THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY AS A STRATEGY FOR CREATING NEW MARKETS IN THE AGRO-INDUSTRIAL SECTOR

Luis Fernando Arboleda Álvarez; Nilo Israel Cabezas Oviedo; Manuel Euclides Zurita León; Nelly Margarita Padilla Padilla

doi:10.56519/rcw9kn36

Autores/as

Luis Fernando Arboleda Álvarez Escuela Superior Politécnica de Chimborazo Autor/a https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5541-6239
Nilo Israel Cabezas Oviedo Escuela Superior Politécnica de Chimborazo Autor/a https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4130-0347
Manuel Euclides Zurita León Escuela Superior Politécnica de Chimborazo Autor/a https://orcid.org/0009-0009-3568-8777
Nelly Margarita Padilla Padilla Escuela Superior Politécnica De Chimborazo Autor/a https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2574-3946

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.56519/rcw9kn36

Palabras clave:

circular economy, agro-industry, sustainability, innovation, emerging markets

Resumen

The circular economy proposes a shift in agro-industrial production processes, utilizing waste that is normally discarded to transform it into resources with economic value and reduce environmental impact. This paper analyzes how circular strategies can create new markets in the agro-industry. A qualitative-descriptive analysis was conducted, including a review of scientific literature and a study of practical cases implemented in Latin America and Europe. The results show that valorizing agricultural byproducts allows for the development of bio-inputs, bioenergy, and bioplastics. This circular model makes the sector more competitive because it reduces costs and diversifies revenue streams. Companies that adopt it reduce operating costs by 15-60%, increase their revenue by 8-22%, and gain access to premium markets with price premiums of 10-35%. Valorizing 1,000 tons of organic waste prevents emissions of 400-650 tons of CO₂ and reduces water consumption by 60-70%. However, significant barriers exist: limited access to technology for small and medium-sized enterprises, high initial costs, fragmented regulatory frameworks, and resistance to change. Overcoming these requires public policies that include financing, tax incentives, technical standards, and training. The circular economy not only solves environmental problems but also drives innovation and creates sustainable business opportunities for the agribusiness sector.

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