Shows
Circularity.fmThe Heart of Europe CollaborationCircular Valley
How can cross-border cooperation accelerate the transition to a circular economy in Europe’s industrial heartland?
This panel from the Circular Valley Forum 2025 brings together three senior public-sector leaders: Susanne Hagenkort-Rieger, Director General of the Economic Policy Department at the Ministry of Economy in North Rhine-Westphalia; Brigitte Mouligneau, Transition Manager at OVAM and Circular Flanders; and Arnoud Passenier, Circular Economy Advisor to the Government of the Netherlands. They discuss how their regions structure circular economy policy, where joint priorities lie, and why trilateral collaboration is essential for scaling circular value chains across chemicals, construction and ba...
2025-12-0217 min
Circularity.fmClose the Gap - Refurbishing Electronics to Close the Digital DivideCircular Entrepreneurship in Kenya
How to create a successful circular hub for electronics that holistically integrates social and commercial aspects into the model?
In this episode, we speak with Timothy Washira, Operations Manager at Close the Gap's Circular Economy Hub in Mombasa, Kenya.
Close the Gap first started in Belgium in 2003 with the mission to provide high-quality pre-owned computers and bridge the digital divide. The organization started its first operations in Kenya in 2019 in Nairobi, before moving the Circular Economy Hub to a bigger, state-of-the-art facility in Mombasa in 2020.
The Circular Economy Hub...
2025-11-2546 min
Circularity.fmPadMad - Upcycling Textiles for Menstrual Health & Girl's EducationCircular Entrepreneurship in Kenya
How can a reusable pad company address education, employment, and environmental waste simultaneously?
In this episode, Madhvi Dalal, founder of PadMad, talks about why and how she built a social enterprise to tackle period poverty in Kenya, a country where 65% of women and girls cannot afford menstrual products. This crisis leads to girls missing school and exams, forces them to improvise pads with unhygienic materials, and leaves them exposed to be taken advantage of.
Madhvi walks us through PadMad's three-pillar focus: education, running workshops in schools and workplaces to break stigma...
2025-11-1826 min
Circularity.fmSea Ventures - Turning Fish Waste into Animal FeedCircular Entrepreneurship in Kenya
How can fish waste solve a national animal feed crisis and empower local communities?
In this episode, Faith Mwende from Sea Ventures explains how her startup tackles the massive post-harvest losses in Kenya's fishing industry, where 60-70% of the catch becomes waste.
You'll hear how Sea Ventures creates a circular economy model by collecting this fish waste and processing it into high-quality animal feed, directly addressing Kenya's scarcity of animal feed. Faith also talks about the company's social impact, which includes creating jobs, providing training in sustainable farming, and empowering women...
2025-11-1127 min
Circularity.fmE-Waste Initiative Kenya - Repairing and Reusing ElectronicsCircular Entrepreneurship in Kenya
How do you build a sustainable e-waste management system in Kenya?
In this episode, Jane Muriithi and Thuo Lawrence from E-waste Initiative Kenya (EWIK) talk about their approach to e-waste management across Kenya. Jane describes EWIK's collection model through drop-off points and door-to-door pickups across multiple cities, their repair and refurbishment process, and the challenges of managing different materials when items can't be repaired.
You'll also hear about EWIK's skills training programs for youth, including e-waste handling and ICT repair, with specific support for young mothers through onsite childcare, entrepreneurship courses...
2025-11-0422 min
Circularity.fmAfrica Collect Textiles and Green Forest Solutions - The need for global EPR systemsCircular Entrepreneurship in Kenya
How can we transform the textile industry in Kenya to embrace a circular economy?
In this episode, Alex Musembi from Africa Collect Textiles (ACT) and Sarah Njau from Green Forest Solutions discuss their collaborative efforts to streamline textile recycling and reuse in Kenya. Alex describes ACT's model of collecting post-consumer textiles through drop-off points and door-to-door pickups, sorting them for resale and upcycling, and the challenges of incentivizing proper disposal.
