Economic and Environmental Feasibility of Circular Economy Practices in Small Businesses in Vinto, Cochabamba

Evaluación de la viabilidad económica y ambiental de la economía circular en pequeñas empresas del municipio de Vinto, Cochabamba

Resumen

This research analyzes the impact and economic feasibility of implementing circular economy practices in small businesses in the municipality of Vinto, Cochabamba. The study employs a quantitative descriptive approach through the application of a semi-structured survey to 138 local enterprises. Results show that 68.12% of businesses use disposable materials in their operations, while 75.36% expressed willingness to replace them with biodegradable and sustainable alternatives. Likewise, 89.13% indicated interest in receiving free consultancy to strengthen their business capacities. It was found that 30% of the companies already apply circular economy practices, achieving both economic and environmental benefits, such as reduced operational costs and optimized resource use. These findings demonstrate that adopting circular practices can enhance the profitability and sustainability of local businesses, contributing to the reduction of environmental impacts. However, barriers such as the lack of technical knowledge and institutional support persist, highlighting the need for public policies and training programs to facilitate the transition toward sustainable production models. In conclusion, the circular economy represents a viable and promising strategy for the sustainable development of small enterprises in Vinto-Cochabamba.