
The Circular Economy Show Podcast
239 episodes — Page 2 of 5

Ep 180Becoming a circular economist with Vojtech Vosecky
In order to bring the circular economy to life, we need more circular economists. But what does that mean? Who might these circular economists be? And what are their opportunities and challenges?In this episode of the Circular Economy Show, we hear from “The Circular Economist”, Vojtech Vosecky, author of the newsletter The Loop. He has built his career around bringing the circular economy, working with stakeholders across innovation, business and policy. Listen to learn more about:How Vojtech got started on his journeyWhere he sees the greatest momentum in the circular economyWhat he thinks the big challenges are for circular economists todayFind out more about Vojtech’s work by following him on LinkedIn.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.

Ep 179How are small start-ups, SMEs, and large corporations working together to change the food system?
The Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s Big Food Redesign Challenge set out to demonstrate how redesigning products in line with circular economy principles, can create a food system that allows nature to thrive.In this episode, hear from one of those redesigners, Chloe Stewart from Nibs etc, alongside Katie Carson, Director of Corporate Affairs for Food and Climate Policy at Tetra Pak, to learn more about:The role of upcycled ingredients in designing brand new food productsThe challenges startups and SMEs face in the food industryThe importance of collaboration across the food industry to implement circular design for food principlesWhat enablers and resources are needed to scale food that keeps nature in mindHow larger organisations can support small start-ups and SMEs to foster innovationFind out more about the Big Food Redesign Challenge.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.

Ep 178How storytelling drives the circular economy transformation inside and out
The idea that stories are powerful is an uncontroversial idea. But what does it really mean to harness story to shift mindsets and inspire positive action towards a circular economy inside and outside of an organisation? In this episode, hear from Poppy Mason-Watts, Chief Growth Officer at WaterBear and Alex Cramwinckel, Global Circularity Strategy Lead at Heineken to find out:Why storytelling is such an important part of the circular champion’s toolkitWhat brands can do to bring this to life in a circular economyHow this extends to supporting the internal transformation of organisations to make them circular readyTo receive more information about Campus, send an inquiry email to [email protected].

Ep 177Beyond business as usual: Biodiversity, collaboration and visionary leadership in the food system
The future of food is not predetermined – it's being shaped by the decisions being made today. This episode challenges food industry decision-makers to embrace a new vision for their businesses and the sector as a whole, whether your organisation is big or small. With insights from Rob Cameron, Global Head of ESG Engagement at Nestlé, and Sean Patrick, founder of Gabanna Foodworks, we examine the critical role of leadership in driving the shift towards a more diverse, resilient, and prosperous food system.In this episode we discover:How diversifying ingredients can transform food production and consumer choicesThe power of collaboration between large corporations and agile startups to drive innovationStrategies for companies to work effectively with farmers and suppliers to support nature and build resilient food systemsThe potential for new processing technologies to support the use of a wider variety of cropsExamples of how businesses are creating new food concepts that are both nutritious and deliciousHow circular design for food can help companies meet their environmental targetsFind out more about about the Big Food Redesign Challenge.

Ep 176Driving demand for circular economy: What marketers need to know | Kantar and Swapfiets
How can businesses sell circular propositions in a world that's rapidly changing? This episode of the Circular Economy Show tackles the marketing challenges and opportunities head-on. Pippa sits down with Jonathan Hall, Managing Partner at Kantar’s Sustainable Transformation Practice, and Amanda Gandolfo, Head of Brands at bike subscription service Swapfiets, to explore how to connect with today's consumers and drive demand for circular products and services.In this episode you'll discover:The surprising shift in societal values that's reshaping consumer buying habits How to overcome marketing roadblocks like the value-action gap (where consumers say they want sustainability but don't always buy it) and the greenwashing problem Practical strategies for marketing circularity effectively: Focus on consumer benefits, convenience, and solving real problems Real-world examples: Learn how Swapfiets is using a circular business model (bike subscription) to disrupt transportation and prioritise customer experienceRead the The marketing playbook for a circular economy and make sure you’re subscribed to the Circular Economy Show to find out about our future episodes about the playbook.

