ABSTRACT
Objective: This article aims to discuss the importance of incorporating sustainable transportation practices into the supply chains of the Brazilian agro-industry, highlighting their potential to reduce costs, increase operational efficiency, and enhance companies' reputation in an increasingly sustainability-focused global context.
Theoretical framework: Agribusiness plays a vital role in the Brazilian economy, converting agricultural raw materials into higher value-added products and driving economic gains and job creation. However, transportation in this chain has a significant environmental impact, with Brazil heavily reliant on road transport, contributing to carbon emissions. Companies from various sectors are adopting sustainable transportation practices to address these challenges, recognizing the growing importance of sustainability as a business strategy to ensure competitive advantage in the global market.
Method: The literature review was conducted in five detailed stages: formulation of the research question, identification and careful selection of relevant studies, analysis and synthesis of data, and description and dissemination of results. Scientific articles, book chapters, and technical reports published between 2015 and 2023 were considered, ensuring a solid and updated basis for analysis.
Results and conclusion: The analysis of 102 studies highlighted the relevance of implementing sustainable transportation practices, such as the use of electric vehicles and bioenergy, in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and optimizing logistics costs. Intermodality also emerged as an effective strategy adopted to mitigate environmental impacts and strengthen competitiveness. However, there is a continuous need for future research to understand the nuances of sustainable transportation strategies in different segments and regions of the Brazilian agro-industrial supply chain.
Research implications: This study emphasizes the urgency and importance of transitioning to sustainable transportation practices in the Brazilian agro-industry, highlighting the need for government intervention and investment in research to develop approaches tailored to the specific challenges of each sector and region. Additionally, it underscores the importance of public policies that incentivize and promote sustainability in supply chains.
Originality/value: It significantly contributes to understanding the complexities of sustainable transportation in the Brazilian agro-industry, providing insights for companies and policymakers interested in promoting sustainability in supply chains. By filling knowledge gaps and presenting innovative perspectives, this study stands out for its original contribution and practical value.
Keywords: Supply Chain, Transportation, Agroindustry, Sustainability, Environmental Impact.
RESUMO
Objetivo: Este artigo visa discutir a importância da incorporação de práticas de transporte sustentável nas cadeias de suprimentos da agroindústria brasileira, destacando seu potencial para reduzir custos, aumentar a eficiência operacional e aprimorar a reputação das empresas em um contexto global cada vez mais preocupado com a sustentabilidade.
Referencial teórico: O agronegócio desempenha um papel vital na economia brasileira, convertendo matériasprimas agrícolas em produtos de maior valor agregado e impulsionando ganhos econômicos e geração de empregos. No entanto, o transporte nessa cadeia apresenta um impacto ambiental significativo, com o Brasil altamente dependente do transporte rodoviário, o que contribui para as emissões de carbono. Empresas de diversos setores estão adotando práticas de transporte sustentável para enfrentar esses desafios, reconhecendo a crescente importância da sustentabilidade como estratégia de negócios para garantir vantagem competitiva no mercado global.
Método: A revisão da literatura foi conduzida em cinco etapas detalhadas, sendo: formulação da pergunta de pesquisa, identificação e seleção criteriosa de estudos relevantes, análise e síntese de dados, e descrição e disseminação dos resultados. Foram considerados artigos científicos, capítulos de livros e relatórios técnicos publicados entre 2015 e 2023, garantindo uma base sólida e atualizada para a análise.
Resultados e conclusão: A análise de 102 estudos destacou a relevância da implementação de práticas de transporte sustentável, como o uso de veículos elétricos e bioenergia, na redução das emissões de gases de efeito estufa e na otimização dos custos logísticos. A intermodalidade também emergiu como uma estratégia eficaz adotada para mitigar os impactos ambientais e fortalecer a competitividade. No entanto, ressalta-se a necessidade contínua de pesquisas futuras para compreender as nuances das estratégias de transporte sustentável em diferentes segmentos e regiões da cadeia de suprimentos agroindustrial brasileira.
Implicações da pesquisa: Este estudo destaca a urgência e a importância da transição para práticas de transporte sustentável na agroindústria brasileira, destacando a necessidade de intervenção governamental e investimento em pesquisa para desenvolver abordagens adaptadas aos desafios específicos de cada setor e região. Além disso, evidencia a importância de políticas públicas que incentivem e promovam a sustentabilidade nas cadeias de suprimentos.
Originalidade/valor: Contribui significativamente para a compreensão das complexidades do transporte sustentável na agroindústria brasileira, fornecendo insights para empresas e formuladores de políticas interessados em promover a sustentabilidade nas cadeias de suprimentos. Ao preencher lacunas de conhecimento e apresentar perspectivas inovadoras, este estudo destaca-se por sua contribuição original e valor prático.
Palavras-chave: Cadeia de Suprimentos, Transporte, Agroindústria, Sustentabilidade, Impacto Ambiental.
RESUMEN
Objetivo: Este artículo tiene como objetivo discutir la importancia de incorporar prácticas de transporte sustentable en las cadenas de suministro de la agroindustria brasileña, destacando su potencial para reducir costos, aumentar la eficiencia operativa y mejorar la reputación de las empresas en un contexto global cada vez más preocupado por la sustentabilidad.
