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Sustainable Production and Consumption in EU Member States: Achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 12)

Author

Listed:
  • Daniela Firoiu

    (Department of Commerce, Economic Integration and Business Administration, Romanian-American University, 012101 Bucharest, Romania)

  • George H. Ionescu

    (Department of Finance, Credit and Accounting, Romanian-American University, 012101 Bucharest, Romania)

  • Cristian Mihai Cismaș

    (Doctoral School of Economics and Business Administration, West University of Timisoara, 300223 Timisoara, Romania)

  • Melinda Petronela Costin

    (Doctoral School of Economics and Business Administration, West University of Timisoara, 300223 Timisoara, Romania)

  • Laura Mariana Cismaș

    (Department of Marketing, International Business and Economics, West University of Timisoara, 300115 Timisoara, Romania)

  • Ștefan Codruț Florian Ciobanu

    (Department of Economics, Accounting and International Affairs, University of Craiova, 200585 Craiova, Romania)

Abstract

Sustainable Development Goal 12 (SDG 12) is vital for promoting sustainable development by enhancing resource efficiency, minimizing waste, and fostering sustainable practices across supply chains. This research investigates sustainable production and consumption dynamics in European Union countries, drawing on official data from the EU Statistical Office (Eurostat). It employs the AAA (Holt–Winters) exponential smoothing algorithm to analyze trends in selected sustainability indicators. Despite notable progress, challenges such as regional disparities and economic barriers remain significant. This research provides critical insights into the evolution of responsible consumption and production across EU countries, projecting trends until 2030. The findings emphasize the need for integrated policies, sustainable practices, and collaborative efforts among stakeholders to meet the EU’s sustainability objectives. Achieving these goals is essential for realizing the 2030 sustainability targets and transitioning to a climate-neutral economy by 2050, ensuring long-term ecological and economic resilience.

Suggested Citation

  • Daniela Firoiu & George H. Ionescu & Cristian Mihai Cismaș & Melinda Petronela Costin & Laura Mariana Cismaș & Ștefan Codruț Florian Ciobanu, 2025. "Sustainable Production and Consumption in EU Member States: Achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 12)," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(4), pages 1-26, February.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:4:p:1537-:d:1589999
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    References listed on IDEAS

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