Green supply chain management in the Southern Brazilian rice industry: A survey and structural analysis

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the influence of Green Supply Chain Management (GSCM) dimensions on the performance of an agrifood supply chain, with a specific focus on the rice industry in southern Brazil. The region's rice industry produces a substantial amount of biomass, fostering circular economy practices that align with both economic and environmental objectives. Using Structural Equation Modeling with Partial Least Squares (SEM-PLS), this research analyzes data from a survey of 92 companies. The measurement model incorporates 21 input and 11 output indicators, organized into six constructs. The input constructs-green strategy, green innovation, and green operations-are instrumental in shaping industry competitiveness, the fourth construct. The output constructs measure results and reputation. The findings indicate that green innovation and green operations significantly enhance competitiveness, whereas green strategy exerts minimal influence. The scope is limited to the rice industry in southern Brazil. Practical implications include offering a strategic framework for agrifood industry practitioners to improve competitiveness by optimizing green practices within their supply chains. Theoretical implications suggest that while green strategy alone may not be sufficient to drive competitiveness, the integration of green innovation and operations can enhance it. The originality of this research lies in the development of a comprehensive measurement model for assessing competitiveness in agrifood businesses, which evaluates both operational outcomes and reputational impact.