{"id":21828,"date":"2022-02-23T18:08:30","date_gmt":"2022-02-23T17:08:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/observatoirecetelem.com\/?page_id=21828"},"modified":"2025-11-27T18:02:57","modified_gmt":"2025-11-27T17:02:57","slug":"a-concept-that-is-gaining-recognition","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/observatoirecetelem.com\/en\/lobservatoire-cetelem-de-la-consommation\/circular-economy-the-rise-of-the-consumer-entrepreneur\/a-concept-that-is-gaining-recognition","title":{"rendered":"A concept that is gaining recognition"},"content":{"rendered":"
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The concept of the circular economy has come a long way since it first emerged in 1990. When combined, these two simple words manage to conjure up a degree of mystery in the eyes of Europeans. Yet, they tend to view the circular economy in a positive light and not simply as a temporary fad. Indeed, they are quite keen to engage in the practices it encompasses in a lasting way and with increasing consistency.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Two words that are becoming more familiar to Europeans<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n
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\"mappemonde<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Circular economy. Two simple words which, when combined, still manage to conjure up a degree of mystery and even a sense of the unknown. It is hardly surprising that the concept to which they refer has been assigned a variety of definitions. However, whether it be politicians, the media or NGOs, a whole range of stakeholders have been working closely on the issue over the last few years and are now placing it front and centre.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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So, does the circular economy mean anything to Europeans? Almost 7 out of 10 say that it does. It is also encouraging to see that more than a third know exactly what it entails (Fig. 1)<\/strong>. However, this awareness is somewhat variable, particularly from country to country.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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\n Fig. 1 Level of knowledge of the circular economy in Europe\n <\/p>\n \n \n Download this infographic for your presentations\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n

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\n \"Indicates\n \n The infographic shows the proportion of people who declare: “Yes, and I see precisely what it is” when asked if they have ever heard of the circular economy. The data covers 17 European countries. A general average is displayed.\nThe colors of the map (from light green to dark green) indicate levels of knowledge (thresholds: <10%, <20%, <35%, >35%). The colors are decorative but help to visualize the intensity of the rate.\nKey visual elements \u2022 Map of Europe with color codes by level. \u2022 Each country displays: \u2022 its flag \u2022 a percentage \u2022 A summary cartouche: Average of 17 countries: 25%. \u2022 Source: Cetelem Observatory 2022.\nTranscription of data\nCountry % knowing precisely the circular economy Germany 29% Austria 21% Belgium 22% Bulgaria 12% Denmark 20% Spain 28% France 28% Hungary 12% Italy 36% Norway 26% Poland 15% Portugal 22% Czech Republic 11% Romania 15% Slovakia 9% Sweden 21% United Kingdom 19% Average of 17 countries: 25%\nMain lesson\nThe precise knowledge of the circular economy remains limited in Europe: only a quarter of Europeans know exactly what it is. The highest levels are found in Italy (36%) and Western Europe (France, Spain, Germany). The countries of Central and Eastern Europe have significantly lower levels (often <15%).\n\n <\/span>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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The origins of the circular economy<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n
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In the wake of a number of key social movements that shook the world, many intellectuals in the 1970s began to question our way of life and its impact on the planet\u2019s future. Political environmentalism was born and fresh new concepts saw the light of day. For instance, Michael Braungart, a German chemist, and William McDonough came up with the Cradle to Cradle<\/em> principle, where 100% of a product is used at the end of its life to make an identical new product, without the use of polluting processes. In 1990, the term circular economy was coined in a book co-authored by the British economists David W. Pearce and R. Kerry Turner: Economics of Natural Resources and the Environment<\/em>. Over the subsequent decades, the concept, which marks a departure from that of the linear economy, has gradually established itself as a new paradigm, to the point where it is now inspiring government policy. Although it can be defined in a number of ways, it is often symbolised and summed up by the 3Rs: Recycle, Reduce, Reuse. For the purposes of this survey, we will use the following definition*: \u201cthe circular economy is an economic system in which, at every stage in their lifecycle, products (goods and services) are produced and traded in such a way as to increase the efficiency with which resources are used and to reduce their environmental impact, while enhancing the well-being of individuals\u201d.
* French Environment and Energy Management Agency (ADEME, France).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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The most astute consumers on this topic can be found in Southern and Western Europe. For instance, 36% of Italians are able to accurately define these two words. This is not particularly surprising in a country where localism and environmentally sound practices in general are relatively widespread, as previous Observatoire Cetelem surveys have often highlighted. In the East, perceptions are not as sharp and the words hold less meaning. Only 9% of Slovaks have a clear idea of what the circular economy is.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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When people are questioned regarding their exact understanding of the term circular economy, a generational divide emerges that reappears on numerous occasions during the course of this survey. Under 50s are noticeably more au fait with the meaning of the term than their elders.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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\n fig. 2 Evolution of European policies on the circular economy\n <\/p>\n \n \n Download this infographic for your presentations\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n

