Flevy Management Insights Q&A
How is the concept of circular economy influencing supplier selection and negotiation practices?


This article provides a detailed response to: How is the concept of circular economy influencing supplier selection and negotiation practices? For a comprehensive understanding of Supplier Negotiations, we also include relevant case studies for further reading and links to Supplier Negotiations best practice resources.

TLDR The shift towards a Circular Economy is significantly transforming Supplier Selection and Negotiation practices to prioritize sustainability, transparency, and long-term partnerships focused on mutual circular objectives and innovation.

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Before we begin, let's review some important management concepts, as they related to this question.

What does Circular Economy Principles mean?
What does Sustainability in Supply Chain Management mean?
What does Collaborative Negotiation Practices mean?


The concept of circular economy is profoundly reshaping the landscape of supplier selection and negotiation practices. As organizations pivot towards sustainability and environmental stewardship, the traditional linear model of "take-make-dispose" is being challenged and replaced with circular strategies that emphasize the reuse, repair, refurbishment, and recycling of materials and products. This shift is not merely a trend but a strategic imperative that influences every aspect of supply chain management, including the criteria and processes organizations use to select and negotiate with suppliers.

Impact on Supplier Selection Criteria

The integration of circular economy principles into supplier selection criteria marks a significant departure from conventional cost, quality, and delivery time considerations. Organizations are now evaluating suppliers based on their ability to contribute to circular objectives, such as waste reduction, resource efficiency, and the use of recycled or recyclable materials. This requires suppliers to demonstrate not only their operational capabilities but also their commitment to sustainability practices and innovation in circular solutions. For instance, a report by McKinsey & Company highlights the growing importance of sustainability in supply chain resilience, suggesting that companies are increasingly prioritizing suppliers with strong governance target=_blank>environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance.

Moreover, the assessment of suppliers' lifecycle management capabilities has become critical. Organizations are seeking partners that can provide detailed insights into the environmental impact of their materials and processes throughout the product lifecycle. This includes the ability to track and reduce carbon footprints, water usage, and waste generation. As a result, suppliers are compelled to adopt more sustainable practices and technologies, such as renewable energy sources and material innovation, to meet the evolving criteria of their buyers.

Additionally, transparency and traceability have emerged as key factors in supplier selection. Organizations are demanding greater visibility into their suppliers' supply chains to ensure compliance with circular economy principles. This includes the use of digital tools and platforms that enable real-time tracking of materials and products, facilitating the recovery and reuse of resources. Suppliers that can provide this level of transparency are more likely to be selected, as they help organizations mitigate risks and ensure the integrity of their circular supply chains.

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Changes in Negotiation Practices

Negotiation practices between organizations and suppliers are also evolving in response to the circular economy. Traditional negotiations often centered on price, delivery schedules, and minimum order quantities. However, as circular principles gain prominence, the focus has shifted towards long-term partnerships that support mutual growth and sustainability goals. For example, organizations are negotiating agreements that include commitments to continuous improvement in sustainability metrics, joint investment in circular economy projects, and shared savings from efficiency gains.

Performance-based contracts are becoming more common, where suppliers are rewarded based on their contribution to an organization's circular economy goals, such as reducing waste or increasing the use of recycled materials. These contracts encourage suppliers to innovate and invest in circular practices, aligning their objectives with those of the buying organization. Furthermore, organizations are leveraging negotiations to encourage suppliers to adopt standardized materials and components, which facilitates easier repair, refurbishment, and recycling at the end of the product's life.

The negotiation process itself is increasingly collaborative, with organizations and suppliers working together to identify opportunities for circular economy initiatives. This might involve joint efforts to redesign products for modularity, durability, and ease of disassembly, or to develop new business models such as product-as-a-service, which shifts the focus from ownership to usage. By fostering a spirit of cooperation, organizations and suppliers can unlock innovative solutions that benefit both parties and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Real-World Examples

Several leading organizations are exemplifying how circular economy principles can be integrated into supplier selection and negotiation practices. For instance, Philips has committed to becoming a circular company and is actively engaging its suppliers to achieve this goal. The company's supplier sustainability program includes criteria for sustainable operations and product design, and Philips works closely with suppliers to improve their environmental performance.

