Green Chemistry and the Circular Economy in Green Plantain Snack Production: A Case Study in Ecuador

The objective of this research was to assess sustainability through green chemistry and the circular economy (CE) in the production processes of green plantain-based snacks in a snack industry in Ecuador. The research was conducted from 2022 to 2023. The study was descriptive-explanatory because it analysed production processes, suppliers and customers. The Likert scale together with the green star scheme was used to evaluate the principles of green chemistry. At the same time, the CE was diagnosed by means of a checklist; from this analysis, the process’ level of CE and the improvement strategies were identified. The research results show 35.89% green area related to the principles present in the process and a medium level of circularity (5.24/10), with potential waste (biochar and biofertilisers). These results directly support Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 7 and 12, while also offering clear industrial applicability. Additionally, the potentialities of converting green plantain peel waste into chemical products under the principles of green chemistry and in the context of the CE are presented.