COLLECTIVE ACTIONS IN THE PRODUCTION OF BIODIESEL: RESIDUAL FRYING OIL AS RAW MATERIAL

Abstract

This paper aims at identifying the collective actions in the process that involves the collection of residual frying oil directed to the production of biodiesel, in Brazil. We opted for a survey, with the purpose of seeking the several actions accomplished by associations together with the community and industries, configuring itself as a qualitative analysis. It was verified that besides the associations, with hybrid governance structures; schools, universities, city halls, companies, factories, supermarkets, among other organizations, also act in this process. The actions suffer strong influence from the institutional environment, and are put into practice by actors of distinct characteristics, which organize themselves by a sequence of stages. The members receive economical incentive apart, so that they act in favor of the collective objective. The action generates collective benefits to the individuals involved, besides the upstream and downstream positive externalities of the process, especially for the environment. Summing up, the collective action brings about collective gains, which individually, would not be reached.