Key Factors Influencing Consumer Choices in Wood-Based Recycled Products for Circular Construction Sector

Geanina Maria David, Elena Simina Lakatos (), Laura Bacali, Gheorghe Daniel Lakatos, Brianna Alexandra Danu, Lucian-Ionel Cioca and Elena Cristina Rada
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Geanina Maria David: Institute for Research in Circular Economy and Environment “Ernest Lupan”, 400689 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Elena Simina Lakatos: Institute for Research in Circular Economy and Environment “Ernest Lupan”, 400689 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Laura Bacali: Faculty of Industrial Engineering, Robotics and Product Management, Technical University of Cluj-Napoca, 400641 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Gheorghe Daniel Lakatos: Institute for Research in Circular Economy and Environment “Ernest Lupan”, 400689 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Brianna Alexandra Danu: Institute for Research in Circular Economy and Environment “Ernest Lupan”, 400689 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Lucian-Ionel Cioca: Institute for Research in Circular Economy and Environment “Ernest Lupan”, 400689 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Elena Cristina Rada: Theoretical and Applied Science Department, Insubria University, Via G.B. Vico, 46, I-21100 Varese, Italy

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 20, 1-20

Abstract: This article explores the integration of wood recycling and reuse practices within construction and reconstruction processes, as highlighted in a wood products questionnaire. The aim of this study is to understand how the Romanian consumers perceive the circular economy in order to adopt responsible consumption models. The working instrument consisted of a questionnaire. The questionnaire was applied to 60.7% urban respondents and 39.3% rural ones and consisted of 23 items. The response rate was 68.5% for certain items (257 responses). In the first part, the integration of wood recycling and reuse practices within construction and reconstruction processes is examined. Emerging recycling techniques and demolition processes, particularly incorporating reused, reconditioned, and recycled wood in the construction industry, are evaluated. The economic and environmental implications of these practices are also examined, contributing to the discussion of eco-design policies, and construction waste management and standards. In the second part, insights are provided into how Romanian consumers’ knowledge of CE principles, information about product characteristics, and attitudes influence the demand for recycled wood products. The study concludes with recommendations for better promotion strategies of wood-based recycled products, aiming to increase awareness of its long-term environmental and socio-economic benefits. Additionally, it suggests the need for providing more information on the environmental benefits of wood-based recycled products, and for a more active engagement of stakeholders in the transition to a circular economy. The results serve as a basis for a better understanding of Romanian consumers’ adoption of sustainable consumption behavior in agreement with circular economy concepts and SDGs. While the majority of respondents generally shows openness to an eco-friendly product, mere promotion of these principles may not suffice to change entrenched behaviors and purchasing habits.

Keywords: wood recycling; construction and demolition waste; circular economy; construction; consumer behavior (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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