Circular Economy and Cocoa Exports in the Peruvian Rainforest, 2014 - 2023

Rodas N.M.A.; María A.L.P.S.; Otoya F.A.F. · Proceedings of the LACCEI international Multi-conference for Engineering, Education and Technology (2024) · DOI: 10.18687/leird2024.1.1.414

Resumen

The circular economy in the Peruvian cocoa sector represents a crucial opportunity to optimize resource use, reduce environmental impacts and improve competitiveness in the international market. The overall objective of this research was to analyse the circular economy and cocoa exports in the Peruvian rainforest 2014-2023. Basic research with a non-experimental design of correlational scope with a mixed approach was applied, using data for the last nine years on cocoa export operations. The sample focused on cocoa exports and the use of cocoa by-products. The results indicate that the circular economy applied to the international sale of Peruvian cocoa shows significant potential by fully valorising waste, such as shell, pulp and husk, as they have applications in various industries. Furthermore, this strategy would not only maximize resource efficiency through sustainable practices, such as biogas production and pectin extraction, but would also contribute to mitigating negative environmental impacts. It is concluded that circular management represents a positive financial and environmentally sustainable opportunity for the cocoa sector, exploring current practices, potential benefits and barriers to implementation.

Instituciones: Universidad Tecnológica del Perú