Ep 175Exploring fashion rental and resale with ACS and SuperCycle
Circular business models hold immense potential to reshape the fashion industry. In this episode, we explore the exciting opportunities for brands in rental and resale, moving beyond the challenges of getting started. Host Emma Elobeid is joined by guests Andrew Rough from Advanced Clothing Solutions (ACS) and Ryan Atkins from SuperCycle to discuss how brands can capitalise on this shift to unlock new revenue streams, build stronger customer relationships, and create a more sustainable future. Tune in to hear Emma, Andrew and Ryan explore:The significant economic opportunity for brands in circular fashion, including rental and resale modelsHow circular models can enhance brand profitability by better using assets and meeting evolving customer demandsThe importance of brands owning the customer relationship and data in circular commerceHow enabling services and technology are making circularity more accessible and profitable for brandsThe evolution of circular business models and the importance of continuous learning and adaptationLearn more:Listen to episode 131, when Seb went to visit ACS’s warehouse to learn more about the business.Explore the Ellen MacArthur Foundation's latest demonstration project, The Fashion ReModel, which explores making the economics work for circular business models.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.

Ep 174Material security in a circular economy | Energy and competitiveness
Find out about the critical role that the circular economy can play in the shift to renewable energy, pairing the EU’s decarbonisation agenda with economic competitiveness and material security.In this episode, host Seb hears from Ke Wang from the World Resources Institute (WRI) about:Why the circular economy is important in the energy transitionHow this is fundamentally driven by economics and competitivenessExamples of what it looks like in practiceIf 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.Learn more:Read Ke’s paper More Than Ore: The Pivotal Role Recycled Copper Can Play in the Energy TransitionWant to find out how this topic applies in regions outside of Europe? Read the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s recent publication on the circular economy as a triple play opportunity for China.

Ep 173Food for thought | How do we fix our broken food system?
The food industry is one of the biggest drivers of biodiversity loss and accounts for a third of global greenhouse gas emissions. But what if food could be designed to regenerate nature rather than harming it? That’s the vision behind the Big Food Redesign Challenge. In this episode of The Circular Economy Show, our guest host Lucy Parker, Senior Partner and Sustainable Business Global Lead at Brunswick Group, explores how we can take learnings from the Challenge to create a food system that is better for people, nature and climate.We hear from:Jonquil Hackenberg, CEO of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, who shares insights about the Big Food Redesign Challenge and what it has helped achieveWendy Schmidt, President and Co-Founder of the Schmidt Family Foundation, who supported the Challenge, explores the power of philanthropy as a catalyst for innovationDouglas McMaster, Michelin-starred chef and owner of the world’s first zero waste restaurant, Silo, who was a participant in the Challenge, tells us why it’s important to ask the question ‘what if we could do the whole thing differently?’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.Learn more about the Big Food Redesign Challenge and explore products that keep nature in mind. Find out more about the Challenge participants, or watch a video version of this episode, on our YouTube channel.

Ep 172Circular design essentials: What every designer needs to know
Circular design is a hot topic, but moving beyond the buzzwords to practical implementation can be a real challenge. In this episode, we go deep with Joe Iles, Head of Design Activation at the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, to unpack the essential principles and skills every designer should have in their toolkit.Joe shares a compelling perspective on circular design - it's not just about creating durable products, but rather reflecting the complex, interconnected systems that make up our world. He explores why circular design ideas often struggle to scale, despite the abundance of innovative concepts out there.He also shares the key design competencies that are crucial for driving the transition to a circular model, from systems thinking to prototyping and collaboration. 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.Links mentioned in this episode:The Circular Design GuideThe Jeans RedesignThe Circular Buildings ToolkitFrom ambition to action: an adaptive strategy for circular design

Ep 171What’s stopping Scotland from scaling a circular economy?
In this episode of the Circular Economy Show we meet Zero Waste Scotland, who are working with government, businesses, and communities to make the shift to a circular economy as easy as possible for all. We're joined by Peter McCafferty, Business Support Manager at Zero Waste Scotland, and Dr Michaela Hruskova from the University of Stirling. Together we'll discuss the barriers that are stopping businesses from adopting circular practices at scale, informed by the findings of their report: ‘Scotland’s Circular Economy Practices Ecosystem.’ 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.Read the report ‘Scotland’s Circular Economy Practices Ecosystem'.