Referente teórico: El agronegocio juega un papel vital en la economía brasileña, convirtiendo materias primas agrícolas en productos de mayor valor agregado e impulsando ganancias económicas y creación de empleo. Sin embargo, el transporte en esta cadena tiene un impacto ambiental significativo, con Brasil altamente dependiente del transporte por carretera, lo que contribuye a las emisiones de carbono. Las empresas de muchas industrias están adoptando prácticas de transporte sostenible para hacer frente a estos desafíos, reconociendo la creciente importancia de la sostenibilidad como estrategia empresarial para garantizar una ventaja competitiva en el mercado mundial.
Método: La revisión de la literatura se realizó en cinco pasos detallados, siendo: formulación de la pregunta de investigación, identificación y cuidadosa selección de los estudios relevantes, análisis y síntesis de datos, y descripción y difusión de los resultados. Se consideraron artículos científicos, capítulos de libros e informes técnicos publicados entre 2015 y 2023, asegurando una base sólida y actualizada para el análisis.
Resultados y conclusión: El análisis de 102 estudios puso de manifiesto la importancia de aplicar prácticas de transporte sostenibles, como el uso de vehículos eléctricos y bioenergía, para reducir las emisiones de gases de efecto invernadero y optimizar los costes logísticos. La intermodalidad también se ha convertido en una estrategia eficaz adoptada para mitigar los efectos ambientales y fortalecer la competitividad. Sin embargo, se subraya la necesidad de futuras investigaciones para comprender los matices de las estrategias de transporte sostenible en diferentes segmentos y regiones de la cadena de suministro agroindustrial brasileña.
Implicaciones de la investigación: Este estudio destaca la urgencia e importancia de la transición a prácticas de transporte sostenible en la agroindustria brasileña, destacando la necesidad de la intervención del gobierno y la inversión en investigación para desarrollar enfoques adaptados a los desafíos específicos de cada sector y región. También se resalta la importancia de las políticas públicas que fomentan y promueven la sostenibilidad en las cadenas de suministro.
Originalidad/valor: Contribuye significativamente a comprender las complejidades del transporte sostenible en la agroindustria brasileña, proporcionando información a las empresas y los responsables políticos interesados en promover la sostenibilidad en las cadenas de suministro. Al llenar vacíos de conocimiento y presentar perspectivas innovadoras, este estudio destaca por su contribución original y valor práctico.
Palabras clave: Cadena de Suministro, Transporte, Agroindustria, Sostenibilidad, Impacto Ambiental.
1 INTRODUCTION
In numerous societies, the agribusiness sector plays a vital role in the economy by converting agricultural raw materials into more valuable products like processed foods, beverages, and biofuels (Gorlov et al., 2020). This transformative process not only boosts the earnings of farmers and industry workers but also generates employment opportunities, particularly in rural areas, thereby bolstering the socio-economic advancement of these regions (De Corato et al., 2018).
The agribusiness supply chain encompasses a series of processes at all stages necessary to produce food and other products derived from agricultural raw materials (Gómez-García et al., 2021). Starting with agricultural production, which includes planting, cultivation, harvesting, and storage of products. The products are then transported to processing facilities, where they are transformed into higher value-added products such as food, beverages, and biofuels. After production, these products are stored and distributed to intermediaries, such as wholesalers and retailers, before reaching the end consumer (Salah et al., 2019).
Transportation plays a fundamental role in agribusiness, moving goods and inputs from farms to processing facilities, industrial plants, and sales points (Barnard et al., 2020). However, despite being a critical component of supply chains, it is also responsible for a significant share of environmental impacts, such as greenhouse gas emissions (GHG), air and noise pollution, and congestion in urban areas (Andrade et al., 2023; Grote et al., 2016). According to data from the World Resources Institute (WRI, 2019), in 2016, over a quarter of global CO2 emissions were generated by the transportation sector, with 72% caused by road vehicles.
Brazil's high dependence on road transport and fossil fuel consumption makes freight transportation one of the activities with the highest CO2 emissions. The movement of products by highways accounts for approximately 61.1% of the total freight transported in the country, while in other nations of similar geographical size, this share is less than 30% (CNT, 2018).
Despite Brazil having about 1.7 million kilometers of roads, the extent of railways is only 30 thousand kilometers, and waterways, 20 thousand kilometers. These modalities are more energy-efficient, mainly due to their higher cargo capacities per trip (Branco et al., 2023). Exacerbating this scenario, total public investment in transportation infrastructure has been systematically decreasing over the years, reducing by 37% between 2010 and 2017 (Brazil, 2019). This further hampers the performance of freight transportation in Brazil, increasing energy expenditure and GHG emissions.
To mitigate these issues, companies seek to adopt sustainable transportation practices, such as using more efficient and less polluting vehicles, optimizing routes, and using more sustainable transportation modes, such as railways and waterways (Soliani & Innocentini, 2021). In addition to reducing environmental impacts, sustainable transportation can improve companies' image and generate economic benefits, such as reducing operational costs and increasing competitiveness in the market (Chuang & Huang, 2018). Logistics costs play a significant role in determining final product prices due to the spatial dispersion of production, domestic market distribution, and the vast distances involved in intra and inter-regional trade (Péra et al., 2019; Roulet et al., 2016).
