Despite the immense potential for climate and resource protection that could be realised through the use of recycled raw materials, in Germany, the potentials of so-called Green Public Procurement (GPP) are mainly not realized as a strategic. However, in light of geopolitical crises, it is crucial to become less dependent on raw material imports from third countries. To strengthen Germany’s raw material security and increase its resilience, now is the time to change course and focus on recycled raw materials in public procurement.

Over the coming years, the public sector in Germany faces a historic opportunity to spend up to 500 billion euros from the special federal fund in future-oriented investments in infrastructure for roads, railways and schools. In the summer of 2025, the BDE made it clear in an expert opinion by the renowned law firm BBH: Green Public Procurement is already possible today – if the administration and politicians act decisively (https://www.bde.de/presse/green-public-procurement-bde-fordert-chancen-endlich-nutzen/). The City of Stuttgart’s circular economy strategy (https://www.stuttgart.de/en/leben/umwelt/klima/klimastrategie/klima-fahrplan-2035/ ) demonstrates that, with political will, GPP is achievable at a local level. Munich has also set out on this path. The panel aims to highlight the local success factors behind #justdoit.