ENTERPRISE-LEVEL ANALYSIS ON AWARENESS, PRACTICES AND BARRIERS OF CIRCULAR ECONOMY IN THE FRUIT PROCESSING SECTOR: IN ARMENIA

Davit MARKOSYAN

Davit MARKOSYAN Armenian National Agrarian University, Armenia

Abstract

Abstract. The current production model in the agri-food industry is not environmentally conscious and as a result, we face the challenges of extensive and inefficient resource use along with a massive amount of waste. The major objective of this study is to analyze the awareness, practices, and corresponding barriers among the selected enterprises on the circular economy. Both quantitative and qualitative research methods have been used in this study. A survey-based questionnaire has been designed by the author and 40 companies operating in the fruit processing sector (dry fruit and jams production) have been asked to fill in the survey. The results show that although 80% of the respondents are aware of the circular economy, the practices are not intensively implemented and the barriers associated are very diverse including financial burdens such as access to agricultural credits, lack of practical knowledge, and the necessary infrastructure as well as small production volumes, which doesn’t promote innovation and alternative production in the enterprises.

Key words: Circular economy; Circular businesses; Fruit processing; Sustainable production; Environmental protection.

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