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Circular Impact Procurement Initiative (CIPI)
The Circular Impact Procurement Initiative (CIPI) is a groundbreaking program by Yunus Environment Hub, funded as part of the Nachhaltig Wirken program by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action and the European Union through the European Social Fund Plus (ESF Plus). CIPI aims to transform procurement practices, empower social businesses that offer circular economy products and services, and accelerate Germany’s transition to a circular economy. By fostering impactful collaborations between social businesses and private and public sector organizations, CIPI drives circular value chains and sustainable innovations.
Vision and Goals
The goal of the initiative is to foster a dynamic and sustainable ecosystem where social businesses and private and public procurers collaborate effectively. This involves equipping procurers with the knowledge and tools to integrate circular economy solutions into their supply chains while enabling social businesses to scale their circular products and services. By establishing strong partnerships and facilitating targeted support, we aim to transform procurement processes to prioritize circularity, sustainability, and impactful innovation.
Program Benefits
For Procurers:
- Support in meeting CSRD requirements through circular supply chain activities.
- A cost-efficient, external approach to enhance sustainability and circularity levels.
- Direct contact and access to a diverse range of circular solution providers.
- Long-term capacity building for implementing circular strategies aligned with the common good.
For Social Businesses:
- Increased visibility through publications, events, and workshops (e.g., as case studies).
- Direct engagement opportunities with private and public procurers.
- Tailored one-on-one consultation sessions to achieve procurement-readiness.
- Capacity building to strengthen and scale circular solutions.
Through collaboration, education, and action, we create a future where procurement drives economic, social, and environmental progress.
Key Challenges in Procurement
Procuring organizations today face significant challenges driven by climate change, new regulations (e.g., CSRD), and heightened societal expectations. The transition to a low-carbon economy requires companies to rethink their procurement strategies to align with net-zero goals. Resource scarcity and increased supply chain risks caused by geopolitical challenges and environmental shocks lead companies to think procurement more locally and circularly. Nevertheless, finding suitable partners for such solutions remains a challenge.
Social businesses that provide circular solutions have the potential to serve as suppliers and partners to fill this gap. They are driven by social and/or ecological purpose and create innovative and sustainable solutions. What they need to grow is more visibility, acceleration support, and access to business networks.
CIPI bridges these gaps by empowering both procurers and suppliers through knowledge transfer, networking, and tailored training.
CIPI: Bridging the Gaps
CIPI tackles these challenges through the following approaches:
1. Knowledge Transfer: CIPI provides free access to research, reports, and practical tools to help stakeholders understand and implement sustainable procurement practices effectively. This includes:
- Publications analyzing procurement trends, identifying gaps, and sharing best practices.
- Toolkits designed to enhance procurement readiness.
- Real-world case studies showcasing successful partnerships in action.
2. Networking Opportunities: CIPI organizes events that foster connections between procurers and suppliers of circular solutions. This includes:
- Industry-specific networking events.
- Showcases of innovative circular solutions.
- Open forums to explore collaboration opportunities.
3. Training Programs: Tailored training modules provide participants with the expertise and tools necessary to excel in circular procurement and market readiness. This includes:
- Comprehensive learning journeys combining lectures, interactive workshops, and personalized consultations.
- On-demand advisory sessions for tailored guidance.
Get Involved
Whether you are a private or a public organization seeking to advance your sustainability efforts or a social business aiming to broaden your market reach, CIPI provides the resources, partnerships, and platform to help you achieve your goals.
Stay informed and join the circular impact procurement movement by signing up here. Be notified to discover more about our programs, upcoming events, and ways to get involved.
Images by Freepik.
