Framework for improving agro-industrial efficiency in renewable energy: Examining Brazilian bioenergy companies

Transitioning to a low-carbon economy, a goal referenced in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, is possible through strategies: improving energy efficiency, using low-carbon fuels, using geoengineering approaches, capturing and storing CO2, and renewable energy sources. The objective of this study was to propose best practices for improving agricultural and industrial efficiency in production of sugarcane. This study's quali-quantitative method included a two-stage data envelopment analysis and a multi-case study on Brazilian bioenergy companies. A two-stage Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) was applied to select efficient cases and identify variables to be addressed during a multi-case study. The variables were associated with production process of 29 Brazilian bioenergy companies during 2006–2016 harvests. Multiple cases were studied by evaluating these variables among the most efficient sugarcane mills. Fifteen best practices were identified: (i) Agricultural, industrial, and managerial dimensions affect mill performance; managerial dimension is a new contribution. (ii) Each best practice affects variables with some intersections among them. (iii) Correlation between variables and productive chain indicates mill performance depends on field sector. (iv) Climate change affects the field stage as a result of uncontrollable environmental factors, such as rainfall and temperature. The study also verified benchmark values for indicators that support mill management: total reducing sugars must be higher than 16.46 %; dextran should be lower than 665.58 mg/L brix; sugarcane borers must be under 2.29 %; rod-shaped bacteria must be less than 2.53 × 105/mL; impurities should be lower than 0.275 %; and sucrose must be higher than 14.98 %. •Agricultural, industrial, and managerial dimensions affect production performance.•Best practices for the sugarcane mills of Brazilian bioenergy companies were identified.•Each best practice affects an intersection of variables depending on performance.•Mill performance depends considerably on field actions.•Climate change affects the critical field stage through uncontrollable environmental factors.