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In the circular economy, a closed-loop supply chain is essential to guarantee the logistics of raw materials to the correct destination of the end-of-life (EOL) product. This is magnified by hazardous products that can contaminate the environment, such as lead, as well as the people involved in their production processes. Through an exploratory study of multiple cases, we analyzed the Brazilian lead-based vehicle battery chain by investigating two main manufacturers, two recycling companies, and eight distributors/retailers. The aim of the study was to analyze the relationships between the actors in the lead acid battery chain and identify the mechanisms that induce recycling programs, and to propose an explanatory framework. The results indicate that although the sustainability strategies of OEMs are implemented by regulatory mechanisms, the impacts of these strategies cascade among all agents in the supply chain, promoting a convergence between actions and relationships between actors from the perspective of the triple bottom line, highlighting variables for each dimension (economic, social, and environmental). The study contributes to the consolidation of the triple bottom line concepts in the lead acid battery production chain and presents managerial implications for sustainability management.

The growing demand for sustainable solutions in the transportation sector and global decarbonization goals have fueled debate on using hydrogen as an energy source. Although hydrogen’s potential is recognized in Brazil, its application in heavy-duty vehicles still faces structural and technological barriers. This study aimed to analyze the viability of hydrogen as an energy alternative for trucks in Brazil. The research adopted an exploratory qualitative approach, based on the expert analysis method, through semi-structured interviews with development engineers, representatives of heavy-duty vehicle manufacturers, and researchers specializing in hydrogen technologies. The data were organized into a thematic framework and interpreted using content analysis. The results show that, although there is growing interest and ongoing initiatives, challenges such as the cost of fuel cells, the lack of refueling infrastructure, and low technological maturity hinder large-scale adoption. From a theoretical perspective, the study contributes by integrating specialized literature with practical insights from key industry players, broadening the understanding of the energy transition. In practical terms, it outlines some strategic paths, such as expanding technological development and forming partnerships. From a social perspective, it emphasizes the importance of hydrogen as a pillar for sustainable, low-carbon mobility, capable of positively impacting public health and mitigating climate change.

Higher education institutions have been steadily integrating sustainable practices into their operations. Despite these efforts in the implementation, several challenges must be overcome to achieve sustainability. There is a lack of studies that investigate sustainable development in higher education, and the efforts of a small, specialized university have been scarcely analyzed in detail. This manuscript addresses the path toward sustainability followed by a private Brazilian technological university. The university in São Paulo is one of the region's most traditional and oldest universities, focused on engineering, computing, and business. Data from 2019/2020 on energy and water consumption and solid waste generation for the university campus were discussed and benchmarked with GreenMetric indicators. The data was analyzed by a theoretical framework composed of 6 dimensions. Challenges were identified, and remedial actions were proposed to transform the university into a greener campus. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, the higher education institution kept sustainability projects active, some of which received international awards. However, this study reveals that although sustainable development is considered very important to HEI and society, it is not yet embedded in the system's strategies, activities, and policies.  

PurposeThis paper aims to fill important research gaps by understanding how companies implement digital transformation (DT), what technologies are being applied, what practices are being used in the DT process and how they can add value to companies.Design/methodology/approachThe research method utilized is a multiple-case study conducted with companies from the retail segment. This approach allows for an in-depth analysis of these companies’ strategies, technologies and practices in their DT processes.FindingsThe results indicate that the strategies and practices applied by the companies highlight the evolving nature of organizational functions. The standard digital technologies used by the three companies are digital platforms, mobile devices and communication tools. Only companies A and C stand out for using big data analytics, the Internet of things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI). Interviews revealed that companies are following the DT offensive but are also working internally to accelerate the DT journey, startup acquisition, new positions, innovation lab creation and agile concepts.Originality/valueBy addressing the research questions, we can systematically identify and categorize key strategies, practices, challenges and outcomes associated with DT in the retail sector. This can lead to developing a comprehensive framework that guides retail companies in implementing effective DT initiatives.

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to investigate how technology-forcing regulations affect the product development process in the supply chain of heavyweight vehicles. Design/methodology/approach Through a case study, this paper seeks to understand how one of the leading companies in heavyweight vehicles manufacturing industry and its engine supplier in Brazil introduce eco-design practices into its engine development process. Findings Through case studies conducted in a heavyweight vehicle producer and its engine supplier, this study shows that, in addition to meeting the standards and legislation, the automaker uses ecodesign practices during the product development cycle such as a design that eliminates harmful and hazardous materials and a project that allows recycling, the reuse of parts and energy efficiency, thereby reducing the environmental impact. However, without the mandatory requirements imposed by federal legislation, products with lower environmental impacts would rarely be developed, as environmental performance is not demanded by customers, who are mainly cost driven. Technology-forcing regulations play an important role in enhancing the adoption of ecodesign practices, but market and competitive conditions also play an important role. Originality/value Several studies on the impacts of public policies and development for the automobile sector have been conducted, but there is a lack of studies in the area of commercial vehicles, especially in Brazil. Therefore, this research is justified by new demands of society, in addition to the necessity of complying with legal requirements and the adoption of good practices related to eco-design.

