

The Circular Future - Advancing Business Circularity
Quantum Lifecycle Partners
Welcome to the Circular Future – a podcast that facetimes you with the challenges of e-waste and its impact on the world. Join Stephanie McLarty, Head of Sustainability at Quantum Lifecycle Partners, as she interviews industry thinktanks who share their insights on the trends in reuse and recycling of technology. This podcast is for you if you are responsible for managing your company’s electronics or are simply curious about all things e-waste, sustainability, carbon emissions, data security and more. Each episode finishes with actionable advice for business managers and leaders to do their part in helping build a circular future.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Apr 4, 2024 • 30min
26. Trends in circularity that every business should know
Send us a textCircularity has become a major theme for businesses of all shapes and sizes. The circular economy encompasses new business models, materials and products, repair, remanufacturing, reuse, recycling, and innovation. The GreenBiz circularity conference brings together circular economy professionals to advance the transition to a more circular economy. The conference covers various sectors and activities related to circularity, with sessions in different formats, including tutorials, workshops, panels, and networking opportunities. To accelerate the circular economy, companies should integrate circularity into everyone's performance metrics and be willing to try new initiatives. It is important to celebrate small wins and learn from challenges.TakeawaysCircularity has become a major theme for businesses of all sizesThe circular economy encompasses new business models, materials and products, repair, remanufacturing, reuse, recycling, and innovationThe GreenBiz circularity conference brings together circular economy professionals to advance the transition to a more circular economyThe conference covers various sectors and activities related to circularity, with sessions in different formatsTo accelerate the circular economy, companies should integrate circularity into everyone's performance metrics and be willing to try new initiativesIt is important to celebrate small wins and learn from challengesThanks for tuning in to The Circular Future. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen. Interested in joining us as a guest? Reach out to Sanjay Trivedi at strivedi@quantumlifecycle.com. Listen to more episodes at https://quantumlifecycle.com/podcast, and stay connected with us on LinkedIn.

Mar 21, 2024 • 34min
25. What does the economy need to look like by 2030?
Send us a textIn this conversation, Namir Anani, President and CEO of the Information and Communications Technology Council (ICTC), discusses the roadmap for a sustainable, equitable, and circular future for Canada. He emphasizes the need for Canada to address climate change, enhance resiliency, and improve productivity. Anani highlights the importance of addressing the commercialization gap and fostering a culture of risk-taking within companies. He also advocates for the development of an industrial strategy and the acceleration of the circular economy. Ultimately, Anani emphasizes the importance of talent in driving the future of the Canadian economy. TakeawaysCanada needs to address climate change and meet its environmental and social obligations while leveraging the net zero challenge into net economic gain.Resiliency and productivity are key factors for Canada's economy, requiring the management of supply chains, financial systems, and the productivity gap.Addressing the commercialization gap is crucial for Canada to turn intellectual property into commercial products and drive economic growth.Fostering a culture of risk-taking within companies is essential for innovation and competitiveness.Canada needs an industrial strategy that focuses on diversification, sustainable development, and addressing gaps in the economy.Accelerating the circular economy requires extended producer responsibility, circular design, taxation incentives, and consumer education.Balancing priorities for governments involves long-term strategic thinking and collaboration with industry and stakeholders.Talent is the essence of a high-performing economy, and reskilling and upskilling are crucial for driving innovation and attracting businesses to Canada.Thanks for tuning in to The Circular Future. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen. Interested in joining us as a guest? Reach out to Sanjay Trivedi at strivedi@quantumlifecycle.com. Listen to more episodes at https://quantumlifecycle.com/podcast, and stay connected with us on LinkedIn.

Mar 7, 2024 • 9min
24. Unpacking trends: reverse logistics, Windows 10 retirement and e-waste collection drives
Send us a textSummaryThis episode discusses trends and issues in the electronics reuse and recycling space. It covers topics such as reverse logistics, the end of support for Windows 10, responsible e-waste disposal, and companies helping employees manage personal e-waste. The episode provides insights and recommendations for businesses to navigate these trends and take action.TakeawaysStay informed about trends in reverse logistics and other relevant areas.Plan ahead and communicate with vendors and partners.Develop a migration plan for the end of support for Windows 10.Prioritize responsible e-waste disposal and partner with certified recyclers.Consider organizing e-waste collection events to help employees manage personal e-waste. Themes impacting Reverse LogisticsSustainability Focus: More emphasis on eco-friendly practices, like waste reduction and recycling. Tech Integration: Increasing use of AI, analytics, and automation to improve processes. Visibility and Tracking: Better tracking of returned products for efficient processing. Customer-Centric Approach: Providing easy returns and clear communication for better customer experience. Collaboration: More partnerships among stakeholders for efficiency and cost savings. Regulatory Compliance: Adapting to evolving regulations for proper adherence. Thanks for tuning in to The Circular Future. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen. Interested in joining us as a guest? Reach out to Sanjay Trivedi at strivedi@quantumlifecycle.com. Listen to more episodes at https://quantumlifecycle.com/podcast, and stay connected with us on LinkedIn.

Feb 22, 2024 • 28min
23. Greening the Gown: Sustainable Solutions for Healthcare
Exploring the environmental impact of healthcare, Dr. Miles Sargent discusses greening hospitals, supply chain sustainability, and making medications more sustainable. Leadership is vital for driving sustainability in healthcare. Individuals can help by advocating for sustainability and investing in green options.

Feb 8, 2024 • 32min
22. Navigating Decarbonization: A Business Imperative
Exploring the urgency of decarbonization in businesses, from quantifying emissions to navigating regulations. Insights on carbon footprints, role of different departments, and practical advice for getting started. Emphasizing the need for comprehensive strategies aligned with business goals and engaging the supply chain in emission reduction efforts.

Jan 26, 2024 • 21min
21. ITAD’s Best Kept Secrets: What we wish every company would do.
Discover the best-kept secrets of top tech companies in e-waste recycling, including tips on communication, early engagement, maximizing revenue, and sustainability benefits. Learn about the importance of proper packaging, accurate inventory, and the impacts of Quantum's sustainability reports.

Jan 12, 2024 • 34min
20. Using LinkedIn to Showcase your Circular Success with Jennifer Betts
Explore the power of storytelling in promoting sustainability with Jennifer Betts. Learn practical tips for using LinkedIn to showcase circular success and overcome marketing barriers. Discover the impact of visual content in sharing recycling success stories and measuring success on LinkedIn. Dive into strategies for persuading older generations to embrace modern marketing methods and harnessing openness to overcome online marketing limitations.

Dec 14, 2023 • 14min
19. How to Reduce Consumption during the Holidays
Explore practical ways to reduce holiday consumption using circular economy principles. Learn to minimize waste by rethinking gift-giving and opting for experiences. Discover sustainable procurement practices like choosing upcycled gifts. Emphasizes mindful actions for a more environmentally conscious celebration.

Nov 30, 2023 • 30min
18. Sustainability and the Supply Chain: How to Leverage your Vendors to Maximize Sustainability Efforts
Learn about the evolution of vendor relationships towards sustainability outcomes, practical insights from a 40-year real estate career, and leveraging vendor relationships for a circular future. Explore Rogers' sustainability journey, Quantum's technology reuse focus, supplier communication importance, and promoting sustainable partnerships with vendors.

Nov 9, 2023 • 10min
17. How to find efficiencies and carbon savings through shipping
Discover practical strategies for balancing efficiency and carbon savings in shipping, such as skid optimization, double stacking, and using rail transportation. Learn how businesses can reduce emissions and costs while becoming sustainability champions in the world of eco-conscious logistics.


