Inovação no aproveitamento de lodo de esgoto na agricultura: análise à luz da perspectiva da ecoinovação

Abstract

This dissertation aims to understand, from the approach of eco-innovation, the impacts of the adoption of sewage sludge as agricultural fertilizer by Paraná producers. The theoretical argument that supports the research is that the eco-innovation process involves economic, environmental and social improvements in the company and for the users of the program, which consequently can provide improvements for society. Considering the need for environmentally correct disposal of waste and the fact that Brazil is one of the largest agricultural producers in the world, we chose to study this innovative program. Methodologically, a qualitative and descriptive research was carried out, through the accomplishment of a case study, in which the data collection took place through interviews and documentary analysis. Six employees of the company responsible for the development of the program in the State of Paraná and five farmers who made use of the sludge recycled by the company were interviewed. The results indicate that the principles of eco-innovation were met considering the impacts presented in the studied dimensions. The sludge program exposed the typologies of product and process innovation. In the context of eco-innovation, the company demonstrated an eco-adaptive attitude and there was anticipation of norms and regulations promoted by the program, that is, the development of initiatives that culminated in the formulation of specific normative instruments to regulate the activity in the State and in the country. In relation to the farmers who used recycled sludge on their properties, eco-innovation influenced the economic, environmental and social development of both them and the community in which they are inserted. These results were evidenced in the reports of increased productivity and income among the producers who took advantage of the sewage sludge. Documentary research has shown data on the shipment of sludge to agriculture since the creation of the program, evidencing strong growth in the initial years and decline in recent period due to the use of inputs in other institutional projects. The research concluded that Sanepar's sewage treatment waste disposal needs resulted in a cycle of supply of inputs to farmers, environmentally correct disposal, economic development of communities and improvement of the company's reputation, highlighting the eco-innovative orientation of the Sanepar Program Agricultural Sewage Sludge Recycling. Thus, this dissertation aims to contribute to the advancement of studies of this theme, studying in a more specific way the identification of the factors influencing the eco-innovation process.