Public procurement represents a significant share of public spending — and has the potential to do much more than simply buy goods and services. Used strategically, procurement can help shift markets, encourage more sustainable production and consumption, and accelerate the transition towards a circular economy.

But putting circular public procurement into practice is not always straightforward. How can procurers navigate legal requirements, organisational constraints, market conditions and competing priorities? Which strategies and tools can help? And what can we learn from organisations that are already putting circular procurement into practice? In this course, procurement in relation to the principles of the circular economy are discussed in light of the practical realities of public procurement. Drawing on research, legal frameworks, tools, best practices and hands-on experiences — particularly from Sweden and Europe — the course explores both the barriers to circular procurement and ways to overcome them. The course is structured around five modules: Module 1 – Circular Economy and Public Procurement The course begins by introducing the principles of the circular economy and exploring how public procurement can influence production and consumption patterns. The module invites learners to rethink conventional, linear procurement logic and consider the role of procurement professionals as potential change agents in the transition towards more circular systems. Module 2 – The Legal Context What does European public procurement law mean for circularity? This module explores the foundations of EU procurement law and its growing connection with sustainability and circular economy ambitions. It also looks at relevant European and national policies, initiatives and tools, and considers how legal frameworks can support — rather than hinder — circular procurement. Module 3 – Strategies for Circular Public Procurement in Practice Moving from principles to practice, this module explores how circularity can be integrated throughout the procurement process, from planning and tendering to implementation and evaluation. Learners are introduced to practical tools including Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) and Environmental Spend Analysis (ESA), as well as approaches for setting circular requirements and engaging with suppliers and other stakeholders. Module 4 – Product-Specific Cases Circularity looks different depending on what is being procured. Through cases from areas such as construction, transport, IT, food, furniture and textiles, this module explores the specific challenges and opportunities associated with different product categories. Real-world examples from Sweden provide insights into how practitioners are experimenting with new approaches and overcoming barriers. Module 5 – Reflections and the Way Forward Module 5 – Wrap up and assignment The final module takes a critical look at the potential — and limitations — of circular public procurement. It explores what can be learned from existing cases, why successful approaches need to be adapted to local contexts, and how emerging developments such as Digital Product Passports and new EU policy initiatives may shape the future of circular procurement. Learners are also encouraged to reflect on how they can apply the course's tools and strategies in their own procurement contexts. The course has been developed by Lund University/International Institute for Industrial Environmental Economics (IIIEE), IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute and Linköping University.