Consumption

Consumption patterns play a crucial role in moving towards the circular economy. In a consumption context, circularity is about organisations and individuals making sustainable purchases and use of the products and services.

Assessment

• There are signs that consumers are ready to embrace more circularity in the products and services they consume. Increased interest in the sharing-economy and other novel circular models is positive, so long as this replaces conventional consumption, rather than adding to it.

• High levels of food waste, especially post-consumer waste, are concerning given the significant environmental footprint of food production.

Global impacts from European consumption

4%

increase in global impacts from European consumption between 2010 and 2022, with levels continuing to exceed planetary boundaries.

Public views and actions on the circular economy 

65%

of EU citizens acknowledge environmental impacts and support effective actions towards a circular economy 

Consumer food waste in Europe

72 kg

of food waste was generated per person in 2022 in the EU

Car sharing

460%

Increase in the number of shared cars in Germany between 2010 and 2021

Turnover in the repair sector

€21.5 Bn

turnover in the EU27 business-to-consumer repair sector