Anja Siegesmund leaves the BDE
Change of leadership at the BDE: Executive President Anja Siegesmund hands over her office to Vice President Matthias Harms on 31 January 2026.
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Consumers are becoming increasingly aware of the circular economy. The three Rs - reduce, ruse, recycle - play a central role here. This is also shown by the results of the current Consumer Barometer 2022 "Circular Economy" from Consors Finanz. According to the survey, the proportion of Germans surveyed who try to avoid packaging has risen by 41 per cent in the last three years.
There is more to the term "circular economy" than waste separation and the green dot. It is about Extend the overall life cycle of products and raw materials. According to the results of the latest Consumer Barometer 2022 "Circular Economy" by Consors Finanz, around 60 per cent of Germans and Europeans surveyed feel well informed about the possibilities of the circular economy. Eight out of ten directly associate this with environmental protection. At the same time, the survey shows that although consumers practise the circular economy, they do not necessarily consume less.
With growing environmental awareness, consumers are particularly concerned with Waste avoidance and reuse of products and packaging apart. The proportion of packaging avoiders has risen continuously over the past three years - by 41 per cent in Germany and 49 per cent in Europe. At the same time, 51/46 per cent (Germany/Europe) try to produce less waste from the outset. For example, they opt for unpackaged food or buy second-hand goods. Recycling also ranks high when it comes to sustainable consumption. Almost seven out of ten Germans (65 per cent in Europe) now recycle regularly. 40 per cent (Europe 43 per cent) reduce waste by making sure they resell, give away or repair items that are no longer used.
Consumers are indifferent when it comes to the impact of the circular economy on consumption. 55 per cent of Germans believe that they will buy less as the market for recycled, refurbished products grows. At the same time, the Circular economy does not necessarily affect consumer behaviour. For three out of four Germans and Europeans (77/75 per cent), ownership is still very important. In practice, the circular economy already seems to be working well in some areas. Almost half of Germans believe that the system is already well developed.
"The study shows that consumers don't want to consume less, but rather more consciously, and that retailers and manufacturers in particular have the task of developing innovative concepts. The demand for more durable, sustainably packaged or recycled products now needs to be met and the range needs to be adapted accordingly."
Oliver SchurackHead of Retail Financial Solutions at Consors Finanz
Source: Consors Finance
Here you can find further results of the Consumer Barometer.
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