Title: Environmental sustainability and circular economy in SMEs: a qualitative approach from the Spanish experience

Authors: Francisco Villegas Pinuer; Joan Llonch Andreu; Pilar López Belbeze

Addresses: Facultad de Economía y Empresa, Universidad Diego Portales, Santiago, Chile; Department of Business, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Avinguda de l'Eix Central, 08193 Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Vallès), Barcelona, Spain ' Department of Business, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Avinguda de l'Eix Central, 08193 Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Vallès), Barcelona, Spain ' Department of Business, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Avinguda de l'Eix Central, 08193 Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Vallès), Barcelona, Spain

Abstract: The need for companies to define sustainability-based strategies has gained more relevance in modern society. In lieu, this study examines environmental sustainability (ES), the implementation of circular economy (CE) practices, and their conceptual relationship with SME managers. The methodology employed is in-depth interviews applied to SME managers of Catalonia (Spain), a prominent business area in Europe. This study reveals the slow incorporation of ES in SMEs through CE tools such as recycle, recovery, and reuse in the final stages of their production process. The knowledge about CE tools and their potential, the low pressure from customers regarding environmental issues, and the lack of communication and incentives to adopt ES norms can explain this behaviour. The development of environmental public policies for SMEs and an ecosystem that allows the exchange of resources and collaboration help decrease these companies' overall resource use.

Keywords: environmental sustainability; circular economy; competitiveness; small and medium enterprises; SMEs.

DOI: 10.1504/IJESB.2024.136346

International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Small Business, 2024 Vol.51 No.3, pp.404 - 431

Received: 04 Sep 2020
Accepted: 07 May 2021
Published online: 31 Jan 2024 *

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