The added value of circular procurement is clear. The benefits include lower costs, more efficient supply chain management, reduced waste management, less price fluctuations and a better corporate image by contributing to the preservation of scarce resources and a future-proof economy. But how do we measure the concrete impact on people, planet and profit? And how can this contribute to a more efficient and effective circular procurement strategy?

Those were the key questions on Tuesday the 24th of July in The Utrecht Archives. The fifth Circular Economy Lab, organized by the Utrecht Sustainability Institute (USI) in collaboration with the Economic Board Utrecht (EBU), focused on circular procurement as a driver for the circular economy. The turnout was remarkable. Companies, the scientific world and circular procurement specialists were present and actively participating.

Ir. Sjors Witjes presented USI’s take on a measuring instrument, procurement strategists and service providers brought in their day-to-day experience and the audience added questions and expertise. Circular procurement is in an experimental phase. A rich track record is still to be build and questions on how to do so are plentiful. The challenge is to develop a measuring instrument that facilitates practical implementation, but that also includes all important aspects of a circular economy.

NewForesight facilitated the practical implementation of the national Green Deal Circular Procurement in Utrecht Province. Part of our mandate is to ensure the arrival of this measuring instrument. This meeting was an important step to be able to deliver a framework that serves as a first effort to quantify the actual added value of circular procurement.