A new sustainability project, Green Circular, has been launched to generate customized circular economy models for SMEs in Ecuador and promote ‘cleaner production’ in the agri-food, wood and textiles industries.
Co-financed by the EU and implemented by the Ecuadorian Federation of Exporters (FEDEXPOR), Green Circular: a sustainable, renewable and efficient model in Ecuador is designed to ‘generate customized circular economy models for Ecuadorian SMEs and/or associations’ with the aim of reducing environmental pollution and reusing waste in production.
FEDEXPOR says the groups are using the new system to promote ‘production that is more committed, environmentally friendly and responsible’. In addition, there is a focus on job creation and strengthening the export opportunities of Ecuadorian companies.
“Its objectives are aligned with the existing demand of the international market, which goes hand in hand with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and especially with the collaborative work between public actors responsible for sustainable development … as well as companies seeking economic, social and environmental results, and society itself, which must question its real needs,” says the Federation.
The project – which is intended to run for a duration of 17 months – is part of Ecuador’s Circular Economy Support Project, also funded by the EU, which the organizations say is ‘structured around three main axes’: support for circular economy policies, following the Circular Economy White Paper; support for the implementation of forums and actor networks and the certification of circular economy products and processes; and support for circular economy entrepreneurship.
As part of ongoing promotions, Ecuador will participate for the first time in Organic Food Iberia (7-8 June, IFEMA MADRID) as part of a dedicated country pavilion which will highlight the nation’s organic and sustainable produce and ‘entrepreneurial spirit’.