Sustainable Public Procurement
Public procurement accounts for approximately 12% of GDP in OECD countries, making it a powerful tool to promote fair and sustainable consumption and production patterns, as highlighted in SDG 12 (Target 12.7). Fair public procurement enables public authorities to drive demand for fair products while fostering cultural, organisational, and systemic changes within their institutions and the broader market. It is increasingly recognised as a strategic instrument for creating sustainable and innovative markets and aligning procurement efforts with social and environmental goals.
In December 2024, the European Commission launched a call for evidence and a public consultation on the performance of Public Procurement Directives 2014/23/EU, 2014/24/EU, and 2014/25/EU. The FTAO will contribute to this process, advocating for the integration of stronger Fair Trade and sustainability criteria in procurement processes to deliver real benefits for Fair Trade operators.
Our View
The Fair Trade Advocacy Office (FTAO) supports the integration of Fair Trade and sustainability criteria in procurement processes, aligning with EU policies on sustainable development, human rights, and environmental responsibility. Collaborating with Fair Trade Towns, Schools, Universities, social enterprises, and Fair Trade organisations, the FTAO works to ensure procurement practices align with EU regulations, using procurement as a strategic tool to benefit smallholders, workers, and Fair Trade enterprises while addressing barriers such as the reliance on lowest-price criteria and fostering systemic change.
The FTAO champions the inclusion of minimum mandatory sustainable food criteria, such as mandating 25% of food in public canteens from outside Europe to be fairly traded, alongside progressive Fair Trade-certified targets. It promotes a comprehensive EU social and environmental public procurement policy, encompassing ICT supply chains and circular procurement, and encourages sustainable textile practices to foster transparency and fairness. Through initiatives like the Horizon 20 SchoolFood4Change project, the FTAO ensures school meals are enjoyable, fair, and sustainable, contributing to broader EU sustainability goals.
Get in Touch
Need more information? Contact our policy expert!
Paola Plaku, Senior Policy & Project Officer
plaku@fairtrade-advocacy.orgFurther Reading
Civil society organisations call for public procurement reform to achieve sustainable development goals
International School Meals Day: A ‘Whole School Food Approach’ is needed!
Manifesto for establishing minimum standards for public canteens accross the EU
Public Policies on Fair Trade
Beyond buying: how can the circular economy principles feed sustainable public procurement policies and practices?
