More and more Croatians turning to circular economy

ZAGREB, 22 April 2026 – The circular economy is gaining significant traction in Croatia, with more citizens choosing to give unused items a second life rather than discarding them.

New data released to mark Earth Day shows that buying and selling second-hand goods is no longer limited to environmentally conscious consumers. Instead, it is becoming a practical, financially sensible and sustainable part of everyday life.

Figures from popular marketplace Njuškalo highlight a clear shift in consumer behaviour, with the most active categories reflecting key areas of daily living, technology, home furnishing, mobility and family life.

The strongest indicator of Croatia’s growing reuse culture can be seen in the technology sector. Over the years, more than 3.7 million mobile phones have been listed for sale on the platform, with over 123,000 ads posted in 2025 alone.

Laptops are also in high demand, with more than 22,000 listings published last year. Household appliances remain another major category, with over 616,000 listings recorded to date, showing that even less-used kitchen gadgets are finding new homes.

Similarly, nearly 400,000 listings have been posted in the TV and video equipment category, while cameras and photography gear account for more than 317,000 ads.

Beyond the marketplace activity lies a broader environmental impact. According to the International Telecommunication Union, global electronic waste reached 7.8 kilograms per person in 2022, underlining the importance of extending the lifecycle of devices.

Bicycles and fitness equipment offer further insight into consumer habits. Nearly 975,000 listings have been posted for bicycles and cycling gear, while fitness equipment accounts for more than 214,000 ads.

While some of this reflects short-lived enthusiasm for new hobbies, bicycles also represent a shift towards more sustainable mobility. Even when ownership changes, the continued use of these items contributes to reducing waste and promoting greener transport options.

Fitness equipment tells a similar story. Items often purchased with strong motivation frequently end up unused, but platforms like Njuškalo allow them to be repurposed by new owners, extending their usefulness.

Furniture is another major segment driving the circular economy. Across categories such as bedroom furniture, dining tables and seating sets, more than one million listings have been recorded over the years.

Njuskalo

This trend is particularly important given that around 10 million tonnes of furniture are discarded annually in the European Union, according to the European Commission. Much of this waste ends up in landfills or incineration, despite the fact that the majority of environmental impact occurs during production and transport.

Overall, the data shows that the circular economy in Croatia is no longer just an idea discussed on special occasions, but a practice increasingly embedded in everyday life.

Whether it is a mobile phone finding a new owner, a bicycle continuing its journey or a sofa moving into another home, the principle remains the same, extending product lifecycles, reducing waste and making consumption more accessible.