Title: Sustainable logistical operations: the case of McDonald's biodiesel in Brazil

Authors: Mauro Vivaldini; Sílvio R.I. Pires

Addresses: College of Business Management, Methodist University of Piracicaba, Rodovia do Açucar, Km 156, Piracicaba, SP, 13400-911, Brazil ' College of Business Management, Methodist University of Piracicaba, Rodovia do Açucar, Km 156, Piracicaba, SP, 13400-911, Brazil

Abstract: This article aims to describe and discuss the implementation of sustainable actions in a closed-loop fast-food supply chain using a logistics services provider (LSP) through the practical case of the use of biodiesel in McDonald's restaurants' supply operations in Brazil. The research was designed and conducted through a longitudinal case study approach and by selecting a representative case, i.e., based on intentional criteria. The study took place in a supply chain using as a focal company a well-known world leader in the fast-food retail industry. Moreover, to guide the research, a basic framework was built and three basic assumptions about the implementation of sustainable operations in supply chains through LSPs were defined. The research findings suggest that the current role of LSPs in the leadership and management of sustainable actions in a client's supply chain may be viewed as a significant competitive differential and it may provide important contributions for companies seeking solutions to sustainable actions related to supply chains, primarily in the fast-food retail industry.

Keywords: supply chain sustainability; logistics service providers; LSPs; supply chain collaboration; fast food supply chains; biodiesel; Brazil; sustainable supply chains; supply chain management; SCM; McDonalds.

DOI: 10.1504/IJLSM.2016.073303

International Journal of Logistics Systems and Management, 2016 Vol.23 No.1, pp.125 - 145

Received: 21 May 2014
Accepted: 21 Sep 2014
Published online: 30 Nov 2015 *

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