Consumers’ Perspectives on Circular Economy: Main Tendencies for Market Valorization

Abstract

The Circular Economy (CE) concept has acquired a prominent role in both the academic and political fields, accelerated by the realization of a need to change the current pathway of economic development towards a more sustainable one. This transition depends upon a transformation in production and industrial processes, but also in consumption practices. Consumer behaviors and perceptions of circular solutions have been overlooked in the literature and in policy measures, often limited to eco-labelling and information campaigns. This paper argues for a greater definition and centrality of the role of consumption within the CE. Based on a systematic literature review covering the years 2012–2023, the article offers an overview of the main tendencies and challenges of market valorization in the CE, showing a greater concentration of papers at the macro level and micro levels (47% and 35%, respectively) and a lower concentration at the meso level (18%). Results show a steady number of publications regarding consumption in the CE over the years. The mapping of keywords shows greater clustering between terms such as policies, sustainable development and the CE and a lesser focus on the practices that support it. The article concludes that consumption dynamics in the CE must take into account the balance between individual agency, institutional structures, and normative values and develop a paradigm that comprehends sectorial boundaries.