Bridging the Gap

Abstract

Achieving sustainable development necessitates a symbiotic relationship between sustainable production and consumption, with product utilization rates playing a critical mediating role. Although recent advances have promoted sustainable production, particularly through experimental products fabricated from recycled materials, a persistent gap remains between creation and actual user uptake. This study conceptualizes the “imbalance between sustainable production and consumption” within the context of experimental products derived from waste, arguing that designers’ strong focus on creative innovation may inadvertently overlook practical pathways for sustainable consumption, potentially resulting in recycled products becoming new forms of waste when consumer engagement remains low or when market dynamics fail to support the adoption and long-term use of such products. Employing a mixed-methods research design with Portugal as a case study, semi-structured interviews with independent designers explored their perceptions of consumer engagement in a waste-driven design. Complementary quantitative surveys gathered data from an effective sample size of 155 participants, based on their real-world experiences and perceptions of such products. Comparative analysis revealed significant discrepancies between designers’ expectations and consumer realities, indicating that sustainable production alone does not guarantee sustainable consumption or balance between the two. The findings underscore the necessity for innovative and integrative approaches that align with evolving consumption patterns and address real consumer demand, fostering alignment between innovative design and actual use to help close the production–consumption loop in sustainable development.