Rethinking material use is crucial for a sustainable world, but progress is slow. Public procurement, totaling approx. 100 billion euros in the Netherlands and comprising 14-19% of the EU GDP, can step in and drive this change. Governments must lead by example by using their buying power to change production processes on the market through circular procurement.
By implementing circular principles in their procurements (reduce, reuse, refurbish, redesign, repair, recover etc.), governments can kill two birds with one stone: the bought products and services fulfil societal needs (infrastructure, defense, health, housing etc.) and simultaneously support the circular transition. Circular public procurement is, however, at an infancy level, leaving this potential untapped.
Noting that public procurement is heavily regulated based on principles of equality, transparency and proportionality and not circularity, this project investigates coherently for the first time how these rules influence or limit circular public procurement. It aims to unveil a potential blind spot by creating an understanding about where, why and when circular principles clash with legal principles (CIRCLASHES), with the aim of solving them in the law and practice, thereby spurring a more sustainable society.