Similarly, IKEA is working towards 100% circular and renewable materials by 2030. The furniture giant is selecting suppliers based on their ability to provide sustainably sourced materials and is collaborating with them to develop new materials and circular production methods. IKEA's negotiations with suppliers increasingly focus on long-term partnerships and joint sustainability initiatives, demonstrating a commitment to embedding circular economy principles throughout its supply chain.

In conclusion, the shift towards a circular economy is significantly influencing supplier selection and negotiation practices. Organizations are adopting more holistic and sustainable criteria for selecting suppliers and are fostering collaborative partnerships to achieve circular objectives. By doing so, they not only contribute to environmental sustainability but also build more resilient and innovative supply chains. As this trend continues to evolve, it will undoubtedly shape the future of global supply chain management.

Best Practices in Supplier Negotiations

Here are best practices relevant to Supplier Negotiations from the Flevy Marketplace. View all our Supplier Negotiations materials here.

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Explore all of our best practices in: Supplier Negotiations

Supplier Negotiations Case Studies

For a practical understanding of Supplier Negotiations, take a look at these case studies.

Operational Efficiency Strategy for Boutique Hotel Chain in Hospitality

Scenario: A boutique hotel chain, renowned for its unique customer experiences and premium service, is facing challenges with supplier negotiations, leading to increased operational costs and reduced margins.

Read Full Case Study

Supply Chain Optimization Strategy for a Logistics Firm in North America

Scenario: A leading logistics company in North America, specializing in freight and supply chain solutions, is facing strategic challenges in optimizing its procurement negotiations.

Read Full Case Study

Strategic Supplier Negotiation for Cosmetics Industry Leader

Scenario: A firm in the cosmetics industry is grappling with margin compression, attributed to suboptimal supplier negotiation tactics and rising raw material costs.

Read Full Case Study

Strategic Procurement Negotiation for Biotech Firm in Life Sciences

Scenario: A biotech firm in the life sciences sector is grappling with the complexities of Procurement Negotiations amidst rapid technological advancements and regulatory changes.

Read Full Case Study

Strategic Procurement Negotiation for Global Oil & Gas Distributor

Scenario: A leading Oil & Gas distribution company, operating internationally, faces challenges in Procurement Negotiations due to volatile market prices and complex supplier relationships.

Read Full Case Study

Strategic Procurement Negotiation for Ecommerce

Scenario: The organization is a rapidly growing ecommerce platform that specializes in direct-to-consumer sales.

Read Full Case Study

Explore all Flevy Management Case Studies

Related Questions

Here are our additional questions you may be interested in.

What impact does blockchain technology have on transparency and trust in supplier negotiations?
Blockchain technology enhances Transparency and Trust in supplier negotiations by ensuring secure, transparent, and immutable transactions, leading to greater efficiency and stronger relationships. [Read full explanation]
What impact are sustainability and corporate social responsibility initiatives having on procurement negotiations?
Sustainability and CSR Initiatives are transforming Procurement Strategies by influencing Supplier Selection, Contract Terms, and driving Innovation for Competitive Advantage. [Read full explanation]
How can executives ensure alignment between procurement strategies and overall business goals?
Executives can drive Operational Excellence and Competitive Advantage by aligning Procurement Strategies with Business Goals through Strategic Planning, Digital Transformation, and building Strategic Supplier Relationships. [Read full explanation]
In what ways can executives leverage data analytics for more effective procurement negotiations?
Executives can use Data Analytics for effective procurement negotiations by enabling Strategic Sourcing, Spend Analysis, Risk Management, Supplier Performance Management, and leveraging Advanced Analytics and Predictive Modeling for cost savings, risk mitigation, and securing future-proof contracts. [Read full explanation]
How can executives use emotional intelligence to improve outcomes in procurement negotiations?
Executives can leverage Emotional Intelligence in procurement negotiations by understanding and managing emotions to improve negotiation tactics, build supplier relationships, and make strategic decisions, leading to better organizational outcomes. [Read full explanation]
What are the key considerations for integrating ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) criteria into procurement negotiation processes?
Integrating ESG criteria into procurement negotiations involves understanding ESG's relevance, developing specific selection and evaluation criteria, and embedding these into negotiations and contracts to improve sustainability and supply chain management. [Read full explanation]

Source: Executive Q&A: Supplier Negotiations Questions, Flevy Management Insights, 2024


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