Environmental preservation has become crucial in contemporary society, leading companies to adopt proactive measures to reduce the impacts of their productive operations, driven by regulatory pressures, consumer demands, and the pursuit of operational efficiency (Glass et al., 2016). In response, many organizations have implemented environmental programs integrating sustainable policies at all stages of the supply chain (Yildiz Çankaya & Sezen, 2019). With constantly evolving environmental regulations and the growing international demand for environmentally friendly products, the procurement of sustainable products is becoming an essential business strategy to ensure future sustainability and gain a competitive advantage (Lin & Niu, 2018).
Through an analysis of the existing literature, this article aims to discuss the importance of incorporating sustainable transportation practices in agribusiness supply chains and their potential to reduce costs, increase efficiency, and enhance companies' reputation in society and the market. Thus, it seeks to answer the question: "What is the importance of sustainable transportation in the Brazilian agricultural sector and how can it contribute to reducing negative environmental impacts, promoting supply chain sustainability?" Additionally, it will explore current trends and incentives for organizations to adopt environmentally conscious practices, along with sustainable strategies that can be implemented to optimize the operation of agribusiness supply chains.
2 METHODOLOGY
Literature Review (LR) is a widely used methodology in scientific research to gather, analyze, and synthesize existing evidence on a specific topic (Snyder, 2019). This type of study allows for a comprehensive overview of existing literature, enabling the identification of knowledge gaps, critical evaluation of evidence, and synthesis of findings. LR is especially useful when the research topic is broad or complex, as it allows for the inclusion of studies from various areas of knowledge (Higgins et al., 2019).
In the context of sustainable transportation, LR is an appropriate methodology for understanding best practices and challenges faced in implementing sustainable strategies in freight transport operations. By assessing the impact of sustainable initiatives on the environmental and economic performance of companies, LR enables the identification of areas needing more attention, as well as the development of new studies and improvement initiatives in companies (Tseng et at, 2019). Based on previous studies on the topic, it is possible to build strategies for implementing more sustainable transportation operations, contributing to a more prosperous and healthy future for all.
The methodology adopted in this study follows a structure proposed by Abdirad and Krishnan (2021), consisting of 5 steps: 1) formulation of the research question, 2) locating studies, 3) selection and evaluation of studies, 4) analysis and synthesis, and 5) description and dissemination of results, as illustrated in Figure 1.
Next, the five steps undertaken in the proposed literature review will be described.
Step 1: The research began with an analysis of general trends in the literature on sustainable transportation and related topics, evaluating the context of the studies and the different methods used. From this, the question guiding the data collection and analysis was formulated: What is the importance of sustainable transportation in the Brazilian agricultural sector and how can it contribute to reducing negative environmental impacts, promoting supply chain sustainability?
Step 2: Searches were conducted in the online databases Scopus, Scielo, and Web of Science, using the following groups of keywords: "Environmental Impacts" OR "Supply Chain" OR "Sustainable Transportation" AND "Transport" OR "Agribusiness" OR "Sustainability".
Step 3: Articles, book chapters, and technical reports published between 2015 and 2023, enabling the evaluation of more current and contemporary works and discussions on the proposed topic. They should be written in Portuguese or English, directly related to the proposed topic, and supported by empirical data available online. Studies not meeting these criteria were excluded from the analysis.
Step 4: To analyze the selected articles, criteria were established covering the study's objective, methodology used, results achieved, implications for environmental management of the supply chain, and study limitations. Relevant information was collected and categorized into topics related to the role of transportation in implementing sustainable practices in supply chain management.
A complementary analysis was conducted on the selected articles using the IRAMUTEQ software, which performs statistical analyses of texts, identifying keywords and grouping them into meaningful classes. This software adopts a descending hierarchical approach to classify words, taking into account lexical proximity, identifying similarities between words based on their use in similar contexts, and the frequency of word occurrences in similar contexts (De Carvalho Lima et al., 2023). The results of this analysis were presented in the form of a word cloud, which allows us to understand what the main themes and language usage patterns are in the analyzed texts.
Step 5: The results were synthesized into a discussion addressing the main emerging themes, as well as the implications and limitations of the reviewed research.
With the methodology established, we now move on to the next stage of this study: the analysis of results and discussion of the main findings.
3 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
The LR resulted in the selection of 102 studies on sustainable transportation practices, highlighting their relevance to environmental preservation and the economic viability of supply chains in various sectors. Table 1 presents the authors and the main contributions of each study to the development of this article.
The selected studies cover a wide range of topics related to sustainable transportation, from analyzing the historical implementation of railways in Brazil to proposals for controlling urban freight traffic and adopting electric trucks. They also explore the impact of international climate policies on transportation sectors, competitiveness strategies in developing countries, and the implications of environmental regulations on consumer behavior, offering a holistic and comprehensive perspective on the inherent complexities of sustainable transportation.
The studies were analyzed using the IRAMUTEQ software to identify the most recurring terms and, consequently, the most addressed themes. This resulted in the generation of a word cloud, which provides a panoramic view of the key words present in the works, where the size of the words is proportional to their frequency. In Figure 2, the word clusters are observed based on their frequency and proximity in the analyzed works.
The word cloud highlights areas of interest in transportation and sustainability, such as the analysis of carbon emissions and fossil fuels, the need for sustainable changes in urban transportation, logistics research focused on green technologies, and the environmental impacts and performance of electric vehicles for sustainable development.
The ongoing success of Brazilian agriculture hinges on continuous technological advancements that enhance productivity or add value to the final product. However, a persistent challenge for sustaining the agricultural sector lies in overcoming obstacles related to distribution logistics (Oliveira & Alvim, 2017). The efficient flow of transportation in Brazil's harvest is crucial, directly impacting marketing, price formation, and the sector's overall competitiveness (Fliehr et al., 2019).