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\n \"Presents\n \n The infographic retraces the main regulations and initiatives carried out by the European Union to accelerate the transition to the circular economy between 2016 and 2021. The timeline is horizontal, with each year containing a descriptive text block. The graphic elements (milestones, horizontal lines) are decorative.\nKey visual elements \u2022 Timeline: 2016 \u2192 2017 \u2192 2018 \u2192 2020 \u2192 2021 \u2022 A detailed text for each year. \u2022 A second block under the timeline for 2016 and 2020 (specific programs). \u2022 Source: Cetelem Observatory 2022.\nTranscription of data\n2016 (top block) The European Commission adopts the first action plan for the circular economy: \u2022 contribute to “closing the loop” of the product life cycle, \u2022 encourage recycling and reuse, \u2022 bring benefits for the environment and the economy.\n2017 The European Parliament approves recommendations encouraging Member States to adopt laws: \u2022 giving consumers the right to repair electronic devices.\n2018 The European Commission launches a strategy on plastics, aiming: \u2022 at new business models, \u2022 at consumption-related objectives, \u2022 at increasing the use of recycled plastic.\n2020 (top block) The European Green Deal project: \u2022 aims for a climate-neutral continent, \u2022 includes an action plan for the circular economy, \u2022 sets measures for 2024: improving sustainability (electronics, batteries, vehicles), \u2022 reducing packaging and over-packaging, \u2022 developing recycled textiles, \u2022 banning certain single-use packaging.\n2021 Adoption of a policy on sustainable products, including: \u2022 a revision of the eco-design directive.\n\n <\/span>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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\n fig. 2 National measures in favor of the circular economy\n <\/p>\n \n \n Download this infographic for your presentations\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n

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\n \"List\n \n The infographic presents, in the form of a vertical list, the main regulatory and strategic initiatives adopted by several European countries to accelerate the circular economy. Each entry includes: \u2022 the country’s flag, \u2022 the year, \u2022 a summary of the initiative. The icons (lines, alignments) are decorative.\nKey visual elements \u2022 List of 7 countries: Sweden, Belgium, Spain, Germany, Czech Republic, France, United Kingdom. \u2022 Chronology: 2016 to 2020. \u2022 Source: Cetelem Observatory 2022.\nTranscription of data\nSweden \u2014 2016 Bill allowing households: \u2022 to deduct half of the labor cost for repairs from their taxes, \u2022 to reduce VAT on repair activities. Objective: to encourage repair rather than buying new.\n\n <\/span>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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A positive image<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Although the words might not resonate with everyone, overall perceptions are very positive (Fig. 2)<\/strong>. Once the concept has been explained to them, more than 8 out of 10 Europeans view it in a positive light. The Italians are extremely receptive to the idea, but the Portuguese are even more so (93% and 94%). Once again, one must travel east to find more dissenting voices, the Czechs being a case in point, although the positivity score remains very high (73%).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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\n Fig. 2 Perception of the circular economy by the public\n <\/p>\n \n \n Download this infographic for your presentations\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n

