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

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.