Laptops, tablets and smartphones e-waste-neutral – a real possibility

The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate concluded a framework agreement for circular ICT hardware. The entire national government can now procure entirely e-waste-neutral. 

Structure and outcome of the tender 

The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate pooled the request from all government departments and contracted the project (European public tender). Key pillars: 

• A longer service life

• High-quality recycling

After the tender, the Ministry concluded a framework agreement by cluster of product groups. The Ministry partnered with multi-brand suppliers (re-sellers) – this has the benefit of allowing the supplier to offer an alternative from stock if a specific product is unavailable. In contracting the re-sellers, the Ministry awarded 50 per cent based on quality (of which 90 per cent based on sustainability). 

Impact of the project

The contract was awarded in July 2021. The result? All new government laptops, tablets and smartphones are now e-waste-neutral (TCO Certified E-waste Compensated). 13,527 devices in 2021. This means:

• 4,400 kg less e-waste
• 46,000 kg less CO2
• Recycled raw materials:
  Gold: 1.5 kg
  Copper: 5700 kg
  Silver: 15.5 kg
• Palladium: 0.6 kg 

These three factors made this project a success

1. Government-wide procurement with a framework contract
   By procuring ICT with a framework contract across government, the Ministry can monitor the sustainability of large quantities of purchased ICT hardware.

2. Determining ambitions with market exploration and consultation
   The Ministry started by organising a 1-to-1 market exploration. This allowed it to define its ambitions together with various market parties. These were then tested in a formal market consultation. 

3. Translating ambitions into concrete and measurable requirements
   The Ministry translated ambitions into concrete and measurable requirements. That way, the Ministry can objectively assess and monitor the sustainability of the project. For hardware procurement, for example, the Ministry worked with certification based on sustainability for suppliers. 

Tips for a similar project 

1. High volume procurement? Use it as leverage.
   High demand is of interest to the market. Use this as leverage: challenge the market to agree to a high sustainability ambition.

2. Learn from one another
   Have the courage to engage with market parties on opportunities and ambitions. Show flexibility. And include market parties in your ambitions early on so that they have the space in which to respond.  

3. Unburden executive purchasers
   If you enter into a framework contract, many of the conditions will already have been established. This makes the procurement process relatively simple. At the same time, a framework contract is a good way to monitor sustainability across your organisation. 

Want to know more about this project?

• Article: Government ICT Work Environment Category Plan for Procurement 
• Video: Framework agreement for the procurement of ICT for the government 

Want to make a start yourself? 

Identify your next step with our step-by-step plan for circular procurement.