Circular Procurement

Circular procurement can help businesses achieve whole-life value by choosing products and services designed for reuse, repair and efficiency.  While outcomes will vary by sector and contract, evidence suggests that circular approaches may reduce costs, strengthen resilience, strengthen competitiveness and open new markets.

• Reduce costs by lowering material and disposal spend.
• Build resilience by managing risk of supply chain shocks.
• Take the opportunity to develop new and innovative service models such as leasing, repair and product-as-a-service.
• Gain a competitive advantage that addresses the circular solutions public sector buyers are beginning to look for.

With Scotland’s public sector spending between £14–16 billion each year, there is a significant opportunity for suppliers who can provide demonstrable circular solutions. 

Partnering with both public and private entities can help offer improved community benefits and extended product lifecycles, which may in turn strengthen tender responses and secure value for money through contract delivery.

• For businesses, third sector partnerships can help you meet specific aspects of tender requirements, helping to strengthen your bid and add relevant social impact.
• For public sector buyers, those collaborations can support identification of local opportunities for delivery in line with community wealth building principles.
• For the third sector itself, developing partnerships can help you become involved in the provision of goods and services at a scale that might otherwise not have been possible.

With up to £16 billion of public spend in play each year, social enterprises and charities can position themselves as delivery partners that extend product lifecycles and deliver measurable community benefits.  Collaborating with businesses and public bodies may help scale your involvement and offer secure stable revenue streams.