# Tool spotlight 1: Circularity Deck
*Activity type: page*

##### Watch: Circularity Deck Approaches in Relation to Circular Procurement

Please watch the video presented by Florian van den Corput, **Senior Advisor Circular Economy.

https://youtu.be/Ozr867GNDFQ?si=V8HGuWfAcgOjPnKt
 

##### Embracing Circular Economy through Procurement

The transition to a circular economy represents one of the most significant opportunities for organisations to reduce their environmental impact while creating economic value. 

Circular procurement sits at the heart of this transition, transforming how organisations purchase goods and services to minimise waste and maximise resource efficiency. The circular procurement framework provides organisations with clear intervention points to make purchasing choices more circular, aligning with global sustainability goals while delivering strategic, financial, and social benefits.

This module introduces the Circularity Deck framework, a practical tool developed by Dr. Jan Konietzko, which has been adopted by European policy makers and tested by Sustainability Victoria for effectiveness in the Victorian context.

##### The Circularity Deck: simplifying circular action

Many circular economy frameworks exist, but most struggle with being either overly detailed or too vague to support meaningful action. 

The Circularity Deck addresses this challenge by distilling circular principles into five clear, actionable approaches that can be applied regardless of industry sector or materials involved. This simplification makes circular thinking accessible to procurement professionals, designers, and decision-makers at all levels of an organisation. The framework's strength lies in its flexibility - organisations can select and combine approaches based on their specific project requirements rather than following a rigid, one-size-fits-all methodology. The framework offers three main benefit categories: strategic benefits by managing linear risks and creating resilient organisations, financial benefits through increased recycling and reduced procurement costs, and social benefits that contribute to community wellbeing.

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##### The five Circularity Deck approaches explained

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###### Narrow

The first approach, Narrow, focuses on reducing material flowing through the system by using less material to create more value. This involves careful consideration of the volume and type of materials required, prioritising lightweight options, optimising designs for efficiency, and sourcing materials locally to minimise transport emissions. Material reduction strategies can yield significant cost savings while substantially lowering environmental impacts associated with extraction, processing, and transportation.

Procurement example:** Purchasing void formers (especially those made from recycled or non-toxic materials) to reduce the amount of concrete needed in construction. Check out an example of a void former for concrete structures href="https://www.sustainability.vic.gov.au/news/news-articles/novel-robovoid-solution-for-concrete-applications" target="_blank" rel="noopener" (https://www.sustainability.vic.gov.au/news/news-articles/novel-robovoid-solution-for-concrete-applications). 

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###### Slow

The second approach, Slow, aims to extend the lifespan of products and materials, thereby retaining their value for longer. This requires prioritising durability, designing for easy maintenance and repair, and using interchangeable standard components that can be replaced individually rather than requiring full product replacement. Extending product lifespans can dramatically reduce waste generation and lower the environmental footprint associated with manufacturing new products.

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Procurement example: **Selecting street furniture that is made from durable materials so it lasts longer, and has interchangeable parts so it can be repaired easily.  

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###### Close

The third approach, Close, involves creating closed-loop systems where materials are continuously reused and their value recovered. This encompasses designing with recycled inputs, specifying clear end-of-life management plans for recycling, and creating systems where products can be disassembled and returned to suppliers for material recovery. Closing resource loops are a fundamental strategy for reducing dependence on virgin materials and minimising waste. 

Best practice examples include innovative models like leased photocopiers and "lighting as a service” systems, which require market dialogue and engagement from suppliers ready to participate in circular business models. 

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Procurement example**: Using furniture that has recycled material content and can be reused or recycled again at end of its life. 

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###### Regenerate

The fourth approach, Regenerate, goes beyond just reducing harm by actively restoring natural systems through the use of clean, renewable materials. This involves selecting materials from sustainable sources, ensuring production processes use renewable energy, and considering how procurement decisions can contribute to local ecological health. Regenerative approaches can play a crucial role in combating climate change while supporting biodiversity conservation.

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Procurement example:** Using organic material to improve soil quality and growth of native plants

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###### Inform

The fifth approach, Inform, leverages data and digital technologies to enable and optimise circular practices. This includes building material databases, tracking product usage patterns, monitoring equipment condition through sensors, and using analytics to inform design improvements and procurement decisions.  

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Procurement example:** Using the href="https://directories.sustainability.vic.gov.au/buy-circular" target="_blank" rel="noopener" (https://directories.sustainability.vic.gov.au/buy-circular) to research and search for circular products that can be purchased for infrastructure projects  

##### Practical application: Playground equipment example

Consider a council procuring new playground equipment - a common municipal project that illustrates how the five approaches of the Circularity Deck can be applied in practice.

![A public playground swing set](../../files/mod_page/content/0/playground%20swing-2.png)

Image: A set of playground swings in a public park*

- Under the **Narrow** approach, the council would specify lightweight, efficiently designed equipment using locally sourced materials to minimise transport emissions.

- The **Slow** approach would involve selecting durable materials designed for easy maintenance, with standardised components that can be repaired or replaced individually.

- For the **Close** approach, the council would require equipment containing recycled materials and establish clear end-of-life recycling protocols, possibly including take-back arrangements with suppliers.

- The **Regenerate** approach would guide the selection of renewable materials like sustainably harvested timber or local compost for the flower bed, while prioritising suppliers using renewable energy in their operations.

- Finally, the **Inform** approach could involve using or creating a material database for the playground, understanding peak times and wear patterns, and tracking maintenance data to inform future procurement decisions.

This hypothetical example demonstrates how the five approaches each offer a different pathway to achieve more circular outcomes. There is no hierarchy in this framework; one approach isn’t more circular than the others. Instead, one approach might suit your procurement requirements better, or might simply make more sense for your context. Multiple approaches can also be combined to work together, allowing for flexibility based on your resourcing, appetite and ambitions.

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##### The future of circular procurement

As organisations face increasing pressure to demonstrate environmental responsibility and resource efficiency, circular frameworks like the Circularity Deck provide systematic approaches for incorporating sustainability into decision-making processes. Achieving more circular outcomes helps mitigate linear risks such as supply chain disruptions, resource scarcity, and increasingly stringent regulations. Circularity also helps improve operational and resource efficiency, enabling higher levels of value retention. And finally, the adoption of circular strategies helps improve stakeholder confidence, attract new environmentally-conscious customers, and meeting sustainability targets.  
 
The flexibility to mix and match approaches based on specific project needs makes the five approaches from the Circularity Deck framework adaptable to various contexts, from small purchases to major infrastructure projects. By embracing these principles, organisations can transform their procurement practices to support both environmental sustainability and economic resilience, creating value that extends far beyond the immediate transaction.  
 
The strategic importance of circular procurement continues to grow as organisations recognise the interconnected benefits of reduced environmental impact, improved resource efficiency, and enhanced community wellbeing.
