Croix, December 1, 2025
A new study conducted by CSA for Oney for the third consecutive year reveals that the circular economy continues to appeal to the French, establishing itself as a key lever for managing daily budgets. While adoption of these practices is on the rise, it is hindered by concerns about product quality and price. In an evolving economic context, consumers balance financial pragmatism with ecological commitment, with installment payments confirming their role as a purchase facilitator.
The study was conducted from August 25 to September 5, 2025, with a nationally representative sample of 1,010 French individuals aged 18 and over (representative based on gender, age, socio-professional category, region, and urban category).
CIRCULAR CONSUMPTION IN 2025: INCREASING ADOPTION BUT PRICE AND QUALITY CONCERNS
With 55% of French people having purchased products from the circular economy in the past 12 months (up 3 points from 2024), the circular economy continues to take root in consumer habits, particularly among younger people (69% of 18-24 year-olds), higher socio-professional categories (65%), and households with children (71%).
However, the average spending on second-hand products (excluding vehicles) stands at €326 in 2025 (down €75 from last year, but up 45% compared to 2022) and rises to €527 for 18-24 year-olds. For refurbished products (excluding vehicles), the average spending is €240 (down €87 from 2024), reaching up to €443 for 18-24 year-olds.
Despite the appeal of this consumption model, some traditional practices remain deeply ingrained: 70% of respondents indicated they had preferred to buy a new product rather than its second-hand or refurbished equivalent in the past 12 months. The main reasons cited are the perceived quality or durability of the new product (42%), the small price difference between the two types of products (41%), and the immediate availability of the product (39%). Other reasons include a wider variety of choices (38%), the presence of after-sales service (35%), and hygiene or safety concerns (34%).
KEY SECTORS OF THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY: A STABLE RANKING, EVOLVING INTENTIONS
The ranking of the most consumed product categories in the circular economy remains largely stable. Clothing and accessories retain the top spot with 65% of followers (80% among 18-24 year-olds, 77% in households with children, and 73% of women), followed by leisure and cultural goods at 59% (down 3 points from 2024). Next are furniture and home decor (51%, down 3 points from 2024), DIY and gardening (50%, down 4 points from 2024), and toys and children’s products (43%, down 5 points from 2024).
Regarding purchase intentions for the next 12 months, 33% of French people plan to use the circular economy more often for clothing (up 1 point from 2024). Leisure and cultural goods (30%) and furniture and decor (30%) also show significant intentions.
INSTALLMENT PAYMENTS: A LEVER TO DEVELOP THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY MARKET
Short-circuit sales have become a common practice, with more than one in two French people (51%) having sold products to individuals or businesses in the past 12 months, a figure stable compared to 2024. This practice is particularly frequent among households with children (70%).
The motivations for reselling are varied: making space in closets (42% as the primary reason, 80% in total), supplementing income (24% as the primary reason, 54% in total), and reducing environmental impact (23% as the primary reason, 53% in total). Reselling is also becoming more profitable: 58% of French people earned more than €150 per year from reselling goods in 2025, an increase of 7 points compared to 2024. Young people aged 18-24 are particularly active, with 70% reaching this threshold this year.
The circular economy also appears as a solution for better daily budget management. 34% of buyers see it as a way to save money (up 4 points from 2024), 22% are motivated by ecological reasons (32% among executives and higher intellectual professions), stable since 2024, and only 18% consider it a good solution to combat inflation.
Installment payments continue to play a significant role in the purchasing process: more than 1 in 4 buyers (26%) opted for installment payments, with a significant proportion of 18-24 year-olds (53%) and households with children (41%). It is also a powerful purchase trigger: 73% of buyers would be encouraged to purchase more products from the circular economy if this option were available. Although this figure is down 1 point from 2024, it remains high. Young people (37% of 18-24 year-olds), employees (81%), and households with children (81%) are particularly sensitive to this solution. View the results
About Oney
Oney is a different, unique bank, born from commerce. A partner in the transformation of commerce for over 40 years, Oney designs payment, consumer financing, insurance, and fraud prevention solutions. Creator of installment payment in 2008, Oney is the leader in the BNPL (Buy Now Pay Later) market in France. Strategic ally of more than 37,000 merchants, Oney supports the purchases and projects of nearly 7 million customers in Europe by offering digital, simple, and fast shopping experiences. Every day, our 1900 talents, in 10 countries, drive the ambition to be a more human and responsible bank, a major player in consumer financing in commerce in Europe.
With the support of its two shareholders, BPCE (50.1%) and ELO (formerly Auchan Holding at 49.9%), Oney combines the best of banking and commerce. Within the BPCE Group, Oney operates within BPCE Digital & Payments, a hub for payment, digital, and data expertise.
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