CHALLENGES, PROCESSES AND POLICIES FOR CIRCULAR ECONOMY THAT WORKS FORCONSUMERS - COST Action CA22124 - ECO4ALL Book of Abstracts

In Society 5.0, the circular economy concept is crucial in shaping sustainable consumer practices.As technology advances and consumer demands grow, understanding their role in the circular economy is becoming increasingly important.Consumers not only use products but also influence market sustainability through their choices.Their rights include access to environmentally responsible products, transparent sustainability information, and the ability to return, repair, or exchange products.This paper analyses how consumers can exercise their rights, the benefits of a circular economy, and what obligations and challenges they must overcome.The research includes data collected through surveys in 31 countries and members of the ECO4ALL COST action.The results obtained will be analyzed using statistical methods to identify the benefits and challenges of customers in these countries face within the circular economy framework.Through analysis, the paper provides recommendations for improving circular mechanisms that benefit consumers and contribute to a sustainable future.