Prosumers in the circular economy

As global challenges like climate change and biodiversity loss threaten planetary life support systems, urgent action is required. The article proposes a shift from the existing consumer economy, driven by profit maximization and externalizing ecological and social costs, to an ecologically and socially just "prosumer economy." This macro-scale circular economy aims to minimize negative impacts and leakage of wealth, fostering circular relationships and deepened supply chains/networks.

The Role of Prosumers:

In the envisioned prosumer economy, individuals engage as both consumers and producers, contributing to a productive and supportive economic ecosystem. The article highlights the platform Good4Trust.org as an example, where ecologically and socially just producers and prosumers come together, sharing good deeds and supporting sustainable production. The platform's open-source software allows for replication globally, with the potential to catalyze the shift towards a prosumer economy.

Capturing Prosumer Knowledge:

Within the circular economy, prosumers play a crucial role in informing enterprise strategies. The study emphasizes the importance of knowledge exchange in capturing and translating prosumer knowledge. By integrating circular economy principles and evaluating product and service designs in terms of sustainability across process stages, enterprises can enhance their understanding of prosumer needs and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Implications for the Future:

As enterprises aim to limit their environmental impact and adopt responsible business practices, increased prosumer engagement becomes paramount. The circular economy affects all industrial sectors, necessitating a reevaluation of existing processes. By enhancing the role of prosumers, businesses can drive positive changes in their processes and work towards carbon-neutral plans. The article's main contribution lies in providing a novel concept and framework to capture and leverage prosumer knowledge for informed decision-making within the circular economy.

The article explores the potential of prosumers in the circular economy, highlighting the need for increased engagement and knowledge exchange. By embracing prosumerism and integrating sustainability principles, enterprises can align their strategies with the circular economy's goals. The envisioned prosumer economy offers a promising alternative to the existing consumer economy, promoting ecological and social justice while minimizing waste and negative impacts. Harnessing prosumer knowledge is vital for enterprises to navigate the circular economy landscape and contribute to a more sustainable and prosperous future.