The database is set up jointly by The Center of Expertise Biobased Economy, Circular Biobased Delta and Performis, publisher of Agro&Chemistry. The Dutch provinces of Zeeland, Overijssel, Brabant and Noord-Holland support the initiative.
Sustainable procurement policy
National, regional and local governments together purchase more than all other organizations in the Netherlands combined. Based on the objectives that central government has with regard to socially responsible procurement, the procurement policy of these governments must be greatly improved in the short term. In practice, this is not always as easy as it sounds. According to the four initiating provinces, the availability of an independent database in which the range of recognized sustainable, biobased products with their characteristics can be found will help.
The new database will answer many questions from buyers. When is a product biobased? What is it made of? What offer is there in the specific purchasing categories? How much more sustainable are these products than their fossil alternatives? How can I compare different products and materials on sustainability characteristics?
Up to date and reliable
In the past there have been other projects and initiatives that aimed at offering an overview for buyers, but the resulting databases did not suffice for various reasons. The new partners aim for a better and more sustainable result. A management and revenue model is now being sought to ensure that the database remains up to date and reliable in the long term.
The range of materials and products must be also be of sufficient quantity and quality. That is why an independent Editorial Board is being set up, in which experts from Dutch universities of applied sciences and NEN are represented, together with content experts per product category. They ensure that the information in the database is clear and recognizable, and complies with international definitions and standards.
In addition to the actual database, a digital environment will be set up where buyers can find background information about, for example, developments in biobased applications and the process of sustainable procurement. To this end, there is collaboration with the PIANOo Procurement Expertise Center.
Launch
Until the summer of this year, the parties will work on the technical development of the medium and functionalities will be set up in consultation with buyers and producers. The launch will take place after the summer.
All Dutch producers of biobased materials and products are invited to have their offer included in the database.
Image: Olivier Le Moal/Shutterstock
