Implementação dos princípios da economia circular em clusters de vestuário: uma proposta de modelo

Abstract

The increase in industrial activities and the consumption of natural resources, as well as the generation of waste are issues to be discussed in all areas, including by the industrial sector. In the same sense, the research gaps identified in the literature show the need for the fashion sector to undergo changes that need to occur in the industrial landscape. Circular Economy (CE) presents itself as a macro trend that refers to a systemic approach to the design of processes. Therefore, it is understood that in the current scenario in which the clothing industries are inserted, discussions about the implementation of circular principles is increasingly essential. This thesis aims to propose a model for implementing the principles of circular economy in clothing clusters. In the theoretical framework, the following topics were addressed: principles of circular economy, clothing clusters, basic production phases and fashion design strategies. The method used in the research was the deductive. The methodological approach adopted was applied, qualitative, quantitative, exploratory and survey research. For data collection, a questionnaire was used, divided into four blocks, being constituted based on the literature. The Likert scale was used for Blocks 2 and 3. The study population consists of twenty industries belonging to four clusters of clothing, selected according to the accessibility criterion. The data were tabulated, analyzed and treated using the NVivo Software for qualitative and quantitative analysis using a combination of analyzes that include Cronbach's alpha reliability test, Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Pearson Correlation, among others. The literature referential supported the discussion of data and the elaboration of the Circularity Model. The results identified the qualitative structures to support the model, namely: (a) “Constructs and Observed Variables (COV)”; (b) “Basic Productive Phases (BPP)” and (c) “Fashion Design Strategies (FDE)”. From these structures, the Circularity Model was created, which presents five steps for execution: (1) Circularity Matrix (CM); (2) Production phases; (3) Fashion Design Strategies (FDE); (4) Identification and Implementation of the CM; (5) Circularity actions. Therefore, each phase of the Circularity Model has specific activities that have been statistically analyzed in order to verify the model's internal validation. Thus, it can be concluded that the model for implementing the principles of the circular economy is seen as an instrument capable of directing the clothing industries towards changes aimed at promoting circular actions, increasing the level of competitiveness and helping them to identify new product opportunities. Still, the knowledge generated, complements the gap identified in the literature. The originality and originality of this thesis are represented essentially by the composition of the topics covered and by the model developed for the identification and implementation of circular principles.