A guidance on bio-based in procurement

This guidance on bio-based products in procurement supports the broader objectives of the relevant European Policy Framework, for example:

The Circular Economy Package (adopted on 2 December 2015) aims to stimulate Europe’s transition towards a circular economy. As per the press release about the adopting of the package, the proposed actions of the Circular Economy Package will ‘contribute to ‘closing the loop’ of product lifecycles through greater recycling and re-use, and bring benefits for both the environment and the economy. The plans will extract the maximum value and use from all raw materials, products and waste, fostering energy savings and reducing Green House Gas emissions.’ The responsible uptake of bio-based products in procurement is expected to contribute to improved resource efficiency and the use of raw materials which in many instances is still considered a waste stream.

The Bioeconomy Strategy (adopted on 13 February 2012), addresses the production of renewable biological resources and their conversion into vital products and bio-energy. One of the purposes of the Strategy is to ensure that fossil fuels are replaced with sustainable natural alternatives as part of the shift to a post-petroleum society.

Innovation procurement. By innovation procurement procurers can drive innovation in the bio-based economy from the demand side. In January 2014, the EU adopted new public procurement directives. These new directives open up a number of opportunities for innovation procurement. Innovation procurement combined with to the use of the appropriate criteria based on capabilities of such bio-based products and building upon available European standardisation documents, can help foster market uptake of innovative bio-based products and services.

Download the guidance document 

More info on ec.europa.eu