Transportation is an essential stage of production chains but is a significant source of negative environmental impacts, such as greenhouse gas emissions and the use of non-renewable natural resources (Jeswani et al., 2020). The implementation of sustainable practices in transportation operations is crucial to reducing these impacts and contributing to environmental conservation, while also providing economic benefits such as operational cost reduction and increased efficiency (Khan et al., 2020).
A study by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA, 2022) highlights that the agribusiness supply chain comprises various stages, from the acquisition of inputs by rural producers to the distribution of agricultural products to end consumers. As illustrated in Figure 3, the first stage involves the acquisition of inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, and agricultural chemicals. Subsequently, rural producers plant and tend to the production until harvest. The products are transported to processing industries, where they are transformed into food and other derivative products. Later, the products are distributed to wholesalers and retailers, who sell them to the end consumer. It is important that all stages of the supply chain are managed efficiently to ensure product quality, food safety, sustainability, and profitability for all involved in the chain.
The agribusiness supply chain heavily relies on road transportation to ensure business effectiveness and profitability (Dani, 2015). The use of trucks is indispensable for the movement of goods at all stages, from transporting inputs and seeds to the farm to delivering the final product to the customer. This dependency is explained by the traffic flexibility and agility provided by road transport, which does not require demanding packaging and is easy to hire and manage, allowing rural producers to reach distant markets and consumers to have access to a wide variety of products, delivered within an adequate timeframe (Pérez-Mesa et al., 2019).
Despite being fundamental for supply chains across various sectors, road transportation is considered by many studies less sustainable than other options, such as rail and maritime transportation, due to its high cost for long distances, high pollution levels, and low cargo capacity (Halim et al., 2018; Pojani & Stead, 2015; Soliani, 2021). However, to establish an efficient agribusiness supply chain, it becomes imperative to ensure timely product delivery to customers (Silva et al., 2022). This is essential to avoid, in the case of agribusiness, production line interruptions due to lack of raw materials; ensure compliance with product expiration dates, thus reducing food waste; maintain customer satisfaction, among other factors, which may vary depending on the sector of activity. However, the speed of delivery, often achieved by using road transportation, can have a significant negative environmental impact (Rodrigue et al., 2017).
According to the study by Shindell and Smith (2019), the use of fossil fuels in transportation is one of the main sources of GHG, which significantly contributes to climate change and its negative global impacts. The high energy consumption associated with it contributes to the depletion of non-renewable resources, and in turn, the scarcity of these resources can compromise economic and social stability. Furthermore, transportation activity in urban areas can cause congestion and negatively impact air quality, emitting pollutants harmful to human health and the environment (Andrade et al., 2023; Mohsin et al., 2019).
The environmental footprint of transportation operations represents the negative impact these activities have on the environment, including factors such as GHG emissions, air pollution, noise pollution, land use, and energy consumption (Twrdy & Zanne, 2020). The agribusiness chain is particularly affected by the environmental footprint of transportation operations since large quantities of products are often transported over long distances using road transport, thereby increasing the intensity of greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants (Lautala et al., 2015).
Salin's study (2021) identified that the transportation of corn and soybeans for domestic consumption in Brazil is mainly carried out by trucks, covering an average of 925 km from farms to final destinations. In 2019, 69% of corn movements and 67% of soybean movements were carried out by trucks. Through a survey conducted by Embrapa Territorial (2020), a unit of the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation that operates in the field of territorial intelligence, it was possible to accurately map the trajectory of soybean and corn production in Brazil, from farms (origin) to the main ports (destination) during the 2015/16 harvest season. The geocoded data provided in Figure 4 clearly illustrate the routes taken by the crops to the top ten ports, through which over 95% of Brazilian exports of these grains transit.
The historical preference for highways and the lack of more efficient intermodal transportation systems have caused losses of up to R$ 9.6 billion per year in Brazil (Castro et al., 2019). This scenario placed the country in the 55th position on the Logistics Performance Index (LPI) in 2016 (Soliani, 2018); it dropped one position, assuming the 56th spot in 2018 (Cury et al., 2020); and in 2023, it rose 5 positions, reaching the 51st (World Bank, 2023). The LPI is a ranking by the World Bank that assesses the logistical quality of 160 nations every two years, considering various aspects of logistical performance such as efficiency of transportation and customs processes, quality of infrastructure, tracking capacity and traceability of shipments, time and cost for exporting and importing goods, among other relevant factors for logistics (World Bank, 2024).
Brazilian logistics costs represent 12.4% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), in contrast to the 8% recorded in the United States, which serves as a reference. This difference entails an additional burden of US$ 36 billion annually for Brazilian products, making it difficult for them to access new markets (Embrapa Territorial, 2020).
In regions where road transport dominates, intermodal transportation faces challenges in competing effectively (Monios & Bergqvist, 2017). Intermodal transport, involving the combination of at least two transport modes with the longest part of the journey conducted by rail or waterway, emerges as a short-term solution in such contexts. This approach, such as the road-rail intermodal, not only enhances environmental performance but also avoids the need for significant capital investment or lengthy construction periods for railways (Pinto el al., 2018).