Ep 170What should businesses do to scale a circular economy?
How do we move from pilots and beyond the ESG hype bubble to scale the implementation of the circular economy and how do businesses lead in this space? In this episode of the Circular Economy Show, host Seb is joined by Lindsay Hooper, CEO for the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL), and Joe Murphy, Executive Lead of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s business network.Together, they’ll explore the insights from CISL’s Competitive Sustainability report and the Foundation’s business network, offering perspectives on the state of the circular economy and related efforts. What will it take to scale? Join us to find out! Read the full report discussed in this episode: Survival of the Fittest: From ESG to Competitive Sustainability.

Ep 1692024 in review: A year exploring the circular economy
Join Fin, Lou and Pippa from the Circular Economy Show as we look back at a year in the circular economy. In this episode, the team shares highlights from this year’s show, and talks about some of the moments you might have missed. Thanks for listening to the Circular Economy Show from the Ellen MacArthur Foundation. Help us grow our audience in 2025 by sharing your favourite episode with your friends and colleagues.If you’d like to get in touch, email us at [email protected] the episodes discussed:Ep 159: How to build a nature-positive circular economy for Europe Read the paper.Ep 157: Inside the world of industrial symbiosis Ep 149: Scaling refill and return with GoUnpackagedWe also mentioned our episode with Vincent from Dunia Bora - who features in episode 150: Creating nature-positive nutrition from cacti with Dunia Bora.Watch the Redesigning Food Series, which Fin mentioned.

Ep 168What does it take to scale biomaterials?
In this episode of the Circular Economy Show we discuss Arda Biomaterials' journey of transforming beer by-products into sustainable materials. Brett Cotten, co-founder at Arda, details the company's origins, challenges, and successes, including raising pre-seed investment in 2023 and scaling operations. Amy Tsang from The Mills Fabrica highlights their 360-degree support for innovators, emphasising investment, collaboration, and showcasing technologies. Both discuss the importance of scalability, impact measurement, and the commercial viability of biomaterials, with Brett noting the potential of chemistry-based approaches and Amy highlighting innovative startups including Epoch Biodesign.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.

Ep 167What happened at INC-5? With Ellen MacArthur and Christiana Figueres
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.

Ep 166China, climate, and the circular economy
In this episode, we discuss the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s latest publication, The circular economy: A 'triple play' solution for achieving China's climate objectives. We’ll explore how adopting a comprehensive circular economy framework can play a pivotal role in achieving both China’s climate and economic goals. Lei Chen and Seb Egerton-Read highlight the triple play benefits of applying the circular economy in China. These include reducing greenhouse gas emissions in line with the country’s climate goals, securing the supply of critical raw materials for the renewable energy transition and transition to electric vehicles, and the increased resilience of China’s economy.Head over to our website to read the full report mentioned in this episode. 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.

Ep 165Plastic pollution: What is INC-5 and why does it matter?
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.

Ep 164Can the circular economy help bridge the climate adaptation gap?
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.

Ep 163Decoding durability in a circular economy: more life, more memories
When we talk about durable materials, products, and services, what do we really mean? This episode unpacks the physical and emotional dimensions of durability and explores how this key design principle can help set circular business models up for long-term success. Would you like to know more about Back Market, the circular business model example mentioned in this episode? Listen to our episode 126: Changing the way we buy and use technology with Back Market.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.

Ep 162Sustainability and the circular economy: what’s the difference?
Is the circular economy just another form of sustainability? In this premiere episode of the Circular Curious season, Emma Elobeid and Lou Waldegrave explore the key overlaps and core differences between sustainability and the circular economy and discuss some of the common pitfalls in conflating these two vital yet distinct practices. Would you like to learn more about the key ideas that form the circular economy? Head to our website for more information.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.

