Karina Wethal

Consumption Research Norway (SIFO) investigates how consumption and consumers shape society, informing public consumer policies. Part of OsloMet’s Centre for Welfare and Labour Research since 2016, SIFO has participated in 28 EU projects (coordinating eight) since 2000. The institute addresses key challenges around sustainability, food systems, climate adaptation, and more—covering topics like organic food, labeling, food waste, textiles and microplastics, and the circular economy. SIFO’s interdisciplinary research provides valuable insights for European countries, from exploring the lifespan of household goods to studying consumer behavior in debt and well-being. The institute has been involved in 30 EU-financed projects since 2000, coordinating eight of them. This extensive experience underscores SIFO’s capacity to manage complex, large-scale research initiatives. Currently, SIFO plays an active part in several international projects addressing pressing challenges such as sustainable consumption, food systems, climate adaptation, and consumer behaviors central to a transition toward a more sustainable Europe. SIFO’s research agenda covers a wide range of consumer-related topics with strong relevance for EU policies and the Sustainable Development Goals. Among its key focus areas are: Sustainable Consumption: Exploring how everyday consumption patterns shape societal and environmental outcomes., Food Systems: Investigating issues like organic food, labeling, food waste, food security, and food safety., Textiles and Microplastics: Examining the environmental impact of textile production and disposal., Circular Economy: Studying resource-efficient solutions that extend product lifespans and promote reuse and recycling, including SIFO’s role in the Circular Households project., Climate Adaptation: Unpacking how consumers and communities can adjust to a changing climate., Debt and Well-being: Highlighting how financial vulnerability interacts with consumer choices and social welfare., Technological Infrastructure and Energy: Assessing the implications of emerging technologies for sustainable consumption, household energy use, and consumer welfare.