ConPolicy project manager Dr. Annette Cerulli-Harms was invited as an expert on consumer behavior to join a panel discussion in India. Annette Cerulli-Harms discussed consumer engagement in the circular economy with other experts from behavioral research, the sharing economy and recycling.
Reliable product information on the expected durability and reparability of products are key, since consumers otherwise lack the basis for well-informed decisions. The discussion also underlined the importance of preserving existing know-how and infrastructure for repair. These are still widespread across India, but keep falling victim of innovation cycles and the desire for new products.
Politicians, manufacturers but also trendsetters such as influencers have a role in setting the right incentives for sustainable behaviors, to design products in the spirit of the circular economy and to keep them in the focus of new trends.
More information is available here.