This model prioritises resource efficiency, waste reduction and long-term environmental benefits. For companies engaged in tendering and bidding, integrating circular principles can offer a competitive advantage and position them as leaders in sustainable service delivery.

What is the circular economy?

The circular economy moves away from the traditional linear model of ‘take, make, dispose’ and instead focuses on designing out waste, keeping products and materials in use and regenerating natural systems. In the cleaning sector, this means reducing reliance on single-use plastics and investing in reusable or biodegradable materials while adopting practices that extend the lifecycle of equipment and consumables.

Rubbermaid Commercial Products sustainability manager Adriana Olaya Rodriguez says prioritising eco-design and circular economy principles – such as the reducing resources and materials use, transportation and shipping optimisation and controlling packaging inefficiencies – will most likely reduce production costs, allowing businesses to put products in the market with stronger sustainable attributes and competitive pricing.

“On the other hand,” she says, “for long-lasting products, such as our durable bins and carts, the objective is to keep the product functional for as long as possible to keep the materials in the functional loop.”

How circular principles impact tendering and bidding

Sustainability has become a key criterion in procurement decisions, with many organisations seeking suppliers that align with their environmental goals. When preparing tenders, cleaning companies must demonstrate their commitment to circular economy principles through:

• Product selection – Using environmentally friendly chemicals, refillable dispensers and recyclable packaging.
• Waste reduction – Implementing closed-loop systems to minimise waste and promote recycling.
• Energy efficiency – Investing in equipment that reduces water and energy consumption.
• Lifecycle assessments – Highlighting efforts to extend product and equipment longevity through maintenance and refurbishment.
• Training and awareness – Educating staff and clients on best practices for sustainable cleaning.

Enhancing cost-effectiveness and value

Adopting circular economy practices increases a company’s chances of meeting environmental targets, leading to financial benefits from reduced costs, lower waste disposal fees, improved efficiency and extended product lifespans, but it does take some effort. “Organisations face several challenges when transitioning to a circular economy model,” Olaya Rodriguez says. “These include a lack of robust circular infrastructure, such as recycling facilities and efficient waste management systems, hindering the effective reuse and repurposing of materials when willing to design for recyclability.”

Another challenge Olaya Rodriquez highlights is the scalability of circular solutions. As proven today, many innovative and frontrunner circular solutions operate in very small scales, she says, and scalability requires big investment from the private and public sector, collaboration across many stakeholders and changes on public policies and current sustainability methodologies and frameworks. 

She notes that overcoming these challenges requires collaboration between industry players, policymakers and researchers to invest in developing and expanding circular infrastructure, promoting innovation in scalable circular solutions and incentivising the production and widespread availability of affordable alternative materials.

Standing out in a competitive market

With sustainability becoming a non-negotiable in procurement, cleaning companies that fail to embrace the circular economy risk losing business to more forward-thinking competitors. Tender documents should clearly articulate the environmental and economic advantages of circular practices, backed by measurable data and case studies where possible.

Freudenberg home and cleaning solutions marketing director Lorenzo Tadeo says challenges are internal and external to the organisations. “I think the biggest challenge is to have the right mind-set and culture. There are lots of investments that need to be made to produce in a sustainable way, and these can be costly,” he says. “Companies need to be strongly committed and set minimal criteria to follow.”

By embedding circular economy principles into tendering and bidding strategies, cleaning companies can win contracts and contribute to a greener, more responsible industry. The shift towards sustainability is no longer an option – it is an expectation, and those who adapt will be best placed for long-term success towards sustainability.