Circular Procurement Policy – Nantes, France

As part of Nantes’ Responsible Purchasing Promotion Scheme (RPPS), the metropolitan council created 11 ‘Action Sheets’ for Procurement, including one on the Circular Economy. This presents a clear and simple break-down of the policy areas which the circular economy contributes to and what has been achieved to date. It also provides the strategic direction and operational targets for incorporating circular economy into procurement, and sets performance targets to be achieved by 2020. For example, by meeting operational targets supporting demonstration projects, optimising collection of small equipment and biowaste, and incorporating life-cycle assessments into procurement, Nantes aims to contribute to environmental targets at the national and local government level.

OUTCOMES

Thanks to its long term 15-year commitment to SPP, Nantes has already made improvements to its contracting in many key sectors. This includes the purchase of eco-friendly supplies (cleaning products, wood, paper, furniture, organic food, etc.) or high energy performance products (vehicles, computers etc.). Nantes has also introduced contract clauses specifically targeting lower CO2 emissions from road works, street lighting, and waste collection contracts.

For example, since 2013, within Nantes Metropolis it is no longer possible to procure non-recycled paper, except on receipts. This includes headed paper and envelopes with logos, which are made from 100% recycled paper fibres (European Ecolabel, Blue Angel or Nordic Swan certified). The measure had a fast effect: in early 2012, there was up to 13% recycled paper purchased, whilst at the end of 2013, only 1% of non-recycled paper remains. Another example is that 90% of cotton t-shirts and sweatshirts worn by governmental officials in Nantes are from organic and fair trade sources.