In 2013, the Danish government launched a new joint strategy for smart public procurement, which focused on improving public procurement through efficiency, innovation, quality and sustainability. The sustainability aspects were approached by incorporating environmental and energy requirements in order to develop green solutions. The strategy, established by means of a circular and guidelines on public procurement of sustainable timber issued by the Environment Ministry, included purchasing verifiably sustainable timber for wood-based products, as well as for public construction works and state buildings. The guidelines apply to all ministries and state institutions.

The Dutch Ministry of Defence is a high user of textile products in its extensive military equipment. In this project, the Ministry sought to address the problem throughout the chain. Surplus/used clothing is no longer burned but is recycled and restored to reusable fibres. The Ministry of Defence then offers this product to the market as high-quality raw material. And new suppliers to the Ministry must use recycled fibres in new textiles. The first phase of this project started with three lots: towels and wash cloths; scarves and handkerchiefs; and overalls.

For the refurbishment works of the new City hall, the municipality decided to implement a circular procurement concept for their new furniture, seeking products that would deliver a healthy working environment while being truly 100% recyclable. Products included among others conference tables and chairs, cabinets, office chairs, canteen furniture, cupboards, etc.

For the first time in the state of Berlin, a tender from the public sector for the construction of a Trench wall and a structure using resource-saving concrete, concrete with recycled aggregates (short RC-concrete).

In 2014, as part of the Rethink Business project (financed by the Region of
Midtylland and the European Regional Development Fund), Herning decided to begin trialling circular economy ideas in some of its operations, such as in their purchasing contracts for workwear.

Nantes aims to be at the forefront of economic, social, environmental and democratic transitions by developing more responsible development models that involve all relevant stakeholders. This includes viewing public procurement as more than just a technical decision and ensuring it is aligned with its political priorities. Nantes has undertaken numerous initiatives in the field of responsible procurement dating back to 2001.

The European Clothing Action Plan (ECAP) has the overall aim of reducing clothing waste across Europe and embedding a circular economy approach into Europeans’ provision, access to and consumption of clothing.

To follow our step by step guide to implementing your circular procurement resource efficient business model (REBMs), simply click on the relevant REBMs stage that you are interested in.
Each page in this process includes a handy navigation to all the stages at the top so you can easily access the information you need.

Circular PP is a 3-year project supported by the Interreg Baltic Sea Region Programme. The aim is to address the societal challenge of resource efficiency in a multidimensional way. The project develops an adequate framework for circular procurement in the countries belonging to the Baltic Sea Region.