Procuring recycled paper
Published on 16 March 2018
Greece
Anatoliki Makedonia, Thraki
This is the good practice's implementation level. It can be national, regional or local.
About this good practice
The municipality of Amaroussion published in 2006 a request for tenders, inviting suppliers to submit a bid to supply the municipality with recycled paper for its office needs. The contract was to be awarded to the supplier offering the most economically advantageous tender and under the following criteria:
- At least 80% of the paper’s raw material should be from recycled paper fibre
- No chlorine substances during the manufacturing process (TCF – Totally Chlorine Free)
- The level of paper brightness should be greater than 80 according to ISO 2470
- Their compatibility should be according to the DIN 19309, AFNOR Q11-012
The procurement process did not go without problems. Public authorities experienced difficulties in identifying suppliers that were able to fulfil the defined environmental criteria. The results showed that the market was not mature enough and that the price for recycled material was 25% higher.
To overcome this barrier, the municipality collaborated with 6 other Greek public entities to increase the amount of purchased paper (430 packets in total) and therefore achieve a better price. Indeed, this approach managed to reduce the price significantly, resulting in paying only 6% more for the recycled paper. The tendering procedure was successfully implemented with one supplier complying with the environmental requirements.
- At least 80% of the paper’s raw material should be from recycled paper fibre
- No chlorine substances during the manufacturing process (TCF – Totally Chlorine Free)
- The level of paper brightness should be greater than 80 according to ISO 2470
- Their compatibility should be according to the DIN 19309, AFNOR Q11-012
The procurement process did not go without problems. Public authorities experienced difficulties in identifying suppliers that were able to fulfil the defined environmental criteria. The results showed that the market was not mature enough and that the price for recycled material was 25% higher.
To overcome this barrier, the municipality collaborated with 6 other Greek public entities to increase the amount of purchased paper (430 packets in total) and therefore achieve a better price. Indeed, this approach managed to reduce the price significantly, resulting in paying only 6% more for the recycled paper. The tendering procedure was successfully implemented with one supplier complying with the environmental requirements.
Expert opinion
Although green products have reduced impacts on the environment with often less energy and raw materials consumed they are often associated with higher purchasing cost. The practice highlights how joint procurement for environmentally friendly paper organised by several municipalities could be a way of ensuring supply of green products at a lower price. Besides, the approach is an illustration of how to help creating a demand through tendering for eco-friendly paper and could serve as an inspiration for other public authorities interested to encourage the procurement of greener office materials.
Resources needed
The staff required for the tender was two committees. One led by the municipality of Amaroussion to set up the papers for the tender. And one to evaluate the submitted offers, where each public entity was represented by one person. The final cost of the tender was 1006€ (2.34€ per packet).
Evidence of success
The tendering procedure was successfully implemented with one supplier complying with the environmental requirements. The joint procurement approach was properly followed and allowed the price of the more expensive recycled paper to be closer to the price of the non-recycled paper.
Potential for learning or transfer
In our opinion, this practice has a big potential for transfer and learning. It concerns office material which is a very common need in public authorities everywhere. In addition, it showcases the advantages of joint procurement tackling the (sometimes) increased cost of environmentally friendly products.
Good practice owner
You can contact the good practice owner below for more detailed information.
Organisation
Municipality of Amaroussion
Greece
Anatoliki Makedonia, Thraki
Contact
Professor