Sarah explains the role of Green Forest Solutions in helping set up Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes, which are vital for...
2025-10-2841 min
Circularity.fmMr Green Africa - Recyclates as cheap as Virgin PlasticsCircular Entrepreneurship in Kenya
How do you build a circular economy for plastic that includes the informal sector?
In this episode, Keiran Smith from Mr. Green Africa explains their approach to plastic recycling, which is built on integrating the informal waste collection sector into a formal business. Keiran details their model: a decentralized system of buy-back centers that use a proprietary app for transparent payments, a processing facility that turns collected plastic into pellets, and direct partnerships with corporations who use the recycled material in their packaging.
You'll hear how Mr. Green Africa navigates the chal...
2025-10-2137 min
Circularity.fmTaka Taka Solutions - Waste Collection in KenyaCircular Entrepreneurship in Kenya
What does it take to operate a waste management company in a market where you have to compete with a dump site fee of just one dollar per ton?
In this episode, Daniel Paffenholz from Taka Taka Solutions details the realities of building an integrated waste management and recycling company in Kenya. He explains the immense challenge of scaling in a heavily fragmented and informal market, where you must compete against hundreds of other operators.
We discuss the entire operational flow, from collection and sorting at their material recovery facility. Daniel...
2025-10-1436 min
Circularity.fmDandora - A Tour through Kenya's largest DumpsiteCircular Entrepreneurship in Kenya
What does it take to build community in one of Africa's largest dumpsites?
In this episode, Cricket Writes from The Artistic Junction Collective talks about the reality of daily life at Dandora Dumpsite and community efforts to create change through art and collective action. Cricket walks us through the physical site and the social structures that govern it: the hierarchy between "big fish" and ordinary waste pickers, the struggle for school fees, and the dangers workers face without compensation or protection.
You'll hear how The Artistic Junction Collective uses theatre, film...
2025-10-0744 min
Circularity.fmThe State of the Circular Economy in KenyaCircular Entrepreneurship in Kenya
Can circular entrepreneurship reshape Kenya’s waste economy?
In this episode, Richard Kainika (Kenya Association of Waste Recyclers), David Ongare (National Environment Management Authority), and Hanna Dittmeyer (AHK Services Eastern Africa Ltd) share how Kenya is building circular systems from the ground up through informal networks, selective regulation, and everyday business ingenuity.
From secondhand markets and plastic recycling to extended producer responsibility and policy enforcement, Kenya’s circular economy is already in motion. But challenges remain, especially in waste infrastructure and electronic waste management.
Recorded live in Kenya, this epis...
2025-09-3026 min
Circularity.fmNature-Based Solutions: Can Capitalism Unf*ck Itself?LOOP Forum 2025
How can we create a business case for restoring nature instead of exploiting it?
In this episode, Thomas Norman from EcoTree explains how to turn environmental action from a cost into an asset by making people actual owners of trees. Inspired by Denmark's successful bottle recycling system that achieves 92% return rates through financial incentives, Norman shows how this approach can be applied to forestry by allowing individuals and companies to buy trees and claim both environmental benefits and future timber revenues.
In his keynote, you'll hear more about the financial incentives that drive...
2025-09-2326 min
Circularity.fmDecoupling Emissions from Growth at MarsLOOP Forum 2025
How can a global company cut emissions while growing their business by 37%?
In this episode, Katrine Grytter, Corporate Affairs Director at Mars Incorporated, shares how the company is working toward net zero while expanding their business. Mars has reduced emissions by 23% since 2018 while growing sales significantly, showcasing that sustainability and growth can work together.
Grytter explains Mars's approach to net zero planning, from measuring emissions across their entire value chain to setting milestone targets every five years. She discusses the challenges of working with suppliers and partners to reduce emissions beyond their direct...
