Tool for Evaluating the Level of Circularity in Peruvian Micro and Small Enterprises

Giuliana Patricia Bercerra Celis; Wilmer José Puraca Mamani

doi:10.55845/FZNY4521

Authors

Giuliana Patricia Bercerra Celis Department of Environmental Engineering, National University of San Marcos Author https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3646-083X
Wilmer José Puraca Mamani Department of Environmental Engineering, National University of San Marcos Author https://orcid.org/0009-0005-4849-6679

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55845/FZNY4521

Keywords:

Circular Economy Strategies, Micro and Small Enterprises, Circularity Assessment, Sustainability Tools, Small Business Sustainability

Abstract

This study aimed to develop and validate an analytical tool for assessing the circularity level of Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs), applying it to five businesses located in the district of Independencia, Peru, in 2023. The research employed an applied experimental design, integrating both qualitative and quantitative approaches to ensure a comprehensive evaluation.
Data collection involved the use of surveys, interviews, and geocoding to accurately identify and characterize the selected MSEs. The instruments included closed and open-ended questionnaires, methodological templates, and digital tools such as ArcMap 10.8 and Microsoft Excel for spatial and statistical analysis. The sample consisted of five intentionally selected MSEs from key economic sectors: automotive, furniture manufacturing, food services, and hospitality.
The outcome of the research was a tailored, easy-to-use circularity assessment tool specifically designed for the context of MSEs. The tool not only enabled the evaluation of circular practices across four strategic domains—product, supply chain, internal operations, and governance—but also guided the implementation of actionable circular economy strategies. Its application resulted in measurable improvements in operational efficiency, resource use, waste reduction, and sustainability engagement, contributing to enhanced competitiveness and innovation capacity within the participating MSEs.

References

Arnedo-Lasheras, R., Ormazabal, M., Jaca, C., & León, C. (2020a). Practical guide for implementing the circular economy in SMEs. Spanish Association for Standardization and Certification.

Arnedo-Lasheras, R., Ormazabal, M., Jaca, C., & León, C. (2020b). Practical guide for implementing the circular economy in SMEs. Spanish Association for Standardization and Certification.

BSI Group. (2017). Executive briefing: BS 8001 – A guide (p. 6). BSI Group.

Cámara Navarra, & Sustainn. (2018). Guide for developing self-assessments in circular economy in the Navarra industry.

Cascón Izquierdo, A. (2020). Circular economy: Is sustainable growth possible?

Colombia Productiva. (2020). Circular economy: A different way of doing sustainable business.

COMEXPERU. (2023). Micro and small enterprises in Peru: Results for 2022. https://www.comexperu.org.pe/upload/articles/reportes/reporte-mypes-2022.pdf

Congress of the Republic of Peru. (2016). Legislative Decree No. 1278 – Law on Integrated Solid Waste Management.

De la Vega Polanco, M. (2023). Creativity and reinvention of Peruvian SMEs. https://www.elperuano.pe/noticia/201779-creatividad-y-reinvencion-de-la-mype-peruana

De Miguel, C., Martínez, K., Pereira, M., & Kohout, M. (2021). Circular economy in Latin America and the Caribbean: An opportunity for transformative recovery. https://www.cepal.org/es/publicaciones/47309-economia-circular-america-latina-caribe-oportunidad-recuperacion-transformadora

Delgado Neyra, P. C. (2020). Analysis of circular economy policies and regulations in Peru. https://renati.sunedu.gob.pe/bitstream/sunedu/1592251/1/DelgadoNeyraPC.pdf

Ellen MacArthur Foundation. (2015). Towards a circular economy: Economic rationale for an accelerated transition.

Ellen MacArthur Foundation. (2020a). List of definitions.

Ellen MacArthur Foundation. (2020b). Presentation of the methodology. https://www.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/our-story/our-network

Ellen MacArthur Foundation. (2020c). Presentation of the methodology.

Ellen MacArthur Foundation. (n.d.-a). What is a circular economy? Retrieved March 28, 2022, from https://ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/topics/circular-economy-introduction/overview

Ellen MacArthur Foundation. (n.d.-b). What is a circular economy? Retrieved March 27, 2022, from https://ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/topics/circular-economy-introduction/overview

James, A. T., Kumar, G., James, J., & Asjad, M. (2023). Development of a micro-level circular economy performance measurement framework for automobile maintenance garages. Journal of Cleaner Production, 417, 138025. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.JCLEPRO.2023.138025

Kristensen, H. S., & Mosgaard, M. A. (2020). A review of micro-level indicators for a circular economy – Moving away from the three dimensions of sustainability? Journal of Cleaner Production, 243, 118531. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.JCLEPRO.2019.118531

Laseur, H. G. (2020). Business plan to manage clothing repair under a circular economy approach in modern Lima using a mobile application.

Ministry for the Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge (MITECO). (2021a). Spanish circular economy strategy: Spain Circular 2030.

Ministry for the Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge (MITECO). (2021b). Spanish circular economy strategy: Spain Circular 2030. https://www.miteco.gob.es/es/calidad-y-evaluacion-ambiental/temas/economia-circular/espanacircular2030_def1_tcm30-509532_mod_tcm30-509532.pdf

Ministry for the Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge (MITECO). (2021c). Second catalogue of good practices in circular economy.

Morató, J., Tollin, N., & Jiménez, L. (2017). Status and evolution of the circular economy in Spain.

Ortiz, J. (2019). Circular economy business models in SMEs in Cali (p. 43). Universidad ICESI. https://repository.icesi.edu.co/biblioteca_digital/bitstream/10906/84703/1/TG02474.pdf

Romero, K. (2021). Proposal for a planning methodology to implement sustainable processes through circular economy in organizations in Mexico City. http://132.248.9.195/ptd2021/junio/0812818/Index.html

Ruiz, E., Canales, R., & García, V. (2019). Measuring the circular economy: Frameworks, indicators, and business impact. Forética. https://foretica.org/wp-content/uploads/informe_medida_economia_circular_foretica.pdf

Salvador, R., Barros, M. V., Freire, F., Halog, A., Piekarski, C. M., & De Francisco, A. C. (2021). Circular economy strategies on business modelling: Identifying the greatest influences. Journal of Cleaner Production, 299, 126918. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.JCLEPRO.2021.126918

Tinoco, M. (2021). Post-COVID environmental performance – Circular economy. http://bedoyayvenero.com/desempeno-ambiental-post-covid-economia-circular/

Torres-Guevara, L. E., Prieto-Sandoval, V., Ormazabal, M., & Jaca, C. (2021). Beyond the circular economy theory: Implementation methodology for industrial SMEs. Journal of Industrial Engineering and Management, 14(3), 425. https://doi.org/10.3926/jiem.3413

TRIQUELS. (2019). Circular economy: How to apply it to your business. https://www.triquels.com/blog/economia-circular

Udalsarea 2030. (2018). Guide for promoting the circular economy from the local level.

University of Cambridge. (2013). Workshop: Finding opportunities in the circular economy.

Velenturf, A. P. M., & Purnell, P. (2021). Principles for a sustainable circular economy. Sustainable Production and Consumption, 27, 1437–1457. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.SPC.2021.02.018

Women Action Sustainability. (2020). Circular economy from strategy to action: A guide for companies.

World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD). (2015). CEO guide to the circular economy: The future of business is circular.

World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD). (2022). Circular Transition Indicators V3.0: Metrics for business, by business.