The Circular Economy Show Podcast

In this special episode of The Circular Economy Show, we’re sharing a conversation between Ellen MacArthur and Christiana Figueres from the climate podcast Outrage + Optimism.Christiana was Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change from 2010 to 2016, where she oversaw the delivery of the historic Paris Agreement. In this episode, the pair reflect on the outcomes of the INC-5 negotiations for a global plastics treaty, the role businesses play in addressing plastic packaging pollution, and why a global, legally-binding treaty is necessary to address this global challenge.Listen to episode 165 to find out more about why the INC-5 negotiations matter, or visit the Ellen MacArthur Foundation website.Find out more about a circular economy for plastic.Check out the Outrage + Optimism podcast.

In this discussion, guest Lei Chen, an expert from the Ellen MacArthur Foundation's China office, dives deep into the intersection of the circular economy and climate goals in China. He reveals how a comprehensive circular economy framework can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions while securing vital raw materials for renewable energy. Chen also highlights a 'triple play' approach to enhance economic resilience and sustainability. Listeners gain insights into strategic policy shifts and the importance of collaboration for impactful climate action.

At the end of this month in Busan, Korea, INC-5 will take place. For the fifth and final time, the United Nations international negotiating committee will reunite to create a legally binding global treaty that ends plastic pollution.In this episode, Marta Longhurst, the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s Global Treaty Manager, tells us what opportunities a well designed treaty could unlock to tackle the world’s plastic waste crisis.If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review or a comment on Spotify or YouTube. Your support helps us to spread the word about the circular economy. 

The circular economy can be a powerful climate mitigation strategy. But what about the other side of the climate action coin? In this episode, we explore the connection between circular economy activities and climate adaptation outcomes.If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review or a comment on Spotify or YouTube. Your support helps us to spread the word about the circular economy.

Durability is more than just a physical trait; it encompasses emotional connections, too. The discussion dives into how sustainable design can prolong product life and reduce waste. Insights on the circular fashion model using jeans illustrate the challenge of measuring durability and the role of innovative materials. In personal tech, emotional bonds play a crucial role in brand loyalty. Overall, the focus is on integrating longevity into product design to enhance circular business models and meet consumer needs.

Discover the critical distinctions between sustainability and the circular economy. Uncover the misconceptions around recycling and why it shouldn't be the sole focus. Explore the need for a transformative approach to resource management that prioritizes reuse and waste elimination. Learn about the varying interpretations of the circular economy and the call for a more integrated strategy. Finally, understand how educating society can lead to a cultural shift, making circular economy principles a part of everyday conversations.

Ever wondered what the difference is between sustainability and the circular economy? Or whether circular economy activities can help us adapt to the effects of climate change at the same time as tackling it at source? Have you ever considered what we really mean by designing for durability? In this season of the Circular Economy Show for the circular curious, we’ll be talking around the edges, peeling off some layers, and unravelling some common misconceptions around the circular economy – at both an ideological level and in implementation terms too. 

Megan Dawson-Elli is a Product Sustainability Manager at Tapestry, while Steven Bethell is the Co-founder of Bank and Vogue. They dive into their exciting partnership that birthed the Coach Soho bag, made from post-consumer denim. Listeners will discover how innovative design and collaboration led to a remarkable 95% reduction in water usage and 80% less carbon emissions compared to conventional denim. Their conversation highlights the critical role of teamwork in achieving sustainable fashion and the commercial success of circular design.

With New York Climate Week underway, this episode of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s Circular Economy Show, dives into the growing momentum of the circular economy in the US.Host Pippa Shawley is joined by Jon Smieja, Vice President of Circularity at Trellis Group and Danielle Holly, North America Lead at the Ellen MacArthur Foundation. Together, they’ll discuss the need for systemic change, the opportunities for circular business models, and how this transition can help meet climate goals. Join us as we unpack the opportunities ahead and explore how the US can lead the transition to a circular economy, creating lasting environmental and economic benefits.Do you want to learn more about the different sources mentioned in this episode? Head over to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation website to learn more about the Foundation’s Industrial Decarbonization Report. And don’t forget to subscribe to the Ellen MacArthur North America newsletter to keep up to date with new developments in the circular economy in North America.Learn more about the work Trellis does to accelerate the just transition to a clean economy in the US.If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review or a comment on Spotify or YouTube. Your support helps us to spread the word about the circular economy.

Julia Okatz, director at Systemiq, and Joss Bleriot from the Ellen MacArthur Foundation delve into the intersection of a healthy economy and thriving ecosystems. They discuss innovative strategies to enhance urban biodiversity and create livable cities through nature-positive solutions. Key findings of the 'Building Prosperity' report highlight how policies can optimize material use and support local employment. They address challenges in implementing these strategies, emphasizing the urgent shift needed to move from a linear to a circular economy in Europe.