Voices in the loop: policy networks shaping circular food consumption

The circular economy has emerged as a viable alternative to the existing linear model for achieving sustainable food production and consumption. To identify the present structure of the circular economy at the policy level within the food sector, we engaged individuals involved in policymaking, referred to as a policy network. This paper presents the primary perspectives of the policy network on the adaptation and implementation of circular food consumption practices by using the Q methodology. This analysis examines the complex interplay of governance, incentives, collaborative engagement, and community-oriented strategies in achieving circularity in food consumption. Our results revealed four distinct yet complementary factor groups indicating that the transition towards circular food consumption practices should be built on societal models that emphasize resilience, shared responsibility, and shared governance, thus delivering not only a sustainable food system but also a more equitable one. In conclusion, the findings indicate that the transition entails more than a mere technical adjustment or behavioral change; it represents a complex transformation shaped by the values, priorities, and capacities of the involved policy networks.