Rail and waterway transportation modes excel in the efficient conveyance of low-value-added goods across extensive distances (Soliani, 2022). In contrast, road transportation exhibits the highest fuel consumption per unit of cargo transported, thus generating the greatest CO2 emissions per tonne-kilometer (TKU) when compared to rail, waterway, and pipeline alternatives (Soliani, 2022). Consequently, initiatives aimed at fostering increased utilization of rail, waterway, and pipeline modes in freight transportation play a crucial role in mitigating greenhouse gas emissions (Branco et al., 2022).
Due to its significance, accounting for a quarter of the Brazilian Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and moving over a billion tons of cargo per year, including food, inputs for different industries, biofuels, fertilizers, agricultural chemicals, agricultural machinery, among others, it is essential for the agribusiness sector to seek more sustainable logistic solutions (Kureski et al., 2020; Soliani, 2015). This includes the adoption of alternative transportation modes such as railways and waterways, with the purpose of reducing the environmental impacts generated by the transportation of these products (Branco et al., 2022).
According to the comparative analysis conducted by the International Energy Agency (IEA, 2022), presented in Figure 5, the transportation sector is a major contributor to CO2 emissions, with the road mode being responsible for over 77% of these emissions. This trend is largely due to the significant consumption of fossil fuels, such as gasoline and diesel, by vehicles traveling on land routes.
With the growing public concern regarding CO2 emissions in the transportation sector, the search for alternative fuel sources has become a key objective for the commercial fleet sector. Governments worldwide are leading the implementation of laws and regulations to encourage the use of electric vehicles, and countries like China, India, France, and the United Kingdom have already announced plans to stop producing gasoline and diesel vehicles by 2040 (Nieuwenhuis et al., 2020). This transition will increase the penetration of electric commercial vehicles in the near future.
A sustainable supply chain is one that prioritizes public health and business benefits without harming the environment (Strandhagen et ak, 2017). To ensure that food reaches consumers in good condition, it is necessary for the delivery time to align with the durability and shelf life of the products. This provides commercial advantages and prevents waste of products that become unfit for consumption if the delivery deadline is exceeded (Silva et al., 2022). However, the speed of delivery, often achieved through the use of road transportation, can have a significant and negative impact on the environment due to reliance on fossil fuels (Zhang & Fujimori, 2020).
In Brazil, a country of continental dimensions and one of the world's largest producers and exporters of agricultural commodities, the benefits arising from increased use of railways are diverse. In addition to being an important component in reducing logistics costs, the greater transport capacity of railway compositions also results in greater energy efficiency and reduced carbon dioxide emissions per unit transported (Soliani, 2022). Socially, it contributes significantly by removing part of the volume moved on highways, consequently reducing the risks of accidents (Pinto et al., 2018).
To ensure the sustainability of the agribusiness sector, it is essential to seek more sustainable alternatives for freight transportation, such as electric vehicles, hybrids, or those using biofuels, as well as to explore more efficient transportation modes. The adoption of these solutions can mitigate the environmental damage caused by transportation and, simultaneously, ensure timely delivery of products (Lavrador & Teles, 2022). Companies opting for more sustainable solutions have the opportunity to enhance their efficiency and profitability, standing out as committed to sustainability and environmental preservation (Danso et al., 2019). In a scenario of increasing demand for clean energy, it is crucial for the transportation industry to be attentive to global shifts toward sustainability.
3.1 SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORTATION
The emergence of the sustainable transportation concept is a response to the environmental concerns of modern society, which seeks sustainable solutions for its economic and everyday activities (Zawieska & Pieriegud, 2018). The increasing demand for transportation of people and goods has caused serious environmental impacts, such as greenhouse gas emissions, air and noise pollution, and affects biodiversity and land use (Ford et al., 2018). The goal of sustainable transportation is to minimize these impacts through more efficient, clean, and sustainable mobility solutions (Zhao et al., 2020).
Major global economies have developed programs to promote energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in freight transportation. In the European Union, actions aim for a more competitive and environmentally sustainable transportation system, with aggressive targets for reducing fossil fuel use, technological development of vehicles, intermodal infrastructure, and encouragement of migration to less polluting modes (EP, 2020). Other countries, such as Russia, India, China, the USA, and Canada, also implement recurring strategies, including increasing electric vehicles, use of biofuels, reducing energy consumption, integrating intermodal infrastructure, developing Intelligent Transportation Systems, efficiency-based incentives, and measuring CO2 emissions (Canada, 2019; Mckinnon et al., 2015; Mehra & Verma, 2016; Retzer, 2019; Trofimenko et al., 2018).
According to Roulet et al. (2016), enhancing Brazil's transportation infrastructure and adopting intermodal transportation could potentially result in a significant reduction of up to 30% in total logistics costs. This stands in contrast to the situation in the United States, where farmers benefit from high productivity in the field. However, Brazilian farmers often face losses during the commercialization process due to the considerable expenses associated with road transportation (Oliveira & Alvim, 2017). In addressing these challenges, intermodal transportation emerges as a promising solution. By seamlessly integrating different transportation modes and capitalizing on their unique advantages, it offers an efficient means of transporting goods. Not only does intermodal transport enhance speed, but it also drives cost-effectiveness and contributes to environmental sustainability (Giusti et al., 2019).