2025-09-1629 min
Circularity.fmThe State of Nature and Natural Resources in 2025LOOP Forum 2025
What happens when businesses destroy the very resources they depend on to survive?
In this episode, biologist and radio host Alexander Holm explains the biodiversity crisis and reveals how industries are systematically eliminating themselves through overexploitation of natural resources.
Nature provides essential services like cleaning water, holding soil together, and pollinating crops that would cost trillions to replace. Holm shows how Amazon beef production is destroying the rainfall it needs, fisheries have collapsed from overfishing, and farms are degrading their own soil.
His keynote explores what biodiversity actually means, the free...
2025-09-0934 min
Circularity.fmCirculating Creativity Through ConversationLOOP Forum 2025
How can conversation become a real driver of circular transformation?
In this episode, George Marshall explains why conversations are central to circular change and how to design them to build trust, reach across difference, and motivate action.
Circular economy strategies often focus on systems and structures but lasting change only happens when people connect new behaviors to their own identity and values. Without shared understanding and engagement, technical solutions risk staying at the surface.
Recorded live at the LOOP Forum 2025, his keynote explores how businesses can move beyond top-down messaging to...
2025-09-0231 min
Circularity.fmBuilding Regenerative Economies in PracticeCIRCULAR REPUBLIC FESTIVAL 2025
What does it take to build truly regenerative economies?
Circularity is not just about recycling or material flows. It also requires transforming how we use land, manage ecosystems, and design business models that work with and not against the biosphere.
In this episode, speakers explore how to move beyond technical fixes and address the broader environmental and economic systems that shape regeneration.
Recorded live at the CIRCULAR REPUBLIC FESTIVAL 2025, the panel brought together Michael Obersteiner from the University of Oxford and Miki Yokoyama from Aurum Impact to share perspectives on...
2025-08-2828 min
Circularity.fmDo We Know Why We Need Product Passports?CIRCULAR REPUBLIC FESTIVAL 2025
Do we really understand the value of product passports?
As regulations like the Digital Product Passport take shape, many companies are focused on compliance. But the deeper question is whether we are using product data strategically: across lifecycles, across systems, and for actual circular value creation.
In this episode, speakers explore how data can move beyond reporting requirements to become a driver of innovation, competitiveness, and business model transformation in the circular economy.
Recorded live at the CIRCULAR REPUBLIC FESTIVAL 2025, the panel brought together Susanne Kadner from CIRCULAR REPUBLIC, Tilmann...
2025-08-2539 min
Circularity.fmHow Robots Will Dismantle All Our ProductsCIRCULAR REPUBLIC FESTIVAL 2025
Can robotics make large-scale disassembly a reality for the circular economy?
Automated disassembly is emerging as a key enabler for circular strategies such as repair, remanufacturing, and high-quality recycling. But turning this vision into scalable practice requires technical integration, economic viability, and alignment across industries.
In this episode, speakers from robotics, recycling, and research explore how automation technologies can extend product lifecycles, reduce waste, and unlock new efficiencies in resource use.
Recorded live at the CIRCULAR REPUBLIC FESTIVAL 2025, the panel brought together Fridolin Franke from SOLAR MATERIALS, Rebecca Zhu from...
2025-08-2145 min
HappyPorch Radio: Circular Economy & TechnologyExploring Circular Tech: Rental - Mid-Season Reflections: Technology, Rental Models and the Circular EconomyWhat have we learned so far this season about the realities of rental and product-as-a-service models, and where does technology really make the difference?In this special mid-season reflection of HappyPorch Radio, hosts Barry O’Kane, Jo Weston and Tandi Tuakli look back at the conversations so far, drawing out the common themes, challenges and opportunities from entrepreneurs, academics and technology providers working at the forefront of circularity.We revisit highlights from:Refulfil – Danai Osmond explained how smart reverse logistics and return flows can unlock circular commerce, reduce waste, and make reuse systems viable at s...
