Is circular economy inclusive? Assessing the engagement of vulnerable households in circular consumption behaviours

Journal article, 2026

The transition to a sustainable circular economy requires the widespread adoption of circular consumption behaviours, yet little is known about how these behaviours are distributed across society, and whether this distribution is equitable. The contribution of individuals through behaviours such as repairing, renting and maintaining is crucial but often overlooked, overshadowed by contributions by industrial sectors. In particular, the role of vulnerable households, affected by economic, social, and structural disadvantages, has not been systematically examined, even though both the constraints and opportunities posed by the circular economy may be amplified for them. This study investigates how individuals contribute to the circular economy transition through their engagement in circular consumption behaviours and examines the extent of inequalities in such engagement comparing vulnerable and non-vulnerable households. Using data from the 2022 Household Budget Survey in Italy and Portugal and applying a regression approach combined with a propensity score matching model integrated by household vulnerability archetypes, this study analyses patterns of engagement in circular consumption behaviours across socioeconomic groups. Results show that households characterized by higher income, better education, younger age, and male household heads are more likely to engage in circular consumption behaviours, while vulnerability constitutes a substantial barrier to engagement in the circular economy suggesting that the circular economy may extend existing advantages and perpetuate socioeconomic inequalities. These findings extend previous research on the contribution of individuals to the circular economy by integrating a social equity perspective and highlight the need for policies that ensure equitable access to circular economy opportunities.