Beyond efficiency

Abstract

Rebound effects remain an overlooked but critical challenge in circular economy transitions. While existing research predominantly frames rebound effects as economic, behavioural or technological phenomena, these perspectives fail to fully account for the social and material dynamics through which rebounds emerge. This commentary argues that social practice theories offer a more systemic approach to understanding rebound effects by shifting focus from individual decision-making and efficiency gains to the interconnections between everyday practices, temporal and spatial reordering, and systems of provision. We outline four key conceptual resources from social practice theories – recrafting practices, practice interconnections, temporal and spatial reordering, and systems of provision – that help explain how rebound effects unfold within circular consumption. We also discuss the methodological challenges of integrating social and material assessments of rebounds. Moving forward, we call for interdisciplinary and practice-based research to deepen empirical investigations into how circular consumption practices evolve and how their unintended consequences can be anticipated and mitigated. By embedding practice-theoretical insights into rebound research, future research and policies can contribute to more effective and systemic approaches to circular transformation.

This Commentary is part of a Special Issue titled, Everyday Circularities: Rethinking Consumption in the Circular Transformations, edited by Kersty Hobson and Mary Greene.