Circular economy: decree on sustainable public procurement

byInès Ferrari/29/02/2024 14:07

Corporate Event Banner in Red White Chic Photocentric Frames Style

Decree no. 2024-134 , published on February 21, 2024, represents a milestone in the greening of public procurement in France. This article takes an in-depth look at the decree’s provisions, its implications and its challenges for the transition to a circular economy.

The regulatory context

The implementation of a sustainable procurement policy in public purchasing stems from the need to promote sustainable development, the circular economy and reduce the ecological footprint of government activities. Law no. 2020-105 of February 10, 2020 on the fight against waste and the circular economy established obligations for contracting authorities and contracting entities to acquire goods from reuse, re-use or incorporating recycled materials.

The main provisions of the decree

The decree repeals the previous decree no. 2021-254 of March 9, 2021, and introduces a number of significant changes to public procurement obligations. It broadens the scope of sustainable procurement, allowing goods to be acquired not only through public procurement contracts, but also through donations. In addition, it sets out a multi-year progression of procurement percentages, encouraging a gradual increase in the use of goods from the circular economy up to 2030.

Product categories and acquisition percentages

The decree establishes a list of product categories for which minimum purchase percentages are set for the years 2024, 2027 and 2030. These percentages are expressed as a function of the annual amount, excluding taxes, spent on the purchase of each product category over the course of a calendar year. Public bodies are required to declare their share of annual expenditure on public procurement contracts and the value of donations acquired for these product categories.

Here are the different product categories:

Computer and telephone equipment

Reprographic and printing equipment

Printing consumables

Paper

Office supplies

Transport equipment and spare parts

Vehicles and spare parts

Furniture and interior design

Street furniture

Waste collection equipment

Jars and bottles

Sporting goods and equipment

Maintenance equipment for green spaces

Modular or prefabricated buildings

Major household appliances, including professional appliances

Games and toys

Gradual adaptation and a commitment to transparency

The decree aims to ensure a gradual adaptation of public sector procurement practices to sustainability requirements. By introducing sustainable procurement targets with a multi-year progression, it recognizes the need for a gradual transition to a circular economy. In addition, by requiring the declaration of annual expenditure and the valuation of donations for specified product categories, the decree reinforces transparency and accountability in public purchasing.

Exemption from the ban on single-use plastic products

The decree also introduces a new provision allowing exemptions from the state ban on the acquisition of single-use plastic products in certain specific health and safety situations.

In conclusion, Decree no. 2024-134 represents a significant step forward in the promotion of sustainable procurement in public purchasing in France. By setting concrete targets for the acquisition of goods derived from reuse or incorporating recycled materials, while allowing for gradual adaptation up to 2030, it marks an important step towards building a sustainable circular economy.

However, it is important to ensure that this decree is properly implemented and monitored. Coordination between the various stakeholders, transparency in procurement practices and regular evaluation of the impact of sustainable procurement policies are essential to ensure the success of this transition.

Although challenges remain, Decree no. 2024-134 represents a positive step towards more sustainable and responsible public purchasing, helping to build a more sustainable future, as well as “setting a good example” for consumers.

Circular economy: decree on sustainable public procurement

The regulatory context

The main provisions of the decree

Product categories and acquisition percentages

Gradual adaptation and a commitment to transparency

Exemption from the ban on single-use plastic products

J’aime Les Startups is talking about us!

Sustainable transformation panel

WE DEMAIN talks about CircularPlace and its fundraising campaign

Parliamentary report: the transition to reuse

It’s World Environment Day!

World Environment Day

Circular economy: decree on sustainable public procurement

The regulatory context

The main provisions of the decree

Product categories and acquisition percentages

Gradual adaptation and a commitment to transparency

Exemption from the ban on single-use plastic products

Share this post