The ambassador of the European Union in Peru, Gaspar Frontini, highlighted the work of Peruvian businesswomen in the transition towards a circular economy and the commitment to sustainability.
“Our relationship of more than 30 years with Peru has allowed us to see the growth and value of the role of women entrepreneurs at the national level. We highlight your commitment and commitment to sustainability. It is for this reason that several of our projects that correspond to circular economy initiatives are led by them” affirmed Gaspar Frontini.
Within the framework of the commemoration of International Women’s Day, various social organizations have highlighted women entrepreneurs who believe in and are committed to sustainability with business leadership, and the European Union has been among them.
In this context, the EU Embassy in Peru presented six stories that reflect the contribution of women towards a more sustainable country and from different productive roles.
Shallinny Ramírez, representative of the circular economy projects of the European Union, pointed out: “More and more women are taking on a central role in the circular transition, they have been leading a new generation of green, circular and inclusive companies in Ucayali, San Martin , Madre de Dios, Cusco, Lima and in the other regions of the country. In addition, to set an example in their localities with good practices in the management of their resources and education on new consumption habits.
Women, leaders for a circular and sustainable future
Leading the way to the circular transition is not easy; but with innovation, leadership and perseverance, women like the ones presented below are paving the way for a more circular and sustainable future in Peru.
The EU Embassy highlighted that the work of these women applying the circular economy allows changes to be generated in consumption models and is an opportunity to incorporate them in more equal conditions of participation and remuneration.
Melina Salazar. She is a 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 ASPEm and the Camones company, they use the losses and balances of the textile industry to transform it into new products such as crochet fabrics, dresses and accessories, thus generating a circular economy action.
Edith Leiva. As the person in charge of the Environment of the Textiles Camones company, Edith Leiva leads a project that has a direct impact on small and medium-sized companies. This project, which is carried out within the framework of the Sustainable Impulse Alliance with ASPEm, involves MYPIMES in issues such as: waste recirculation, waste and balance treatment; sustainable internships and advice for industrial management and enhancement knowing the carbon footprint of the company.
Pink Condor. From San Martín, Peru, the commercial manager of Agroindustrias Las Tres Rosas stands out for the innovation of processes and products derived from coconut. In 2021, she promoted production towards the circular economy, which implied developing a new conceptualization differentiating her operations as Bionegocio and Econegocio. From the econegocio portfolio, she manages substrate, activated carbon, industrial oil, balanced food and handmade soaps. And, from the biobusiness, she processes coconut into products such as snacks, grated coconut, oil and flour, giving impetus to local coconut production chains. Under the accompaniment of Terra Nuova.
Carolina Guadalupe. Originally from Ucayali, Carolina is the general manager of Helados y Chupetes Super Frio’s SRL. Although the operation began in 2006, in 2019, Carolina and her husband decided to relaunch the brand with a new image and accompanied by a business restructuring to incorporate best practices in energy efficiency and food safety certifications. From there, they integrate principles of circular economy and organic waste management in their processing plant, hand in hand with Terra Nuova.
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. Her love for plants was born since she was little. Today, her experience has led her to participate as a fairground and workshop facilitator, sharing everything she has learned with others. Today she is a recognized activist in Independencia, in Lima, since 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.
Victoria Carhuamaca. The interior architect and creator of the Knit Project brand began her fashion venture with natural dyes in 2017, inspired by her maternal grandmother, which she has been reinforcing with knowledge and research. She has participated with her project in the first Circular Economy Fair-FESTIEC in June 2022 organized by Ciudad Viva, Grupo GEA and Predes. She designs products considering the principles of the circular economy, using natural raw materials, for an organic textile, and reforesting with vegetables and plants nourished with natural fertilizer.