Purpose This paper aims to analyze the impact of the capabilities and strategies of the actors (micro-dynamics), learning process and networks (meso-dynamics) and institutions (macro-dynamics) in the evolution of the Brazilian ceramic clusters. Based on these experiences, managerial and policy implications are suggested. Design/methodology/approach Main data were gathered through 22 in-depth face-to-face interviews with managers and industry experts. The data were complemented by documentary analysis, including brand documents, descriptions of internal processes and Brazilian and international ceramics magazines and journals. In addition, the authors also use information from the previous experience of the authors who have been studying the sector for more than 15 years. Findings The paper provides empirical insights about the main characteristics of the evolution of two main Brazilian ceramic tiles clusters, as well as how there are different patterns of evolution among them. The results of this paper show that Brazilian ceramic tile clusters do not necessarily follow the life cycle model of their dominant industry, by proving evidence that different clusters in the same industry can follow different evolutionary paths. Research limitations/implications This paper shed light on a multi-level approach (micro, meso and macro) of dynamics of the clusters and how it impacts the cluster’s life cycle. The micro-dynamics dimension was analyzed by the capabilities and strategies of local ceramic tile manufacturers. The meso-dynamics are being considered the localized learning processes, especially from those that arise from interactions, collaboration and networks carried by local and foreign suppliers. The macro-dynamics were considered by the role of local demand, factors conditions, institutions, historical legacy in the clusters’ emergence along with path dependence mechanisms. Practical implications The paper includes implications for both clusters to promote innovation, particularly to keep and create market and technological leadership through the establishment of partnership between firms and clients, regulators and research centers and universities are crucial for innovation. Originality/value This paper fulfils an identified lack of attention regarding the under-appreciation of the context-specific issues such as the capabilities of the actors, networks and institutions that may influence the long-term development of clusters.

The degree of circularity is related to the progress of circular economy (CE), particularly at the level of products, materials, companies, and consumers. In this context, metrics, indicators and assessment models may not fully capture the complexities of the system and its relationships. Despite several analyses of indicators and proposals for evaluation methods, few studies discuss in depth their limitations and challenges for implementation at the micro level. This article aims to identify the limitations and challenges associated with performance assessment methodologies to verify CE progress at the micro level and propose a research agenda. The research design applied bibliometric analysis and a systematic literature review. Our results highlight five limitations, and the findings underscore that tools fail to embrace the systemic essence of CE. It represents a gap in assessment frameworks, highlighting the need for a more integrated and comprehensive approach to assessing the transition toward CE. Keywords: circular economy, indicators, evaluation framework, limitations, sustainable development. O grau de circularidade esta relacionado com o avanco da economia circular (EC), ao nivel dos produtos, materiais, empresas e consumidores. Neste contexto, diversas metricas, indicadores e modelos de avaliacao podem nao captar as complexidades do sistema e das suas relacoes. Apesar dos varios metodos de avaliacao, poucos estudos discutem as suas limitacoes e desafios para a implementacao no nivel micro. Este artigo identifica as limitacoes e desafios associados as metodologias de avaliacao para verificar o progresso da EC no nivel micro e propor uma agenda de pesquisa. A pesquisa aplicou analise bibliometrica e revisao sistematica da literatura. Os resultados destacam cinco limitacoes, e as conclusoes salientam que as ferramentas nao conseguem abranger a essencia sistemica da EC. Isso representa uma lacuna nos modelos de avaliacao, destacando a necessidade de uma abordagem integrada para avaliar a transicao para a EC. Palavras-chave: economia circular, indicadores, estrutura de avaliacao, limitacoes, desenvolvimento sustentavel. El grado de circularidad esta relacionado con el avance de la economia circular (EC), a nivel de productos, materiales, empresas y consumidores. En este contexto, es posible que diversas metricas, indicadores y modelos de evaluacion no capturen las complejidades del sistema y sus relaciones. A pesar de varios metodos de evaluacion, pocos estudios discuten sus limitaciones y desafios para su implementacion a nivel micro. Este articulo identifica las limitaciones y desafios asociados con las metodologias de evaluacion para verificar el progreso de la EC a nivel micro y proponer una agenda de investigacion. La investigacion aplico analisis bibliometrico y revision sistematica de la literatura. Los resultados resaltan cinco limitaciones y los hallazgos subrayan que las herramientas no logran abarcar la esencia sistemica de la EC. Eso representa una brecha en los marcos de evaluacion, lo que destaca la necesidad de un enfoque integrado para evaluar la transicion hacia la EC. Palabras clave: economia circular, indicadores, marco de evaluacion, limitaciones, desarrollo sostenible.

