating economic benefits,
environmental protection, and social responsibility
(Peng, 2023). Vertical integration is crucial in
enhancing control and coordination across various
supply chain stages, thereby improving efficiency and
reducing risks. The Sustainable Development Goals
(SDGs) outlined by the United Nations provide clear
direction for businesses to advance sustainable
development globally.
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) further
emphasizes the responsibility of businesses not only
to pursue economic interests and contribute to
environmental and social welfare (Carrol, 2015;
Hoque et al., 2018). This requires enterprises to
consider the needs of all stakeholders, including
employees, customers, suppliers, communities, and
the environment, and to take proactive measures to
mitigate negative impacts while creating positive
social value. Green supply chain management
(GSCM), an integral part of SSCM, focuses on
minimizing the adverse environmental effects of the
supply chain through resource optimization, waste
reduction, and adopting eco-friendly materials to
achieve ecologically sound production and supply
chain processes (Verma et al., 2018; Jaggernath &
Khan, 2015).
Industrial ecology offers a systematic approach to
simulate natural ecosystems within industrial
systems, enabling enterprises to efficiently utilize
resources and minimize waste, thereby promoting
more circular and sustainable production models.
Stakeholder theory emphasizes the need for
businesses to balance the diverse requirements of
stakeholders, including employees, customers,
suppliers, communities, and the environment, to
achieve long-term sustainable development.
The circular economy advocates maximizing
resource utilization and minimizing waste through
reduction, reuse, and recycling throughout the
product lifecycle. In countries like Brazil, where
environmental legislation revisions are particularly
important, continuous updates and enhancements of
legal frameworks support businesses in adhering to
stricter environmental standards and regulations
while pursuing sustainable development goals.
Through these comprehensive measures, businesses
can compete in the global market and realize genuine
sustainable development.
Over the past five years, Brazil's poultry supply
chain management has made significant strides in
several areas. Firstly, by increasing vertical
integration - such as BRF's rate rising from 75% to
85% - the industry has optimized production
processes and improved product quality.
Concurrently, environmental management and waste
processing have seen considerable progress.
According to Embrapa, greenhouse gas emissions
have decreased by an average of 2% per year, and the
waste reuse or recycling rate rose from 40% in 2018
to 60% in 2023.
Moreover, leading poultry companies like JBS
and BRF have actively adopted the triple bottom line
(TBL/3BL) approach. JBS released its first
comprehensive sustainability report emphasizing
social, economic, and environmental impacts, while
BRF launched the "BRF2030" project aiming for
100% renewable energy use by 2030. In terms of
sustainable supply chain management (SSCM),
companies have reduced their carbon footprint by
20% by optimizing transportation routes, using more
efficient feed, and improving waste management
systems.
Lastly, the Brazilian poultry industry has shown
remarkable progress in sustainable transformation.
From 2018 to 2023, investments in sustainability
projects increased by approximately 30%, focusing
on developing new eco-friendly technologies,
enhancing animal welfare, and boosting community
engagement. For instance, in 2022, a national
sustainable agriculture plan worth $200 million was
launched to steer the entire industry towards greater
sustainability. These efforts have enhanced
production efficiency and product quality and
significantly advanced the industry’s sustainable
development (Pohlmann et al., 2020).
2.2 Case Analysis
Focus Company is crucial in the Brazilian poultry
supply chain, advancing sustainable development
goals. Supply Chain Management and Operational
Processes: Recent data highlights Focus Company's
effective reduction of transportation costs and energy
consumption in Brazil's poultry supply chain through
advanced technology and data analytics. Since 2019,
the company has implemented new logistics
strategies, resulting in a 15% decrease in CO2
emissions per kilogram of product compared to 2018.
Business process optimization has increased
production efficiency and reduced waste. In 2023,
Focus Company achieved an 80% recycling rate of
production waste, up by 10% from 2019.
Waste and Environmental Management: Over the
last five years, significant progress has been made in
environmental management within Focus Company's
Brazilian poultry supply chain. In 2023, the company
increased its use of renewable energy sources such as