The Circular Economy Show Podcast

Get ready for the launch of our new season on The Circular Economy Show! Join us as we explore wider outlooks for the circular economy. We’ll hear about the case for a circular economy in the US and how rethinking the way we build in Europe offers huge potential for change. Plus we’ll explore how collaboration, when done right, can help companies scale their circular ambitions.The new season starts on Tuesday 16th July. Subscribe now wherever you get your podcasts, or if you prefer to watch your shows, then you can catch the Wider Outlooks season on YouTube and Spotify.

Walter Stahel, the author of The Performance Economy and a leading expert on circular economy principles, joins to discuss pivotal topics. He emphasizes the impact of selling performance over products, which could transform industries and enhance job creation. The conversation touches on sustainable taxation, national security linked to resource efficiency, and the importance of policy reforms. Stahel introduces the 'lake economy' concept, highlighting local reuse versus global recycling and the potential for a labor-intensive circular economy to create new jobs.

In nature, symbiosis refers to two or more species benefiting from living closely together. In this episode, we explore how the same thing can happen in business, through something called industrial symbiosis. We’re joined by Lisbeth Randers from Kalundborg Industrial Park, one of the best-known examples of industrial symbiosis. Plus, Radu Godina, Associate Professor at NOVA School of Science and Technology, highlights the potential of industrial symbiosis in a circular economy by sharing resources and reducing waste within a local community. Hosts Colin and Pippa discuss the financial incentives, environmental benefits, social advantages, and challenges of this school of thought that has shaped the circular economy as we know it,If you like this episode, please leave us a review, or leave us a comment on Spotify or YouTube. Your support helps us to spread the word about the circular economy.

Sean Quinn, the Director of Regenerative Design at HOK, dives into the transformative essence of regenerative design. He emphasizes shifting development paradigms to foster harmony with nature and communities. The conversation touches on integrating natural systems into urban planning, showcasing a Stanford case study that highlights local flora’s benefits. Quinn also explores how outdoor workspace designs enhance employee wellness and productivity, linking these concepts to the broader principles of the circular economy and community well-being.

Katja Hansen, a prominent expert in Circular Economy and Cradle to Cradle concepts, delves into the intricate relationship between these two frameworks. She highlights key principles of Cradle to Cradle design, like resourcefulness and diversity, and critiques how businesses often misinterpret circularity as just a trend. The conversation shifts to innovative ideas, such as carpets that purify air, showcasing fresh functionalities tied to environmental solutions. Katja also emphasizes a transformative shift from mere efficiency to creating meaningful, positive impacts in design for sustainability.

Stefano Semprini, Co-director at Biomimicry, discusses the origins of biomimicry and its practical applications. They explore how nature inspires innovative technologies and the importance of shifting towards holistic approaches in redesigning our economy. The conversation also touches on helicoid technology and its contributions to sustainable practices in industries like electric vehicles and aerospace.

Discover the origins of the circular economy movement through schools of thought like Biomimicry and Industrial Symbiosis. Learn how these ideas have influenced sustainable practices and are being applied by organisations today.

Microsoft's experts discuss redesigning data centers to promote biodiversity and sustainability. They explore repurposing excess heat for agriculture and renewable energy. The podcast also covers setting zero waste targets by recycling servers and using technology for ecosystem monitoring and optimization. Collaboration is highlighted as crucial for regenerating ecosystems.

Exploring the challenges and solutions of implementing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policies for textiles in countries like Chile and India. The importance of international cooperation, building infrastructure for recycling, and involving the informal sector. Discussing the obstacles in textile waste management, such as technology limitations and trade impacts in Chile.

As the circular economy gains momentum, we’re often faced with questions about how it could or should work. In this episode, some of the team from the Ellen MacArthur Foundation answer these frequently asked questions. Host Pippa is joined by the Foundation’s Institutions Lead, Sarah O’Carroll, and Content Lead, Seb Read to discuss topics including the role of the consumer, recycling and nature in the circular economy.If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review, or leave us a comment on Spotify or YouTube. Your support helps us to spread the word about the circular economy. And if you have any burning questions for the team at the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, drop us a line a podcast@emf.org.