Friesland has set an ambitious goal to achieve maximal circular procurement by 2025, aiming to purchase 10% of physical products circularly, implement circular street furniture, and transition to non-fossil fuel vehicles. As part of the Circ-NSR project, this initiative focuses on developing effective governance structures for circular public procurement, fostering collaboration among regional public authorities. By demonstrating how circular procurement can be successfully implemented at a regional level, Friesland is positioning itself as a leader in circular business practices within the North Sea Region.

Friesland’s leadership in circular procurement through the Circ-NSR project showcases the potential of regional governance to drive sustainable transformation. By embedding circular principles into public purchasing, the initiative not only reduces environmental impacts but also supports the broader transition towards a resilient circular economy.

Public procurement has traditionally prioritised cost-efficiency over sustainability, leading to continued reliance on linear economic models. As governments and organisations seek to reduce environmental impacts, the challenge lies in embedding circular principles into procurement processes, ensuring that purchases align with circular economy objectives. Key barriers include the lack of standardised governance structures, limited collaboration between public entities, and the need for scalable circular procurement models that can be implemented across multiple sectors.

The Circ-NSR project is addressing these challenges by facilitating the transition to circular procurement through structured governance models and regional collaboration. Friesland has committed to embedding circular principles into public procurement by prioritising circular materials, integrating sustainability criteria into tenders, and supporting the adoption of circular business models. The initiative focuses on three key areas: increasing circular product procurement to 10% of all physical purchases, incorporating circularity in public infrastructure such as street furniture, and replacing traditional vehicles with non-fossil fuel alternatives. By working closely with other regional authorities in the North Sea Region, Friesland is ensuring knowledge exchange and the development of transferable mechanisms that can be scaled across different sectors and municipalities.

The Circ-NSR project aims to strengthen Friesland’s position as a frontrunner in circular procurement, with the ambition of creating a model that can be replicated in other regions. By integrating circular procurement principles, Friesland seeks to reduce its environmental footprint, particularly through lower CO₂ emissions and reduced material waste. The initiative aspires to foster stronger collaboration among public authorities, with the goal of enhancing governance frameworks that support long-term circular economy objectives.

Furthermore, by prioritising circular procurement, the project hopes to incentivise businesses to develop and supply more circular products, thereby stimulating growth in the regional circular economy.

This initiative is part of a broader effort within the North Sea Region to establish effective circular governance mechanisms and upscale circular solutions. Friesland’s commitment to circular procurement demonstrates how public sector leadership can drive systemic change, influencing market dynamics and supporting the transition towards a greener economy.