Publication:

Diseño de un modelo de negocio circular. Valoración de la biomasa de frutas cítricas en Colombia

The application of Ecocanvas as a strategic tool developed across 12 canvases, utilizing data from interviews and strategic analysis exercises with expert producers, transformers, and researchers in the sector. These were complemented with secondary sources and a literature review focusing on circularity in production and business models for agro-industrial biomass. Additionally, an exploration of citrus biomass byproducts, their value chain, and production context was conducted. Reviewing Colombian government initiatives aimed at fostering circular economy practices, a deductive analysis was performed to define 30 activities serving to outline the necessary phases in formulating a roadmap toward designing circular business models. A balance was achieved across the 12 canvases for creating a circular business for citrus biomass, owing to demand in both national and international markets for the obtained bioproduct. This indicates added value through the transformation of surplus material from other primary production processes into new raw materials, enabling better resource utilization and generating positive environmental, social, and economic impacts. In practice, the proposal requires establishing commercial agreements and cooperation with suppliers, implementing digital platforms to enhance communication among stakeholders, and reducing uncertainty in decision-making within increasingly complex environments. Opportunities are recognized for integrating actors, validating potential markets, designing operational schemes, and defining necessary technological investments to gain a competitive edge in the market. The first sustainable business model derived from citrus waste biomass, scalable at regional and national levels, meeting the needs and expectations of all stakeholders. The applied methodology can be utilized in other sub-product value chains.