Economía Circular y acciones sostenibles de la MIPYME textil: Caso Tungurahua – Ecuador

Micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in Ecuador are an important group that generates employment and develops the economy, particularly in the textile sector. There is significant productive activity associated with linear practices, which generate a high environmental impact. The transition to a circular economy model that promotes sustainability in this sector is important, but it faces economic, technological, and regulatory constraints. The objective of this research is to analyze the productive activities of the Ecuadorian textile sector and its adaptability to the circular economy model, in order to promote actions aimed at sustainable development. The research is qualitative, exploratory, and descriptive in nature. Surveys were conducted with 67 organizations in the textile sector in the province of Tungurahua, and dimensional elements of the CE model for SMEs were reviewed. Among the main results, the use of cotton as a natural fiber and polyester as a synthetic fiber stands out in terms of material design, as well as the need to apply technological strategies and establish associative alliances.