Economic strategy for reducing costs with materials can also bring benefits for environment: proposal based on the study in a brazilian industry

Abstract

The aim of this work is to evidence the benefits for environment resulting from an economic strategy performed by a Brazilian industry. In order to reduce costs with purchasing of pallets, Chapatex and wooden frames, which are used to pack and transport its products, the studied industry elaborated a strategy in partnership with its customers that resulted in exploitation by devolution of the biggest part of those materials that went to customers but did not come back. The costs reduction with the acquisition of those materials was highly beneficial. However, even more important was the result from the environmental viewpoint, because the re-exploitation of those materials reduces in the environmental impact, as for not need to acquire new materials, that is, take them from nature, considering they are wood, as to avoid inappropriate disposal of materials stopped and no-using for customers. This study, therefore, proposes for the decision makers considers the environmental and sustainable vision even in areas of the organization where the focus on profits predominates.