2025-08-2134 min
Circularity.fmChemistry in Circularity: What the Future HoldsCIRCULAR REPUBLIC FESTIVAL 2025
How can the chemical industry become a driving force for a circular economy?
From molecular design to large-scale production, the chemical sector underpins nearly every material stream in the global economy. But transforming it for circularity means rethinking not just processes, but business models, regulation, and collaboration between industry and science.
In this episode, speakers from startups, corporates, and research institutions share what it will take to reshape chemistry for a circular future across materials, markets, and supply chains.
Recorded live at the CIRCULAR REPUBLIC FESTIVAL 2025, the panel brought together...
2025-08-1831 min
Circularity.fmBeyond the Pilot: Succeeding in Textile RecommerceCIRCULAR REPUBLIC FESTIVAL 2025
What does it really take to build a successful textile recommerce model?
Product lifetime extension and recommerce are widely seen as pillars of a circular economy, but moving beyond pilot projects requires more than ambition. Brands must confront operational, financial, and customer-facing challenges to scale recommerce in a way that delivers both impact and profit.
In this episode, speakers from fashion, outdoor gear, and platform services share practical insights on what works, what stalls, and what it takes to grow textile recommerce models at scale.
Recorded live at the CIRCULAR...
2025-08-1445 min
Circularity.fmCircularity in Electronics and AutomationCIRCULAR REPUBLIC FESTIVAL 2025
Is circularity the next frontier for German engineering?
From industrial automation to in-vehicle electronics, high-performance systems depend on complex, globally sourced materials. This creates serious challenges for sustainability and supply security - but also opens new opportunities for circular strategies that extend product lifespans and recover critical resources.
In this episode, speakers from manufacturing, mobility, and tech explore how German industry can integrate circularity into core business functions including R&D, procurement, and governance.
Recorded live at the CIRCULAR REPUBLIC FESTIVAL 2025, the panel brought together Ansgar Kriwet from Festo, Eva...
2025-08-1144 min
Circularity.fmExtended Producer Responsibility for TextilesCIRCULAR REPUBLIC FESTIVAL 2025
How can Germany design a workable EPR scheme for textiles?
With Extended Producer Responsibility approaching, the textile sector in Germany faces increasing pressure to develop systems that are both legally compliant and operationally feasible. But turning regulation into practice requires coordination across brands, recyclers, and service providers.
In this episode, speakers from across the textile sector explore how to create an EPR framework that can function in real market conditions and deliver measurable impact.
Recorded live at the CIRCULAR REPUBLIC FESTIVAL 2025, the panel brought together Steffen Gerlach of eeden, Julia...
2025-08-0743 min
Circularity.fmEcology: What nature says | CIRCULAR REPUBLIC Festival 2025
Are we truly shifting beyond the linear economy or just circling around it?
Despite growing pressure on natural systems and the depletion of critical resources, the shift toward a circular economy remains slow and complex. While pioneering efforts have demonstrated circular potential, questions persist about whether we are replacing the linear model or simply repackaging it.
In this episode, Sandrine Dixson-Declève, former Co-President of the Club of Rome, stresses the need for systemic change to address both environmental collapse and social injustice.
Following her keynote at the CIRCULAR REPUBLIC Festival 2025, she joined J...
2025-08-0446 min
HappyPorch Radio: Circular Economy & TechnologyRenting vs as-a-service with Patrick HypscherHow Tech Enables Circular Innovation – with Patrick HypscherWhat does it really take to build circular business models — and how can technology accelerate that transformation?In this episode of HappyPorch Radio, we’re joined by Patrick Hypscher, a circular business strategist, advisor, and the voice behind Circularity.fm. Patrick brings unique insights from working at the intersection of digital innovation and the circular economy — from launching a software startup to building BlueMovement, a home appliance subscription service inside Bosch Siemens Home Appliances (BSH).We explore the vital role of technology in enabling, scaling, and adapt...
