NEUROECOLOGY: from analog to digital management without paper, less waste and a healthier manufacturing ecosystem

Abstract

The use and disposal of paper in companies from different sectors located in the industrial area of ​​São José dos Campos/SP indirectly compromises the entire ecosystem, as the organizational reality in the face of digital transition and contemporary environmental demands has not yet kept pace with the rapid pace of technological evolution. Neuroecology, which studies how individuals interact with their natural and built environments, has expanded into business and industrial contexts. This article seeks to analyze the transition from analog to digital paperless management models, highlighting how this transformation can contribute to the creation of a healthier factory ecosystem, both from a physical and cognitive point of view for workers. The research was conducted through bibliographic research and publications related to the topic, addressing the level of paper consumption, disposal practices, and perception of the benefits of digitization. The results indicated that most companies still have significant paper consumption, mainly in administrative activities, internal records, and audit processes. Although reduction initiatives have been identified, proper disposal and recycling are not yet widely adopted, highlighting challenges in waste management. It is concluded that, although digitization is advancing and is recognized as a path to reducing paper use, the transition depends on structured management actions, employee training, and internal environmental policies, which is a vast field for the application of neuroecological principles.