Dutch Government Hosts Major Circular Procurement Summit as Sustainability Becomes Priority

2026-01-06 green

The Hague, Tuesday, 6 January 2026.
The Netherlands’ procurement expertise center PIANOo will host a comprehensive networking event on January 29, 2026, bringing together procurement professionals to accelerate the transition toward circular and innovative purchasing practices. Held at The Hague’s historic Remise venue, the event features specialized workshops covering innovation-driven procurement, environmental impact measurement, and sustainable digitalization strategies, reflecting the government’s growing emphasis on circular economy principles in public sector purchasing decisions.

Strategic Focus on Environmental Innovation

The January 29, 2026 networking afternoon represents a significant escalation in the Dutch government’s commitment to sustainable procurement practices [1]. The event’s comprehensive program, running from 11:30 to 17:30, features three distinct workshop rounds where participants can select specialized sessions covering innovation stimulation, circularity implementation, environmental impact measurement and reduction, sustainable civil engineering, and digital sustainability in procurement [1]. This structured approach enables procurement professionals to tailor their learning experience based on their organization’s specific sustainability challenges and strategic priorities.

Circular Economy Implementation Roadmap

The Netherlands has developed a comprehensive strategy for implementing circular economy principles across various sectors, with particular focus on solar energy systems as a model for broader circular procurement practices [4]. The “Routekaart circulaire zonnepanelen” (Roadmap Circular Solar Panels), commissioned by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy, outlines specific measures including designs that allow for repair, business models for refurbished converters, market creation for reuse, and high-quality recycling possibilities [4]. PIANOo is actively investigating the implementation of requirements such as maximum carbon dioxide footprint standards, regulations regarding toxic substances including PFAS and lead, and technical lifespan specifications in procurement tenders [4].

Broader Sustainability Integration Initiatives

Beyond the January 29 event, the Dutch procurement ecosystem features multiple complementary initiatives designed to accelerate circular economy adoption. The Acceleration Network for Circular Procurement, a collaboration between PIANOo, Rijkswaterstaat, and Nevi supported by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management, will host an online webinar on April 1, 2026, focusing on practical implementation strategies for circular procurement [2]. This webinar, featuring case studies and concrete tools based on expert knowledge, targets ambitious procurement professionals, internal clients, sustainability advisors, project leaders, and contract managers seeking to create meaningful impact through circular purchasing practices [2].

Bronnen

circular procurement innovation networking