The degree of circularity is related to the progress of circular economy (CE), particularly at the level of products, materials, companies, and consumers. In this context, metrics, indicators and assessment models may not fully capture the complexities of the system and its relationships. Despite several analyses of indicators and proposals for evaluation methods, few studies discuss in depth their limitations and challenges for implementation at the micro level. This article aims to identify the limitations and challenges associated with performance assessment methodologies to verify CE progress at the micro level and propose a researchagenda. The research design applied bibliometric analysis and a systematic literature review. Our results highlight five limitations, and the findings underscore that tools fail to embrace the systemic essence of CE. It represents a gap in assessment frameworks, highlighting the need for a more integrated and comprehensive approach to assessing the transition toward CE. O grau de circularidade está relacionado com o avanço da economia circular (EC), ao nível dos produtos, materiais, empresas e consumidores. Neste contexto, diversas métricas, indicadores e modelos de avaliação podem não captar as complexidades do sistema e das suas relações. Apesar dos vários métodos de avaliação, poucos estudos discutem as suas limitações e desafios para a implementação no nível micro. Este artigo identifica as limitações e desafios associados às metodologias de avaliação para verificar o progresso da EC no nível micro e propor uma agenda de pesquisa. A pesquisa aplicou análise bibliométrica e revisão sistemática da literatura. Os resultados destacam cinco limitações, e as conclusões salientam que as ferramentas não conseguem abranger a essência sistêmica da EC. Isso representa uma lacuna nos modelos de avaliação, destacando a necessidade de uma abordagem integrada para avaliar a transição para a EC. El grado de circularidad está relacionado con el avance de la economía circular (EC), a nivel de productos, materiales, empresas y consumidores. En este contexto, es posible que diversas métricas, indicadores y modelos de evaluación no capturen las complejidades del sistema y sus relaciones. A pesar de varios métodos de evaluación, pocos estudios discuten sus limitaciones y desafíos para su implementación a nivel micro. Este artículo identifica las limitaciones y desafíos asociados con las metodologías de evaluación para verificar el progreso de la EC a nivel micro y proponer una agenda de investigación. La investigación aplicó análisis bibliométrico y revisión sistemática de la literatura. Los resultados resaltan cinco limitaciones y los hallazgos subrayan que las herramientas no logran abarcar la esencia sistémica de la EC. Eso representa una brecha en los marcos de evaluación, lo que destaca la necesidad de un enfoque integrado para evaluar la transición hacia la EC.

ABSTRACT The degree of circularity is related to the progress of circular economy (CE), particularly at the level of products, materials, companies, and consumers. In this context, metrics, indicators and assessment models may not fully capture the complexities of the system and its relationships. Despite several analyses of indicators and proposals for evaluation methods, few studies discuss in depth their limitations and challenges for implementation at the micro level. This article aims to identify the limitations and challenges associated with performance assessment methodologies to verify CE progress at the micro level and propose a research agenda. The research design applied bibliometric analysis and a systematic literature review. Our results highlight five limitations, and the findings underscore that tools fail to embrace the systemic essence of CE. It represents a gap in assessment frameworks, highlighting the need for a more integrated and comprehensive approach to assessing the transition toward CE. RESUMEN El grado de circularidad está relacionado con el avance de la economía circular (EC), a nivel de productos, materiales, empresas y consumidores. En este contexto, es posible que diversas métricas, indicadores y modelos de evaluación no capturen las complejidades del sistema y sus relaciones. A pesar de varios métodos de evaluación, pocos estudios discuten sus limitaciones y desafíos para su implementación a nivel micro. Este artículo identifica las limitaciones y desafíos asociados con las metodologías de evaluación para verificar el progreso de la EC a nivel micro y proponer una agenda de investigación. La investigación aplicó análisis bibliométrico y revisión sistemática de la literatura. Los resultados resaltan cinco limitaciones y los hallazgos subrayan que las herramientas no logran abarcar la esencia sistémica de la EC. Eso representa una brecha en los marcos de evaluación, lo que destaca la necesidad de un enfoque integrado para evaluar la transición hacia la EC. RESUMO O grau de circularidade está relacionado com o avanço da economia circular (EC), ao nível dos produtos, materiais, empresas e consumidores. Neste contexto, diversas métricas, indicadores e modelos de avaliação podem não captar as complexidades do sistema e das suas relações. Apesar dos vários métodos de avaliação, poucos estudos discutem as suas limitações e desafios para a implementação no nível micro. Este artigo identifica as limitações e desafios associados às metodologias de avaliação para verificar o progresso da EC no nível micro e propor uma agenda de pesquisa. A pesquisa aplicou análise bibliométrica e revisão sistemática da literatura. Os resultados destacam cinco limitações, e as conclusões salientam que as ferramentas não conseguem abranger a essência sistêmica da EC. Isso representa uma lacuna nos modelos de avaliação, destacando a necessidade de uma abordagem integrada para avaliar a transição para a EC.