New season: Circular Curious
trailerEver 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.

Ep 161What’s in your Soho bag? Unpacking the role of collaboration in circular product design
In this episode of The Circular Economy Show, we uncover the power of collaboration in scaling the design of products that are fit for a circular economy. Host Pippa Shawley is joined by Megan Dawson-Elli, Product Sustainability Manager at Tapestry, and Steven Bethell, Co-founder of Bank and Vogue, to discuss their groundbreaking partnership that led to the creation of Coach’s sellout Soho bag. Learn how post-consumer denim, innovative design, and a shared vision resulted in a beautiful product and a life-cycle assessment showing that the repurposed denim had up to a 95% reduction in water usage and up to 80% less carbon emissions than conventional first use denim. Tune in to find out how circular design is fundamental to both circularity and commercial success.Learn more about Tapestry and Bank & Vogue.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.

Ep 160How can the US lead the circular economy transition?
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.

Ep 159How to build a nature-positive circular economy for Europe
In this episode of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s Circular Economy Show, we’ll explore the critical relationship between a healthy economy and a thriving natural environment. With biodiversity declining at unprecedented rates, we will delve into the Foundation’s latest report, "Building Prosperity: Unlocking the Potential for a Nature Positive Circular Economy for Europe." We’ll be joined by Julia Okatz, a director at Systemiq, who led the analysis for the report, and Joss Bleriot, the Foundation's Executive Lead for Policy and Institutions. Together, we will explore the report's key findings, illustrating how cities and built environments can contribute to a circular economy that benefits both nature and people. Discover how innovative nature-enhancing strategies can transform urban spaces, reduce material consumption, and regenerate nature, all while creating economic opportunities. Do you want to know more about the Building Prosperity report? Head to our Building Prosperity page to learn more. Head to our website to read the transcript for this episode. Want to watch this episode? Find it on YouTubeIf 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.

New season: Wider Outlooks
trailerGet 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.

Ep 158Shaping the future with the performance economy | The origins of the circular economy
At the heart of the circular economy is the need to retain the value of goods and materials, so that we can slow down the use of the Earth’s resources. Selling performance instead of products could be a way to achieve this. In this season’s finale, we’ll discuss this and other insights from Walter Stahel, author of The Performance Economy. Join us as we discuss how retaining the value of goods and materials can transform industries, boost job creation, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. We’ll explore the idea of sustainable taxation, and learn why selling performance, not products, could be the future.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.

Ep 157Inside the world of industrial symbiosis | The origins of the circular economy
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.

Ep 156Applying regenerative design to everyday life | The origins of the circular economy
In today’s episode, we’re placing nature in the centre of the conversation. Joined by Sean Quinn, Director of Regenerative Design at HOK, we’re exploring the role of regenerative design in creating infrastructures that are in harmony with our communities and the planet.Notes: In today’s episode, we’re placing nature in the centre of the conversation. Joined by Sean Quinn, Director of Regenerative Design at HOK, we’re exploring the role of regenerative design in creating infrastructures that are in harmony with our communities and the planet and the importance of building technologies that restore natural systems instead of overpowering them. But we’re not stopping there, join us as we discover an exciting case study that uses regenerative design. Do you want to know more about Building Prosperity, the Foundation’s report mentioned in this episode? Head to our Building Prosperity page to learn more. 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.

Ep 155Are cradle to cradle & the circular economy the same thing? | The origins of the circular economy
Are Cradle to Cradle and the Circular Economy essentially the same thing? In this episode off our Origins season, we’ll explore the key differences and similarities between the two system change solutions.Join us as we sit down with Katja Hansen, Circular Economy & Cradle to Cradle expert, to explore nuances between the two systems, their relationship with the sustainability movement and how this might have been co-opted by companies to mean “business as usual”. Have a look at the butterfly diagram mentioned in this episode!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.

