Circular economy platforms under construction
Introduction
Circular procurement is a public or private procurement strategy aimed at supporting the transition to a circular economy. Unlike traditional procurement models, which prioritize the lowest initial cost, circular purchasing seeks to generate long-term environmental, social and economic benefits by incorporating circular principles throughout the life cycle of products and services.[1].
Beginning
Circular purchasing is based on several key principles:[2].
Differences with traditional hiring
In the conventional approach, purchasing decisions are usually based primarily on initial cost and functionality. In contrast, circular purchasing incorporates additional criteria that allow evaluating the impact throughout the entire product life cycle. These include total cost of ownership (TCO), environmental impact and carbon footprint, as well as the potential for reuse, recycling or remanufacturing. Likewise, innovation in sustainable business models is considered, which seeks to align procurement decisions with circular economy practices and sustainability objectives[1].
Applications
Circular purchasing can be applied in different sectors of the economy. In the technological field, it includes the acquisition of electronic equipment designed to facilitate its updating or recycling. In construction, it is reflected in the use of reusable materials and the modular design of infrastructure projects. In the textile sector, it can cover the purchase of uniforms made with recycled fibers and with return systems at the end of their useful life. In terms of mobility, it manifests itself in shared transportation schemes or in the use of fleets of electric vehicles under leasing modalities[1].
Digital tools in circular purchasing
The use of technological platforms is gaining relevance in purchasing management with a circular approach. These tools make it possible to automate processes, facilitate the traceability of materials and apply sustainability criteria systematically throughout the acquisition cycle.[2].