Sustainable transportation is increasingly relevant for building an environmentally friendly society, contributing to environmental preservation for future generations. In addition to bringing economic benefits, such as reduced transportation and fuel costs, vehicle maintenance, sustainable transportation alternatives can improve the quality of life and health of urban populations (Ahmed & El Monem, 2020; Andrade et al., 2023). However, it is crucial to highlight that adopting these sustainable transportation options requires careful analysis of their benefits and limitations to ensure that the positive gains outweigh any potential disadvantages (Bamwesigye & Hlavackova, 2019). Among the most employed alternatives in supply chains to promote sustainability, electric vehicles, biofuels, and hybrid vehicles stand out (Ghobadpour et al., 2022).
Electric vehicles are powered by electricity stored in rechargeable batteries, while biofuels are derived from renewable resources such as corn, sugarcane, or soybeans (Bonenkamp et al., 2020). Hybrid vehicles, on the other hand, use a combination of gasoline and electric power to reduce fuel consumption and emissions (Orsi et al., 2016).
Electrification offers a promising solution to reduce carbon emissions in freight trucks, involving battery-electric and fuel cell electric vehicles (Moultak et al., 2017). This process can accelerate the decarbonization of the transportation industry if renewable sources, such as wind or solar energy, generate electricity or hydrogen. In Norway, battery-electric vehicles have become a popular technology for light vehicles, and this trend is rapidly growing in China and the USA (Stephens et al., 2018). Electric vehicles are a promising alternative as they do not emit exhaust gases, reducing air pollution in urban areas.
Adopting sustainable transportation management actions is crucial for building a more efficient and sustainable transportation system. Although the adoption of electric, hybrid, and biofuel vehicles is an important emission reduction measure, it is not sufficient on its own (Andersson & Börjesson, 2021). A comprehensive approach is needed, encompassing route optimization, fuel consumption reduction, proper vehicle maintenance, adoption of efficient driving practices, efficient fleet management, among other measures. The goal is to maximize asset utilization and minimize the environmental impact of transportation, without compromising safety and service quality (Thompson & Taniguchi, 2017).
To reduce vehicle idleness, for example, vehicle sharing and the use of intelligent fleet management systems can be adopted (Soliani et al., 2022). Fleet monitoring technologies can also assist in more efficient vehicle management and identifying opportunities to reduce idleness. Additionally, coordination and collaboration between companies sharing routes or having similar destinations can reduce the number of vehicles in circulation, resulting in lower emission of pollutant gases (Pérez-Bernabeu et al., 2015).
Route optimization is a technique that uses routing software to plan the best possible route for transportation vehicles. These software consider various factors, such as traffic, road conditions, delivery restrictions, and driver preferences (Allen et al., 2017). Thus, it is possible to reduce the distance traveled by vehicles, avoiding unnecessary routes and minimizing time spent on trips (Miranda et al., 2021). This reduction in truck mileage results in decreased fuel consumption, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and contributing to a more sustainable transportation system (Bektaş et al., 2016).
Figure 6 presents a comparison based on data released by the US Department of Energy (Energy, 2022), which highlights the positive effects of implementing sustainable actions in truck transportation operations. According to the comparison, a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions is observed. These results indicate that adopting sustainable practices can contribute to reducing the negative environmental impacts caused by road transportation.
As illustrated in Figure 6, the use of electric and biodiesel-powered trucks can result in a reduction of over 60% in emissions. Fuel-saving measures such as reducing idle time, optimizing routes to decrease distance traveled, collaborative initiatives, or multimodality, and utilizing idle vehicle capacity, have the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 100%, as they do not present alternatives or additional emissions.
While large-scale production of biofuels is seen as a promising alternative to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and decrease greenhouse gas emissions, this model has been criticized due to potential negative impacts it may generate. Among the main issues identified in the literature associated with biofuel production, competition for arable land stands out, which may lead to the conversion of forested areas and other natural ecosystems into agricultural áreas (Panichelli & Gnansounou, 2015; Correa et al., 2019; Prasad & Ingle, 2019). Additionally, biofuel production may increase food prices, as the crops used in biofuel production may compete with food production, significantly affecting food security, especially in countries where food availability is already limited (Koizumi, 2015; Renzaho et al., 2017; Subramaniam et al., 2020).
The benefits of sustainable transport options include reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving air quality, and reducing dependence on fossil fuels. Electric vehicles are quiet and require less maintenance than gasoline-powered vehicles, while biofuels are renewable and offer potential for local sourcing. However, sustainable transport options also have limitations. Electric vehicles may require significant investments in infrastructure, while biofuels may compete with food production and require significant amounts of land.
3.2 FACTORS AFFECTING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORT
The implementation of sustainable actions in the agro-industrial supply chain can significantly reduce environmental impact, but several factors can affect its successful implementation. Cost, infrastructure availability, and regulations are among the key factors that organizations need to consider to effectively implement sustainable transport (Beaudoin et al., 2015; Pojani & Stead, 2015; Zhang & Fujimori, 2020). In this section, we will address the factors influencing the implementation of sustainable transport in the agro-industrial supply chain and discuss strategies that organizations can adopt to ensure successful implementation. Figure 7 illustrates the key factors identified in the literature review that affect the implementation of sustainable transport in the agro-industrial supply chain.
Year after year, the production of solid agricultural grains has been breaking records, expanding the agricultural frontier to regions increasingly distant from traditional export ports (Rossotto Ioris, 2018). The high volume, long distances, and low value-added products highlight the need for alternatives to road transport, which has limited carrying capacity and reduced energy efficiency, despite still being responsible for over 60% of Brazil's cargo movement (Castro, 2017).