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\n \"Shows\n \n The infographic presents the general perception of the circular economy among respondents, distinguishing four levels of opinion: \u2022 very good image \u2022 rather good image \u2022 rather bad image \u2022 very bad image\nIt is represented in the form of a ring diagram accompanied by a textual summary. The light green and dark green colors are decorative.\nKey visual elements \u2022 Circular diagram segmented into four parts. \u2022 Legend indicating “Good image: 85%” and “Bad image: 15%”. \u2022 Source: Cetelem Observatory 2022.\nTranscription of data\nDetailed distribution \u2022 Very good image: 24% \u2022 Rather good image: 61% \u2022 Rather bad image: 13% \u2022 Very bad image: 2%\nVisual summary \u2022 Good image (total): 85% \u2022 Bad image (total): 15%\n\n <\/span>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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A modern phenomenon, but more than just a fad<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n
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This positive perception of the circular economy is reflected in the opinions of those who associate it with equally positive values (Fig. 3)<\/strong>. Indeed, 85% of Europeans believe that it is beneficial to the environment and natural resources, which happens to be one of its primary objectives. The Portuguese and Italians are the most likely to express this view (92%). The second quality associated with the circular economy is its capacity for innovation, as highlighted by 82% of Europeans, with the Italians and Portuguese again proving slightly more enthusiastic than the rest, although there are no major differences between the countries. Completing the podium in third place is job creation, an attribute put forward by 75% of Europeans, with very few divergences between the nations.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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\n Fig. 3 Perceptions of the effects of the circular economy\n <\/p>\n \n \n Download this infographic for your presentations\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n

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\n \"Graph\n \n The infographic presents the opinion of respondents regarding several statements related to the circular economy. For each statement, four levels of response are proposed: \u2022 Yes, totally \u2022 Yes, rather \u2022 No, rather not \u2022 No, not at all\nThe bars are green (variable intensity) but these colors are decorative.\nKey visual elements \u2022 Horizontal graph with six statements. \u2022 Four bars per statement (two positive, two negative). \u2022 Source: Cetelem Observatory 2022.\nTranscription of data\n1.\tPreserve the environment and natural resources \u2022 Yes, totally: 43% \u2022 Yes, rather: 42% \u2022 No, rather not: 12% \u2022 No, not at all: 3%\n2.\tDevelop innovative products and manufacturing processes \u2022 Yes, totally: 28% \u2022 Yes, rather: 54% \u2022 No, rather not: 15% \u2022 No, not at all: 3%\n3.\tCreate jobs \u2022 Yes, totally: 22% \u2022 Yes, rather: 53% \u2022 No, rather not: 21% \u2022 No, not at all: 4%\n4.\tIs expensive (very costly recycling) \u2022 Yes, totally: 15% \u2022 Yes, rather: 50% \u2022 No, rather not: 30% \u2022 No, not at all: 5%\n5.\tUnregulated market that does not inspire trust \u2022 Yes, totally: 11% \u2022 Yes, rather: 34% \u2022 No, rather not: 42% \u2022 No, not at all: 13%\n6.\tIs a fad \u2022 Yes, totally: 9% \u2022 Yes, rather: 26% \u2022 No, rather not: 43% \u2022 No, not at all: 22%\nMain lesson\nThe majority of respondents consider that the circular economy protects the environment, encourages innovation, and can create jobs. However, reservations are expressed: \u2022 65% judge that some processes remain costly, \u2022 45% estimate that the market still lacks regulation, \u2022 Only 35% think it is a fad.\nOverall, the circular economy benefits from high trust capital, despite some structural concerns.\n\n\n <\/span>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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As confirmation of its potential staying power, only 35% of Europeans consider the circular economy to be a fad. One nation clearly stands out on this issue, with respondents expressing a view that sets it apart from the other countries. Indeed, 52% of those interviewed in France see the circular economy as a temporary trend.<\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The concept of the circular economy has come a long way since it first emerged in 1990. When combined, these two simple words manage to conjure up a degree of mystery in the eyes of Europeans. Yet, they tend to view the circular economy in a positive light and not simply as a temporary fad. […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1920,"featured_media":21112,"parent":21789,"menu_order":7,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"t-etude-chapitre.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"tags":[],"class_list":["post-21828","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/observatoirecetelem.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/21828","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/observatoirecetelem.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/observatoirecetelem.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/observatoirecetelem.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1920"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/observatoirecetelem.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=21828"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/observatoirecetelem.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/21828\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":33468,"href":"https:\/\/observatoirecetelem.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/21828\/revisions\/33468"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/observatoirecetelem.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/21789"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/observatoirecetelem.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/21112"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/observatoirecetelem.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=21828"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/observatoirecetelem.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=21828"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}