Shifting to a circular business model

: a case in the Portuguese textile industry

Abstract

The growing urgency of environmental and social challenges is prompting firms to rethink business models and adopt circular economy principles. In the textile sector, which is resource-intensive and waste-generating, this transition is both a necessity and an opportunity for innovation and competitiveness. This dissertation examines the transition towards circular business models through a case study of Vaz da Costa, a Portuguese textile company with more than six decades of activity and a consolidated international presence. The aim is to understand how the organisation integrates circularity into strategy and operations and to identify the main challenges and opportunities of this process. The research follows a qualitative methodology combining document analysis, financial data from the SABI database, and one semi-structured interview with company representatives. Data interpretation was carried out in a descriptive and comparative manner, supported by the ReSOLVE framework and the Circular Business Model Canvas, to map practices and assess areas for improvement. Preliminary results indicate progress in the use of recycled and organic fibres, water and energy efficiency, and lower-impact finishing. Challenges remain regarding supply-chain transparency, the scalability of innovations, and responses to the growing demand for sustainable textiles.

Date of Award	31 Oct 2025
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Rita Ribeiro (Supervisor)