Linear business model and potential for transition to a circular economy in a rice-producing unit in the canton of salitre, guayas province, by 2025

Abstract

This study assesses a linear production model with a view to adopting a circular economy approach at a rice-producing unit in the canton of Salitre, Guayas province, in the year 2025. A descriptive qualitative approach was employed, based on an inductive method using direct observation and documentary review, structured in two phases: primary production on an experimental farm and processing at the El Paraíso Rice Industry. The results show that the production system is highly dependent on external inputs, makes intensive use of agrochemicals, suffers from inefficiencies in energy consumption and has inadequate waste management, constituting a linear model with significant environmental, social and economic impacts. Furthermore, opportunities for circularity are identified, such as the valorisation of by-products (husk and straw), the incorporation of renewable energy, the optimisation of water use, and the implementation of recycling and return systems. It is concluded that the transition to a circular model not only reduces environmental impacts but also improves production efficiency and generates economic value from waste, making it a viable alternative for the sustainability of the rice sector in the Salitre Canton and the province of Guayas.