Sustainable Procurement in the Construction Company: Paper, Packaging, and Standards

by Wiepa Team on Jul 09, 2026

Sustainable Procurement in Construction Companies

Gradually select paper, packaging, hygiene products, and recurring consumables in a more economical and resource-efficient way.

In Short

Sustainable procurement doesn't start with replacing every single item. The biggest practical levers often lie in frequently used products, clear standards, recycled materials, durable solutions, appropriate packaging sizes, and bundled orders.

Where to Start?

Product Group Possible Approach Check
Paper Recycled paper and reduced misprints Print suitability, archiving needs, eco-labels
Packaging appropriate sizes, reuse, less void fill Product protection and shipping profile
Stationery refillable and durable products Usage, refills, availability
Hygiene dispensing systems, recycled paper, concentrates Suitability, safety, and dispenser compatibility

Life Cycle Instead of Unit Price

A cheap item might need more frequent replacement, create more packaging, or lead to higher consumption. Therefore, it makes sense to look at service life, consumption quantity, repairability, refilling, transport, and disposal. For consumables, dosage and packaging unit also count.

Implementation in Six Steps

  1. Identify high-consumption items and order frequency.
  2. Define requirements and exclusion criteria.
  3. Check recognized eco-labels and product data.
  4. Test alternatives in one area first.
  5. Compare consumption, quality, and acceptance.
  6. Incorporate suitable items into the core assortment.

More on this: Standardizing Packaging Material in the Company.

Common mistake: A product is chosen solely based on a green advertising claim. Verifiable criteria, eco-labels, and documented product properties are better.

FAQ

Is recycled paper suitable for project documents?

Many modern recycled papers are suitable for typical office applications. Printer suitability, desired appearance, and special archiving requirements should be checked.

What are the benefits of eco-labels?

They make defined criteria more verifiable and facilitate pre-selection compared to general advertising claims.

Are bulk packages automatically more sustainable?

Only if the quantity is actually consumed and stored properly.

How can transport be reduced?

Through bundled orders, coordinated delivery dates, and fewer spontaneous individual orders.

How is acceptance ensured?

Through practical tests, user involvement, and transparent reasons for new standards.

Sources

German Environment Agency, Blue Angel and EU Ecolabel.

Develop More Sustainable Standards

Wiepa helps construction companies to review common consumables and integrate practical alternatives into their core assortment.

Sustainable Procurement

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