The United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 12 promotes sustainable consumption and production by improving resource efficiency, reducing waste and pollution generation, and embracing the circular economy. This goal is driven by the negative environmental and social impacts of unsustainable consumption and production, which contribute to climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, inequality and poor wellbeing. By adopting more sustainable and circular consumption practices, we can mitigate Australia’s impact by reducing our material footprint.

As part of a three year program of work supported by their consortium partners, BehaviourWorks Australia led critical research and stakeholder engagement to understand what ‘circular consumption’ behaviours are required to significantly reduce Australia’s material footprint as part of transitioning to a circular economy. A vital outcome of the program of work is this roadmap, produced through an innovative application of behavioural science and systems thinking. The roadmap offers a clear way forward for Australia's policy-makers, industry leaders, entrepreneurs and advocates.

The work identified eight core behaviours by individual and organizational consumers that can reduce Australia's material consumption. Importantly, the work also revealed the role of actors beyond consumers whose behaviour affects circular consumption – ie. government, designers, produces, retailers, services, advocacy organisations, and community organisations.