The Circular Economy Show Podcast What's tech got to do with it? | Conversations from Climate Week New York
Nov 11, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Jen Huffstetler, Chief Sustainability Officer at HP, Jim Sullivan, Head of Product Management at SAP, and Vrushali Gaud, Global Director of Strategy and Operations for Net Zero at Google, explore the intersection of technology and circular economy strategies. They reveal how AI can enhance circular design and product lifecycle management. The trio also addresses the shift from bolt-on to bolt-in circular systems, the importance of actionable data, and the essential role of collaboration in overcoming challenges.
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Episode notes
AI Forces Circular Strategy
- AI is changing how companies operate and creates large electricity and infrastructure demand that must be managed with circular strategies.
- Edge AI and embedding compute on devices can cut energy use and shift impacts off data centers.
Pixel Phones With High Recycled Content
- Google embeds recycled content into Pixel phones, achieving roughly 30–40% recycled content and fully recycled aluminum in parts.
- That required lifecycle thinking and significant design and supply-chain effort.
RecycleNearMe On Google Maps
- Google built RecycleNearMe into Maps to surface local recycling options and encourage consumer action.
- The feature is small but intended to create signals that justify larger investments.