Ep 154Biomimicry's role in transforming industries | The origins of the circular economy
Where did the concept of the circular economy come from? In our new season “Origins: The ideas shaping the circular economy”, we dig into the different ideas that have inspired the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s concept of a circular economy.In this season premier, we'll learn more about biomimicry, the practice of looking to nature for solutions to human problems. Join us as we discuss the origins and broader implications of biomimicry with Stefano Semprini, Co-director at BiomimicrySA, and delve into its practical applications with Chad Wasilenkoff, CEO of Helicoid Industries Inc.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.

New season - Origins: The ideas shaping the circular economy
trailerGet ready for the launch of our new season on The Circular Economy Show! Join us as we dig into the different ideas that have inspired the circular economy. Over five episodes, we'll explore the origins of this movement through the schools of thought that influenced its creation: Biomimicry, Cradle to Cradle, Regenerative Design, Industrial Symbiosis and the Performance Economy. We’ll learn what the circular economy took from those influences and about the differences between them. But it’s not just theoretical. We’ll also meet the organisations applying those schools of thought to their work today.The new season starts on Tuesday 16th July. Subscribe to the Circular Economy Show now so you never miss an episode.

Ep 153Regenerating natural ecosystems with Microsoft
How can a company as large as Microsoft help to regenerate nature? In this episode, we discuss how the organisation is designing its rapidly-growing number of data centres to become sanctuaries of biodiversity with Kaitlin Chuzi, Microsoft’s Director of Biomimicry and Advanced Ecosystems, and Alessandra Pistoia, Microsoft’s Circular Economy Lead. We’ll hear how data centres, often seen as energy-intensive infrastructures, are being leveraged to rejuvenate natural ecosystems. We’ll also learn how excess heat from data centres is being repurposed to support agricultural activities and renewable energy projects, and how data centres can play a pivotal role in environmental monitoring and restoration projects. 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.

Ep 152Pushing the boundaries of EPR policy for textiles
Around the world, more than 80% of textiles leak out of the system when they are discarded. We need a new approach: a circular economy for textiles. A key part of this solution is Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR).Mandatory, fee-based EPR policy places responsibility on producers with regard to the collection, sorting and recirculation of the products they place on the market. EPR also creates transparency and traceability on global material flows, and helps to attract capital investments in the infrastructure needed to reuse and recycle at scale.In today’s episode of the Circular Economy Show, we are joined by Anjali Krishnan, the Programme Manager for IDH Alternate Materials in India, Tomás Saieg, Head of the Circular Economy Office in the Ministry of the Environment for Chile, and Matteo Magnani, co-author of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation's report "Pushing the boundaries of EPR policy for textiles". Together, they will look at the global challenges and opportunities in developing a circular economy for textiles.Do you want to know more about EPR for textiles? Head to our website and download the full report Matteo co-authored: Pushing the boundaries of EPR policy for textiles.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.

Ep 151Answering the big questions: An Ellen MacArthur Foundation round table
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 [email protected].

Ep 150Creating nature-positive nutrition from cacti with Dunia Bora
Dunia Bora means a better world, and that’s what Vincent Muhoro, Dunia Bora’s Founder, is aiming to achieve with his nutritious cactus juice drinks and cookies. Vincent joins us in this episode of the Circular Economy Show to explain how creating nature-positive nutrition from the cactus plant is helping to tackle the devastating effects of climate change, while creating resilience and economic opportunities for his local communities. Do not miss how Vincent came up with this brilliant idea and the challenges he’s encountered on his way to nature positive innovation.Do you want to know more about the Big Food Redesign Challenge? Head to our website to meet other creative food business owners like Vincent who are participating in the Challenge. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review, or leave us a comment on Spotify. 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 [email protected].

Ep 149Scaling refill and return with GoUnpackaged
As the Director and Reuse Lead at GoUnpackaged, Catherine Conway has become one of the leading voices in the world of return and refill. In this episode of the Circular Economy Show, Catherine reflects on the goals of the Refill Coalition, the critical role of design in reusable packaging, and how we can scale these solutions for a more circular future.For more information about the UN plastic treaty mentioned in this episode and the role of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation in leading it forward, have a look at our resources here.Do you want to know more about the Foundation’s four reuse models? Head to our website for more information.If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review, or leave us a comment on Spotify. 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 [email protected].