Many companies are accustomed to the traditional method of transportation: the truck. This familiarity often leads to hesitation in switching to more sustainable alternatives. Such reluctance may arise from concerns about the cost of new technologies, the complexity of implementing alternative transportation methods, and uncertainty about the benefits that will be gained (Birkel et al., 2019). Additionally, resistance to change may be further exacerbated by the significant investments required in new vehicles, infrastructure, and logistics management systems for sustainable transportation.
The high dependence on cargo transportation on highways results from an unbalanced infrastructure, with approximately 1.5 million kilometers of road network contrasted with only 30 thousand kilometers of railways in Brazil, one of the lowest railway densities in the world (Acosta, 2022). This limited railway presence hinders access to production in rail-truck terminals, which are usually far from farms. Changing this scenario requires a significant increase in railway infrastructure, but there has been a reduction in public and private investments in recent years (Bartholomen & Perá, 2022).
The high initial cost of sustainable transport options can be a significant barrier to their implementation. An example of this is electric vehicles, which may require significant investments in infrastructure, such as charging stations and battery storage systems (Habib et al., 2018). The availability of infrastructure, such as charging stations or biofuel supply chains, can also be a limiting factor in organizations' adoption of sustainable transportation options, especially in regions where these resources are scarce (Alp et al., 2022).
To overcome resistance to implementing sustainable transportation practices, it is crucial to provide a clear analysis of the benefits of sustainable options (Curtis & Low, 2016). In this regard, it is necessary to provide information on the long-term cost-effectiveness of sustainable options, including possible tax incentives and the financial resource savings that may be generated by reducing operational and maintenance costs. The adoption of sustainable practices can be seen as a strategic investment for the company's future, not just a compliance measure with environmental regulations (Muñoz-Villamizar et al., 2020).
Regulations and government policies play a key role in promoting sustainable transportation solutions in supply chains (Gunasekaran et al., 2015; Luthra et al., 2016; Sharma et al., 2020). Among the government policies that can be adopted are tax incentives, subsidies, and other forms of financial support for companies that adopt sustainable transportation options, such as electric vehicles or biofuels (Kester et al., 2018; Nilsson & Nykvist, 2016; Shah et al., 2021). Such measures can encourage companies to adopt more sustainable transportation solutions.
Government policies can create a favorable regulatory environment that encourages companies to invest in cleaner and more efficient alternatives (Li et al., 2019). For example, taxes on carbon emissions or tax incentives for the acquisition of electric vehicles can be implemented to stimulate the shift to more sustainable solutions (Duarte et al., 2016). On the other hand, the lack of adequate policies and regulations can be a barrier to the adoption of sustainable transportation options. Companies may have little financial incentive to invest in more sustainable solutions if the initial cost is high and the financial return is not guaranteed (Tumpa et al., 2019).
In 2021, a new framework for the railway sector was approved (Law 14,273), which instituted a new model of private railway exploitation, known as the authorization regime (Brasil, 2021). This format was inspired by the sectoral reform that liberalized American railways in 1980 (Stagger Rail Act) and allows the private sector to implement and operate railways at its own risk, with less intervention from the Public Power and the Brazilian National Land Transportation Agency - ANTT (Pinheiro Sampaio & Lopes Batista, 2023).
Another form of governmental influence in promoting sustainability is the establishment of stricter emission standards aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants (Kodjak, 2015). These standards may include lower emission limits for vehicles and requirements for the use of biofuels or other renewable energy sources. Adopting stricter regulations can be an effective strategy to promote the transition to a more sustainable transportation system and reduce the environmental impacts of the agro-industrial sector (Stokes & Breetz, 2018).
The study by Branco et al. (2023) evaluated six possible actions aiming to mitigate CO2 emissions in freight transportation in Brazil. Expanding intermodal transportation emerged as the action with the highest mitigation potential, projecting to avoid 22 million tons of CO2 in 2025, representing a reduction of 19.9% of the sector's annual emission. Stimulating the use of intelligent transportation systems was the second most impactful action, predicting to avoid 8.9 million tons of CO2 in 2025, with a potential reduction of 8.0%. The combination of all the actions analyzed demonstrates a potential reduction of approximately 39% of the total CO2 emission estimated for 2025, resulting in an avoided annual emission of 43 million tons of CO2.
Analyses by Lin et al. (2020) have explored the benefits of an alternative cargo consolidation strategy based on intermodality, which involves upstream buyer consolidation at the point of origin and downstream rail-based intermodal systems at the destination. This approach has been identified as a potential solution for reducing supply chain costs, as indicated by reductions in monetary logistics costs and non-monetary benefits such as reduced delays, carbon emissions, and process steps in destination countries.
The literature widely recommends intermodal transport over unimodal transport for reasons encompassing economic, environmental, and political considerations. Notable studies (Branco et al., 2019; Fliehr et al., 2019; Wu et al., 2016) advocate for intermodal transport, both for its economic benefits and its positive environmental impact. Additionally, political guidance, such as that provided by the European Commission's transport policy, emphasizes the importance of developing intermodal transport as a key component of sustainable transportation practices, which encompass economic, environmental, and social dimensions (Roso et al., 2015).
Below, we present some measures identified in the literature review that organizations can adopt to overcome obstacles and promote the adoption of sustainable transportation options:
* Conduct a cost-benefit analysis to determine the economic feasibility of implementing sustainable transportation options (Donais et al., 2019).
