Karina Wethal

Consumption  Research Norway (SIFO) has for more than 80 years done research on how consumption and consumers shape society, informing public consumer policies. The institute addresses key challenges around sustainability, food systems, climate adaptation, and more; covering topics like organic food, food labelling, food waste, textile composition, textile value chains, overconsumption and microplastics, in addition to energy use, debt problems, cost of living, belonging, civil preparedness, digital everyday life, youths’ media use and social media. 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 behaviours 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.