The initial assessment revealed a significant gap between private companies and public administrations.
Businesses showed a higher propensity to adopt circularity practices, with 36% systematically incorporating such measures into their processes, while only 22% of public administrations systematically include circularity criteria in calls for tender.
In addition, 30% of public administrations said they had never introduced circularity criteria, a figure that is more than double the 14% of companies that have not implemented any circular practices. This gap clearly highlights the need for greater efforts to match public sector demand with private sector supply in the transition to circularity.
Barriers such as administrative inefficiencies, financial constraints and limited knowledge of circular procurement emerged as critical challenges.
However, drivers such as economic benefits, procedural clarity and early engagement offer opportunities for both sectors to make progress. Businesses can use these drivers to innovate and streamline their processes, while public administrations can increase participation through clearer tender documents, capacity building programmes and flexible procurement frameworks.
Collaboration between public administrations and businesses is essential to bridge these gaps. Raising awareness, promoting cross-innovation and leveraging public-private partnerships can create a dynamic ecosystem where organisational learning and adaptation are prioritised. Joint efforts to build capacity and knowledge, coupled with the alignment of #circular criteria in demand and supply, will be key enablers for accelerating the transition to a sustainable circular economy.
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