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The circular economy is not just about innovations, products and services. We want to help buyers understand it on a deeper level, so they are open to it and ask questions about it. That way, circular procurement will give the market a huge boost.
What is circular procurement?
Think of it as an extension to sustainable (or socially responsible) procurement. That means you put purchasing power to work for as much positive ecological, social and economic impact as possible. For the entire useful life of products.
Circular procurement goes a step further. The focus is on maximum value retention of the products, components and materials that you purchase. That way, you avoid waste, reduce the environmental impact and you can close energy and material cycles throughout the supply chain.
Key objectives
Key objectives
- reduce the total amount of materials;
- reduce non-renewable inputs;
- extend the useful life of products;
- encourage reuse of products (or components);
- promote reuse of materials (through recycling).
Why circular procurement?
Circular procurement is a major lever for developing the circular economy. Because individuals making circular choices drive the market for circular products and services. With the money your organisation spends, you can therefore make a positive impact on people and the environment.
It can also be smart financially if you look at the total cost of ownership: the total cost of purchase and use over the entire life cycle. Think about energy consumption, maintenance costs and residual value in this regard. If you take these things into account, that can often lead to different decisions than if you only look at the purchase price.
How to make the switch
Circular procurement pertains to the entire life cycle, including how you use and dispose of a product. It's therefore a team game, not just the buyer's job. That means everyone in your organisation can contribute to it. Suppliers can also propose circular solutions if you ask the right questions. By making space for circularity, you set the whole chain in motion.
Does the management see the value and incorporate circularity into the business strategy? That will motivate all employees. Start already with a pilot project. That's a good way to learn and convince your colleagues of the possibilities and positive impact. Also look through our database of inspiring examples of successful projects and circular suppliers.
Bear in mind that for a complete switch, you need to completely overhaul your procurement processes. The role of buyers becomes more strategic, with more emphasis on market dialogue and contract management.
Getting started
Are you planning to make the shift to a circular procurement organisation? We provide support with tips and tools that put you on the right track. From circular procurement in 7 steps to ambition maps and working sessions.
ambition map circular procurement
Learning hub
Want to get started with circular ambitions within a specific product group? In this Learning hub, you will find all the information you need to specifically translate these ambitions into practice. You will discover what circular strategies you can use, how to achieve targets, and what choices you can make in procurement processes. For example, contract types, specifications, selection and award criteria, standards, certificates, labels and useful tools.
You will also find inspiring case studies, relevant webinars, publications and training that will help you on your way. In short: everything you need for circular procurement, in one place.
Inspiration
Here you will find news, events, blogs and doers who are leading by example. Take advantage of it.
Three projects set the tone
Newsletter archive
2025
- Augustus - Nieuws voor Circulaire aankopers
- April - Nieuws voor Circulaire aankopers
- Januari - Nieuws voor Circulaire aankopers
2024
- September - Nieuws voor Circulaire aankopers | CEO in de kijker
- Mei - Nieuws voor Circulaire aankopers | Over de grenzen
2023
- December - Nieuws voor circulaire aankopers | CEO in de kijker
- September - Nieuws voor circulaire aankopers | Thema zorg
- Juni - Nieuws voor circulaire aankopers | Over de grenzen
- Mei - Nieuws voor circulaire aankopers | ProCirc in de kijker
- Februari - Nieuws voor circulaire aankopers | Thema zorg
2022
- November - Nieuws voor circulaire aankopers | Over de grenzen
- Maart - Nieuws voor circulaire aankopers | Thema kantoor
- Januari - Nieuws voor circulaire aankopers | Thema verpakkingen
2021
- November - Uitnodiging voor circulaire aankopers | #EUCircularTalk 'Could manatory circular procurement drive the ECAP?'
- Augustus - Nieuws voor circulaire aankopers | Thema textiel
2020
FAQ
FAQ procurement
Here you will find frequently asked questions on circular procurement! We have compiled a wealth of information for you. Not only will you find clear definitions to give you insight into the world of circular procurement, but also valuable information on related topics.