Requiring a low Environmental Cost Indicator in procurement makes circularity measurable in purchasing decisions. The Environmental Cost Indicator translates environmental effects into one comparable score, so bidders can be assessed on more than price and technical compliance. That gives room to reward products with lower material impact, longer life and better circular design.
For manufacturing and infrastructure-related products, procurement can steer the market. Buyers can ask for repairability, modularity, take-back options, reused components and lower environmental costs. This turns circular design from a voluntary ambition into a concrete selection and award criterion.