* Collaborate with infrastructure providers, such as governments and private companies, to ensure the availability of necessary infrastructure (Hall & Lutsey, 2017).
* Engage with policymakers to advocate for regulations and policies that support the adoption of sustainable transportation options (Pojani & Stead, 2015).
* Establish partnerships with suppliers and customers to establish sustainable supply chain practices, including the adoption of sustainable transportation options (Tseng et al., 2019).
Implementing sustainable transportation practices in agro-industrial supply chains can bring significant advantages to organizations, despite the challenges involved. One of the main advantages is the reduction of carbon emissions, which can significantly improve environmental sustainability. In addition, the adoption of sustainable transportation can be an important competitive factor, attracting environmentally conscious consumers (Khan et al., 2018). Other advantages include cost savings, increased efficiency, and improved logistics management. For example, the adoption of electric vehicles can significantly reduce fuel expenses, while the use of tracking and monitoring systems can enhance delivery times and reduce the risk of delays and supply interruptions (Perboli & Rosano, 2019).
Despite the challenges presented by the implementation of sustainable transportation in the agro-industrial sector, companies that manage to overcome them can reap significant benefits. To do so, it is essential for organizations to be proactive in identifying and overcoming these barriers, investing in employee training, partnering with green technology suppliers, and engaging stakeholders in raising awareness of the benefits of sustainable transportation.
The adoption of sustainable transportation practices is essential for building a healthier and more sustainable future, and companies have an important role to play in this process. Although sustainable transportation options have great potential to reduce the environmental impact of agro-industrial supply chains, their adoption faces various challenges, such as cost, available infrastructure, and regulation. To successfully implement these solutions, factors such as cost-benefit analyses, collaboration with infrastructure providers, engagement with policymakers, and establishment of sustainable supply chain practices must be taken into account.
4 CONCLUSION
The Brazilian agro-industrial supply chain relies heavily on distribution logistics via highways, making the adoption of sustainable transportation practices essential for the sector's continued success. The continuous and uninterrupted flow of transportation in the agro-industrial chain directly impacts marketing outcomes, price formation, and consequently, sector competitiveness. However, transitioning to a sustainable transportation model presents significant challenges, including cost implications, infrastructure limitations, and regulatory frameworks. Overcoming these obstacles requires proactive measures such as investing in employee training, collaborating with green technology suppliers, and engaging stakeholders to raise awareness of the benefits of sustainable transportation.
Intermodal transportation, especially the integration of railway and waterway modes, offers a promising solution to reduce the predominance of road transport. Leveraging intermodal transportation can generate economic efficiencies, reduce environmental impact, and strengthen the competitiveness of the supply chain. Government intervention is essential to facilitate the adoption of sustainable transportation practices through regulatory frameworks, incentives, and infrastructure development. Policies promoting cleaner energy sources and encouraging sustainable transportation initiatives can accelerate the transition to more environmentally friendly supply chains.
The literature reviewed highlights the critical importance of sustainable transportation practices in ensuring environmental preservation and economic viability across various sectors, especially within the agro-industrial supply chain. However, further exploration is still needed through conducting large-scale research to delve into the nuances of sustainable transportation strategies within different regions and sectors of the agro-industrial supply chain, including agriculture, livestock, aquaculture, and forestry. Understanding the unique challenges and opportunities in each context will enable the development of tailored approaches for effective implementation.
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Abstract
Objective: This article aims to discuss the importance of incorporating sustainable transportation practices into the supply chains of the Brazilian agro-industry, highlighting their potential to reduce costs, increase operational efficiency, and enhance companies' reputation in an increasingly sustainability-focused global context. Theoretical framework: Agribusiness plays a vital role in the Brazilian economy, converting agricultural raw materials into higher value-added products and driving economic gains and job creation. However, transportation in this chain has a significant environmental impact, with Brazil heavily reliant on road transport, contributing to carbon emissions. Companies from various sectors are adopting sustainable transportation practices to address these challenges, recognizing the growing importance of sustainability as a business strategy to ensure competitive advantage in the global market. Method: The literature review was conducted in five detailed stages: formulation of the research question, identification and careful selection of relevant studies, analysis and synthesis of data, and description and dissemination of results. Scientific articles, book chapters, and technical reports published between 2015 and 2023 were considered, ensuring a solid and updated basis for analysis. Results and conclusion: The analysis of 102 studies highlighted the relevance of implementing sustainable transportation practices, such as the use of electric vehicles and bioenergy, in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and optimizing logistics costs. Intermodality also emerged as an effective strategy adopted to mitigate environmental impacts and strengthen competitiveness. However, there is a continuous need for future research to understand the nuances of sustainable transportation strategies in different segments and regions of the Brazilian agro-industrial supply chain. Research implications: This study emphasizes the urgency and importance of transitioning to sustainable transportation practices in the Brazilian agro-industry, highlighting the need for government intervention and investment in research to develop approaches tailored to the specific challenges of each sector and region. Additionally, it underscores the importance of public policies that incentivize and promote sustainability in supply chains. Originality/value: It significantly contributes to understanding the complexities of sustainable transportation in the Brazilian agro-industry, providing insights for companies and policymakers interested in promoting sustainability in supply chains. By filling knowledge gaps and presenting innovative perspectives, this study stands out for its original contribution and practical value.