Circular Public Procurement in the Netherlands: An Empirical Assessment of Its Environmental and Economic Implications

Abstract

This research aims to examine how circular public procurement acts as a strategic tool to help the shift towards a circular economy, concentrating on the Netherlands experience as a top example in embracing sustainable practices, encouraging innovation, and reaching a balance among economic, social, and environmental factors. It also reviews the most important circular economy practices in the Netherlands by analyzing the mechanisms adopted to integrate circularity criteria into public policies.

The study adopted a descriptive analytical approach, through a literature review, with a focus on the Netherlands case as a reference experience. Public procurement policies and mechanisms for integrating sustainability criteria, such as life cycle assessment, and criteria for reuse and recycling within public contracts, were analyzed. The results of the analysis showed that the Netherlands experience is based on an integrated institutional framework and effective coordination among stakeholders, which enabled the market to be guided towards circular production models. It also demonstrated that circular public procurement contributes to waste reduction, improved resource efficiency, and stimulates innovation and the creation of new economic opportunities.