Ep 148Scaling supply chains in the circular economy with Deborah Dull
Deborah Dull is the supply chain super hero we’ve been waiting for. As co-founder of the Circular Supply Chain Network, she brings together supply chain professionals to discuss the circular economy in their work. In this episode, she shares what supply chains in a circular economy could actually look like.From the importance of optimising repair networks to innovating product design, Deborah highlights the crucial role of supply chain professionals in changing the system. She brings a positive perspective to the transition from linear supply chains to circular ones that you won’t want to miss.For more information on supply chains, head to our website to read the white paper Deborah mentions in this episode. Do you want to learn more about the work Deborah does at the Circular Supply Chain Network? Find out more here

Ep 147Scaling product-as-service with Stena Consulting
Circular economy business models have been around for a long time, but we're not seeing the promised gold rush of new product-as-a-service models taking over the marketplace - even where the economic and environmental rationale appears super clear.In today’s episode of the Circular Economy Show, we explore the subject of scaling product-as-services with Mats Linder and Marta Bergfors from Stena Circular Consulting. The pair discuss the consultancy’s report on the challenges of scaling PaaS with solutions for businesses to take up the product-as-service opportunity.For more information about Stena’s research on how to scale product-as-service, make sure to read the report mentioned in this episode here.

Ep 146Eurovision in Malmö: How events can accelerate the circular economy
From decorations to infrastructure, food and local business connections, there’s a lot to think about when hosting an event the size of the Eurovision Song Contest. There are also lots of opportunities to make a circular impact with it. In today’s episode of the Circular Economy Show, we travel to Malmö, the city hosting the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest. We’re joined by Malmö’s sustainability coordinator, Veronika Hoffmann, to explore how the city has applied circular principles when planning this internationally acclaimed event. Do you want to read about other examples of circular cities? Don’t miss out on our examples of circular economy in cities.Find out more about how the City of Malmö’s plans for Eurovision..

Ep 145How can the circular economy help us tackle climate change?
Welcome back to The Circular Economy Show! In our new season premiere, we’re diving into the crucial intersection of climate change and the circular economy. Join us as we sit down with the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s Climate Lead, Miranda Schnitger, to find out how the circular economy can help meet climate targets, why it needed to be noted in the official COP28 negotiation outcomes text, and why it’s important to stay optimistic while facing huge challenges. For more information about the role of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation at COP28, go to The circular economy at COP section on our website.

New season coming up
trailerJoin us for a new season of the Circular Economy Show! New episodes drop every Tuesday, so make sure you subscribe so you never miss an episode.Just search for the Circular Economy Show on Apple, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts.

Ep 144Reuse and repair: Africa’s long tradition of maximising materials
In the last episode of our series sharing some of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation's most popular articles, we explore the world of reuse and repair. Travelling to the African continent, we find out how people and businesses have been embracing strategies to maximize material use for a long timeReuse and repair are critical aspects of a circular economy, but despite clear benefits, they've yet to gain a foothold in the Global North. Whilst greater awareness and new legislation are beginning to shift the needle, driving better use of products and materials in the North, African companies have long been applying creative and innovative approaches to maximise material usage. So what can be learnt?Read the full article

Ep 143The psychology of ownership in the circular economy
In part two of our series sharing some of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation's most popular articles, we dig deep into the psychology behind why we like to own things. We’ll also explore the alternatives that the circular economy offers.Read the article here

Ep 142How the circular economy helps us stay within planetary boundaries
In our new three-part series, we’re sharing three of the most popular articles written by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s editorial team. In today’s episode, we explore how a circular economy can keep us stay within the nine planetary boundaries set out by the Stockholm Resilience Centre, such as climate change, novel entities (otherwise known as pollution) and ocean acidification.Read the full article

