The Role of AI in Facilitating Circular Consumption

This white paper explores the critical role of generative artificial intelligence (AI) in overcoming barriers to circular consumption. With circular economies offering a sustainable alternative to the traditional linear model, consumers have a pivotal role to play. However, gaps in knowledge, perceived inconvenience, and limited access to resources often hinder the adoption of circular behaviours. By providing personalised, accessible, and real-time guidance, AI chatbots can help consumers make more sustainable decisions, increasing engagement in circular activities such as recycling, upcycling, repair, and responsible disposal. Based on research with consumers and circular economy experts, this white paper explores key barriers and facilitators to circular consumption, identifies opportunities and challenges of using AI to encourage consumer engagement, and provides best-practice examples to inspire future action.