Public procurement is an effective way to promote the circular economy and increase the use of bio-based side and waste streams. By making sustainable choices, municipalities can boost the use of biogas and recycled fertilizers, bringing significant environmental benefits. These include reduced emissions, less dependence on virgin raw materials and energy sources, and more local biomass-based solutions. Such measures also support regional self-sufficiency and strengthen local economies.
One key approach is to prioritize biogas in municipal operations. Fos instance, this can include, incorporating biogas-powered vehicles into public transport procurement requirements. Tax incentives and other measures can further encourage the wider adoption of biogas, and developing the distribution network strengthens its usability.
Procurement can also encourage the use of bio-based raw materials and recycled fertilizers in the management of municipally owned green areas, agricultural land, and forests. Municipalities can integrate these criteria into their procurement processes and strategic plans. Private companies can also consider them in their own purchasing decisions and sustainability strategies.
Examples of municipal biogas production
City of Nokia & Verte Oy
The City of Nokia has promoted biogas use as part of the development of the ECO3 Circular Economy Center. ECO3 is an industrial-scale competence center for bio- and circular economy solutions, where new solutions are piloted and developed.
The area is home to the biogas plant operated by Pirkanmaa Waste Management, which started operations in 2023. Biowaste of 17 municipalities as well as sewage sludge of the city of Nokia are processed in the facility.
In addition, the City of Nokia has invested in biogas transport by purchasing environmentally friendly gas vehicles as part of the municipal fleet. In 2018, the city procured 26 gas-powered passenger cars and one truck. This procurement was aligned with Nokia’s strategy, which emphasizes the adoption of sustainable and ecological solutions. Using biogas reduces emissions and supports the local circular economy, energy production, and the utilization of side and waste streams.
Municipality of Vieremä
The Municipality of Vieremä has taken significant steps to promote biogas. A raw biogas line and a biogas terminal are under development, enabling the use and distribution of biogas produced by local farms.
The municipality uses biogas in its own operations, and additionally, a large industrial operator in the area, Ponsse Oyj, also uses biogas in its production. Together, these create a significant and stable demand base for biogas. This cooperation supports local agriculture and technology industries while keeping energy production revenue within the region.
Support for public actors – procurement guide coming soon
As part of the TREASoURcE project, a procurement guide for public tenders is being developed. It will provide practical instructions and examples for using bio-based side streams and recycled fertilizers in procurement. The guide, in English, will be published in spring 2026 and will include procurement criteria and guidance on market dialogue.
The procurement guide will be available on the project website: Publications – TREASoURcE.
📢 Marketplace also for public actors
KiertoaSuomesta.fi offers a platform where, in addition to primary producers and industry representatives, public actors can trade bio-based materials. Through the marketplace, it is possible to offer produced side streams for sale or acquire side streams, for example, for use as fertilizers. The service operates in Finland.