Ep 141Designing for the customer: Fashion lessons from Zimbabwe with Rudo Nondo
In this episode, we hear from Rudo Nondo, a creative design practitioner and the acting Managing Director of Fashion Revolution. She tells us how her upbringing in Zimbabwe has shaped her clothing philosophy and explains why she’s passionate about circular design for fashion.Learn more about Rudo Nondo in the Foundation’s Fashion BookWatch our Circular Economy Show episode with Rudo Nondo

Ep 140Redesigning food systems for nature to thrive
Is there a better way to produce our food? Today, we circle back to one episode of our award-nominated Redesigning Food series in this episode. We’ll rediscover what a circular economy for food would look like, meet the people working to make it happen, and we’ll look at how it can be scaled to feed a growing population.Find out more about the Big Food Redesign Challenge, which has now entered its production phase. Successful participants are working hard to turn their product designs into reality and will have the opportunity to bring products to market with supportive Challenge Retail Partners. Did you miss out on our Redesigning Food Series? Listen to the other 4 episodes on our website. Our podcast series 'Redesigning Food' has been shortlisted for Best Limited Series at the Lovie Awards 2023.If you're passionate about the transition to a circular economy, why not give us a review or leave a comment on Spotify? It'll help us reach more people who can make a difference!

Ep 139Lily Cole & Ellen MacArthur: why we need optimism to shift mindsets
How can optimism and creativity help us transition to a circular economy? In this episode, model, actress and activist, Lily Cole joins Ellen MacArthur and Emma Chow to discuss her journey from fashion model to environmental activist. They discuss progress towards a circular economy, emphasising collaborative efforts among businesses, citizens, and policymakers. Join us as we delve into the possibilities and challenges of transitioning to a more circular world. Thanks for tuning in to the Circular Economy Show!

Ep 138Repairing our belongings: applying circular design
What if we could design our belongings to elongate their useful life? In this episode, we delve into the world of repair, shifting the focus from disposable products to ones that are designed to be repaired. Join us as we explore the potential for third-party repairs to flourish. Hear from Conny Bakker, Professor of Design Methodology for Sustainability and Circular Economy at TU Delft and Sojo’s co-founder Josephine Phillips, who are both calling for repair to play a greater part in our economy.Your support helps us get to more people interested in the circular economy, so please leave us a review, or leave us a comment on Spotify!

Ep 137The power of biomaterials: 3 regenerative design solutions
How do we shift today’s economic system to one that helps to regenerate nature? In this episode, we’ll meet three companies developing materials that work in harmony with our environment and learn how such innovations can be scaled.Co-founder of Materiom, Liz Corbin, spoke to her fellow co-founders Alysia Garmulewicz, Julia Marsh from Sway and Ehab Sayed from Biohm at the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s Innovation Day in 2022.Your feedback helps us reach more people interested in the circular economy, so please take a moment to leave us a review!

Ep 136Regenerative fashion: embracing a system shift for designers
In this week's episode, we circle back to understand the third principle of a circular economy: 'regenerating nature', and its application in the fashion industry. Our guest, Josie Warden, former Head of Regenerative Design at the RSA, joins us as we explore how circular design offers a way to create a fashion industry that can flourish in harmony with nature.Learn more about The RSA and their work to create an impact. If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more like it, please take a moment to leave us a review on your preferred podcast platform. Your feedback helps us reach more people interested in the circular economy!

Ep 135Christiana Figueres and Ellen MacArthur: Closing the loop to fight climate change
In this first episode of our Circling Back season, Christiana Figueres and Ellen MacArthur bring us an inspiring conversation about the role of circular thinking in addressing the causes of climate change and in finding its solutions. Join us as we explore the role of the circular economy in decarbonisation and the need for optimism to fix our climate.If you want to hear from more insightful guests like Christiana Figueres, please leave us a review! Let's spread the word and inspire positive change together. Are you interested in knowing more about the latest COP? Our Climate Lead, Miranda Schnitger, has collected the outcomes of COP28 in one of our latest editorials:COP28: Key takeaways