Reusable product trend can drive circular economy development

The increasing use of reusable products among the public, particularly the younger generation, is considered capable of driving the development of a circular economy in Indonesia alongside growing demand for more sustainable products. Researcher from the Center of Economic and Law Studies (CELIOS) Rani Septyarini said the use of reusable products is fundamentally aligned with circular economy principles that seek to extend product lifespan and reduce waste generation. “This trend can encourage the development of a circular economy because the use of reusable products is basically in line with circular economy principles, namely extending product life and reducing waste,” Rani said when contacted on Wednesday. According to her, the increasing environmental awareness among the younger generation is also altering public consumption patterns. Consumers are now increasingly considering the environmental impact of the products they use. Rani assessed that this behavioural change could become a market driver for businesses to provide more sustainable products. She explained that today’s younger generation does not only consider price when making purchasing decisions, but also pays attention to how a product is manufactured, its impact on the environment, and the social value a company brings. “When demand for sustainable products continues to rise, businesses will have an economic incentive to invest in more durable product designs, the use of recycled materials, and better waste management systems,” she said. According to the researcher, a graduate of Airlangga University, the greater the demand for products that apply sustainability principles, the greater the opportunity for circular economy practices to develop across various business sectors. She stated that this trend creates new business opportunities whilst encouraging more resource-efficient production and consumption models. “This means that changes in consumer behaviour can be a market driver towards a circular economy. The greater the demand for sustainable products, the greater the opportunity for the circular economy to develop,” Rani said.