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EMF publishes new Circular Public Procurement Framework for Cities


16 Mar 2022


EMF publishes new Circular Public Procurement Framework for Cities

The Ellen McArthur Foundation (EMF) has produced a new circular public procurement framework that can help local governments adopt a more circular approach to public procurement. As public procurement processes vary across different city environments, the framework is designed to be adapted to local contexts and realities.

The framework is divided in four parts. The first section focuses on how to create the necessary conditions for setting up and identifying opportunities for circular tenders. It is followed by sections on developing circular criteria, running a circular tender, and mainstreaming circular public procurement in the organization. Each of these sections feature questions and actions city officials need to consider when going through a circular procurement process, examples of how other city governments around the world have implemented circular procurement practices, and resources developed by the EMF and other organizations to further explore the topic.

Cities worldwide increasingly recognize the need to adopt circular procurement processes, seeing procurement as a powerful tool city governments can use to shape the transition towards a circular economy. With public procurement accounting for 15-20% of global GDP and sub-national governments being responsible for almost 50% of procurement decisions, city governments have an important role in shaping local circular economies.

Circular economy principles and criteria can be applied to purchase various products and services such as buildings, furniture, food, and packaging among others. By focusing on the desired outcomes and benefits, rather than the products needed, city governments can leverage their purchasing power to build thriving, livable, and resilient cities.

The Circular Procurement Framework can be found here.

Cities who want to commit to adopting a circular approach to public procurement can join EMF’s community of cities and local governments.


Image (EMF)


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