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Evolution and Current Challenges of Sustainable Consumption and Production

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  • Peter Glavič

    (Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Maribor, Smetanova 17, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia)

Abstract

This review paper examines the past, present, and future of sustainable consumption and production (SCP). The history of the Sustainable Development Goal No. 12 (i.e., to ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns) is presented and analyzed. A definition of the sustainable consumption is given and the role of education is explained. The present status and existing trends of SCP are introduced by analyzing unsustainable behavior and the existing dilemma, namely sustainable growth or degrowth. A very broad range of methods is used for measuring and evaluating SCP within sustainable development. To forecast the future of SCP, important trends are presented. The future development of SCP will follow several megatrends and it will require reduced personal and collective consumption (degrowth). Energy usage in buildings, renewable energy sources, and energy storage will be important in that respect. Transportation emissions will continue to be lowered. Waste, especially food waste, shall be reduced, and consumer products shall become more durable. All waste must be collected and separated to be reused. SPC is elaborated in view of the two approaches—Industry 4.0 (smart factory), and the “Sixth Wave” evolution. Net-zero greenhouse gas emissions, resource efficiency, and zero waste will be at the forefront of future activities. A circular economy requires extension of product lifetimes, and the reuse and recycling of products. Reducing emissions, pollution and specific energy, water, and raw material usage (especially critical raw materials), as well as the role of digitalization, will be important.

Suggested Citation

  • Peter Glavič, 2021. "Evolution and Current Challenges of Sustainable Consumption and Production," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(16), pages 1-24, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:16:p:9379-:d:618791
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Doris Fuchs & Sylvia Lorek, 2005. "Sustainable Consumption Governance: A History of Promises and Failures," Journal of Consumer Policy, Springer, vol. 28(3), pages 261-288, September.
    2. Michael Kremer, 1993. "Population Growth and Technological Change: One Million B.C. to 1990," The Quarterly Journal of Economics, President and Fellows of Harvard College, vol. 108(3), pages 681-716.
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    2. Jungmin An & Dong-Kwan Kim & Jinyeong Lee & Sung-Kwan Joo, 2021. "Least Squares Monte Carlo Simulation-Based Decision-Making Method for Photovoltaic Investment in Korea," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(19), pages 1-14, September.
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    7. Jorge Alberto Vargas-Merino & Cristian Armando Rios-Lama & Miguel Humberto Panez-Bendezú, 2023. "Sustainable Consumption: Conceptualization and Characterization of the Complexity of “Being” a Sustainable Consumer—A Systematic Review of the Scientific Literature," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(10), pages 1-23, May.
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    11. Waheed Ahmad & Rukhsana Kalim, 2024. "Analyzing Digital Economy¡¯s Role in Global Green Growth Opportunities: An Asymmetric MMQR Approach," Journal of Economic Sciences, Federal Urdu University Islamabad, Department of Economics, vol. 3(2), pages 162-180, December.
    12. Paweł Dobrzański & Magdalena Dobrzańska, 2025. "Sustainable Consumption in Urban Transport: A Case Study of a Selected European Union City," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(13), pages 1-21, July.
    13. Gökhan Ekrem Üstün & Metin Güldaş, 2025. "A Life Cycle Assessment of Snack Bar Prototypes Created with Ingredients Compatible with the Mediterranean Diet," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(18), pages 1-17, September.
    14. Rita Góralska-Walczak & Ewa Rembiałkowska & Klaudia Kopczyńska & Dominika Średnicka-Tober & Hubert Dobrowolski & Renata Kazimierczak, 2023. "Initial Insight into the Environmental Awareness of Employees in the Catering Sector in the City of Rybnik, Silesia," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(4), pages 1-25, February.
    15. Yuqing Geng & Mukasar Maimaituerxun, 2022. "Research Progress of Green Marketing in Sustainable Consumption based on CiteSpace Analysis," SAGE Open, , vol. 12(3), pages 21582440221, August.
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