Sustainable fashion, biobusiness and energy efficiency initiatives –among others– are promoted by the European Union.

Circular economy? Yes, defined as a more sustainable and sustainable production and consumption model, the circular economy allows the generation of changes in a permanent commitment to 'sustainability with business leadership'.

An important ally in this transition from a linear economy to a circular one is women entrepreneurs, "Peruvians with a high level of commitment and responsibility towards their environments that is reflected in the way they do business", highlights the ambassador of the European Union ( EU) in Peru, Gaspar Frontini.

Precisely the EU, in alliance with social organizations, promotes in our country various initiatives in sustainable fashion, biobusiness and energy efficiency -among other areas-, all of them linked to the development of sustainable enterprises.

Green companies and inclusive

Increasingly, women are taking on a central role in the circular transition; they lead a new generation of green and inclusive companies”, says the representative of the circular economy projects of the European Union, Shallinny Ramírez.

This new generation of circular companies is developed in Ucayali, San Martín, Madre de Dios, Cusco, Lima and in the other regions of the country, and they are a tangible example of "good practices in the management of their resources and education about new habits of consumption”, explains Ramírez.

Precisely today, at the University of Lima, the European Union recognized the work of women leaders from regions such as Lima, Ayacucho, Ucayali, San Martín, Madre de Dios and Cusco, who have implemented successful and environmentally responsible business models.

These businesses have generated a significant impact in their communities and in the family economy, by generating employment and promoting the incorporation of other women in the value chain.

Next, we present the nine Peruvians who "give the time" in the circular economy.

1. Melina Salazar

Representative of Metamorfosis, a sustainable fashion brand that generates employment for women deprived of their liberty. Since 2017, she has been working with 80 women from three prisons.

Today, thanks to an alliance between the Emerging Countries Solidarity Association (Aspem) and the Camones company, they use the losses and balances of the textile industry to transform them into new products, such as crochet fabrics, dresses and accessories, thus generating an action of circular economy.

2. Edith Leiva

Responsible for the Environment of the company Textiles Camones, leads a project carried out within the framework of the Sustainable Impulse Alliance with Aspem.

This project involves several micro and small companies in topics such as waste recirculation, waste and balance treatment, sustainable internships and advice for industrial management and enhancement knowing the company's carbon footprint.

3. Rosa Cóndor

From the San Martín region, the commercial manager of Agroindustrias Las Tres Rosas stands out for the innovation of processes and products derived from coconut. Since 2021, it differentiates its operations: in the Biobusiness area, it processes coconut into products such as snacks, grated coconut, oil and flour, giving impetus to local production chains.

Meanwhile, in the Econegocio portfolio, it manages substrate, activated carbon, industrial oil, balanced food and artisan soaps, under the accompaniment of Terra Nuova.

4. Carolina Guadalupe

Originally from Ucayali, Carolina is the general manager of elados y Chupetes Super Frio's SRL. In 2019, Carolina and her husband decided to relaunch the brand to incorporate best practices in energy efficiency and food safety certifications.

In addition, they integrate the principles of circular economy and organic waste management into their production activities in their processing plant, hand in hand with Terra Nuova.

5. Luzmely Barranzuela

The creator of El Jardín de Mamalú saw the need for a healthy diet and began to grow her own food, until she became an expert in creating green spaces at home with recycled materials.

She is a recognized activist in the Independencia district. She shares her knowledge in workshops and through the group of neighbors on WhatsApp, as part of the coordinated work with Ciudad Viva, Grupo GEA and Predes.

6. Victoria Carhuamaca

The interior architect and creator of the Knit Project brand started her fashion venture with natural dyes in 2017, inspired by her maternal grandmother.

Design products considering the principles of the circular economy, using natural raw materials for organic textiles and reforesting with vegetables and plants nourished with natural fertilizer.

7. Yudith Chinchay

Founder and manager of the mype Agroforestal Jacum, produces organic chestnut snacks and is one of the pioneers of the circular economy in the Amazon region of Madre de Dios.

Its flagship product is scented candles made from Amazon chestnut coconuts, a resource that used to be wasted and now gains value and contributes to the sustainability of the forest.

8. Sonia Rodríguez

She is president of the Qori Warmi Agroindustrial Cooperative, made up of women from Quechua and Asháninka communities dedicated to the cultivation of organic cocoa.

In Cusco, Sonia innovates through her contribution to new plantations and with an initiative to manage cocoa post-harvest residues to produce organic fertilizers from cocoa mucilage and husks.

9. Nelia Soto

Despite the adverse situations, Nelia acquired knowledge to improve the processes and quality of the cocoa bean.

Today he leads the Association of Organic Producers Sumaq Sunqu in Ayacucho, and in 2022 he began to produce natural yogurts flavored with cocoa and coffee husks, placenta jams and cocoa mucilage, among others.