2025-07-2430 min
Circularity.fmBehind the Scenes of the Circular Design Summit with Bernd Müller
Why is design still overlooked in Germany’s circular economy events?
Most circular economy events in Germany focus on engineering, technology and economic policy. But design, where 80% of a product’s environmental impact is determined, rarely takes center stage.
In this episode, Bernd Müller, Director of Relations and Sustainability at the German Design Council, explains why they created the Circular Design Summit to change that. He shares how the summit brings together companies, designers and other departments to work on circularity from the start of the product lifecycle. Bernd reflects on the value of colla...
2025-07-2217 min
Circularity.fmThe Circular Shift Panel Discussion | Circular Design Summit 2025
This episode is a recorded panel session from the Circular Design Summit 2025 explores how design can accelerate the shift toward a circular economy by rethinking roles, materials, and systems. Moderated by Karel J. Golta, the conversation brings together perspectives from Kathie Morgenroth (Google), Steffen Erath (Hansgrohe), and Markus Kühlert (Wuppertal Institute).
The panelists discuss the need for transdisciplinary collaboration, integration of compliance into early-stage design, and redefining what it means to be a designer in the context of sustainability. From hardware-software integration to product-as-a-service models, the discussion highlights how circularity requires embedding longevity, repairability, and desirability i...
2025-07-1732 min
Circularity.fmEarth Compatible by Katie Morgenroth from Google | Circular Design Summit 2025
How can design help tackle the global e-waste challenge?
In this episode, Katie Morgenroth, Head of Sustainable Design at Google, explains how her team works across hardware products like Pixel, Nest, and Fitbit to reduce environmental impact. She shares Google's approach to using recycled materials in metals and textiles, extending software support to make devices last longer, and developing 100% plastic-free packaging.
Katie describes the collaborative work with engineers, materials scientists, and supply chain teams needed to redesign products for repairability and durability, and emphasizes the value of sharing design guides and learnings openly. She also...
2025-07-1438 min
Circularity.fmHow can Venture Capital be Regenerative with Alessa Berg from Top Tier ImpactFrom financial instruments to global supply chains: reshaping the landscape for regeneration
Regeneration is gaining traction, but what does it take to finance and scale truly regenerative businesses? In this episode, Alessa Berg, founder of Top Tier Impact, explains why regeneration requires a systemic mindset, how financial instruments can support regenerative models, and what founders need to consider before taking funding.
Alessa shares practical distinctions between debt, grants, equity, and blended finance, and advises founders to get clear on their long-term vision before choosing a path. She explains how regenerative VC funds differ from traditional ones in...
2025-07-0843 min
Circularity.fmSelecting the right investors for your materials startup with Jakob Röskamp from Traceless MaterialsHow customer traction, off-takes, and capital stack enable scale in asset-heavy models
What does it take to secure funding for asset-heavy, circular startups?
In this episode, Jakob Röskamp, CFO at Traceless Materials, shares how customer validation builds investor confidence, why off-take agreements are key to de-risking CapEx-heavy models, and how combining equity, debt, and grants can reduce the cost of capital.
While this series looks at how VCs select circular startups, it’s equally important to understand how startups choose their investors. Jakob shares practical insights on what that process looks like from the sta...
2025-07-0131 min
Subscription Stories: True Tales from the TrenchesIs the Future of Subscriptions Circular? A Conversation with Patrick Hypscher of Circularity.fmToday we're talking about sustainability.
Where do the circular economy and the membership economy intersect, and how can both be applied to tread more lightly and produce less waste?
These questions have been at the center of the work of my guest, Patrick Hypscher. Patrick is a consultant and advisor and the host of Circularity.fm, a podcast about circular business models and Product-as-a-Service (PaaS).
With experience running PaaS businesses, both at Bosch BSH and at Bertelsmann, as well as at his own SaaS startup, Patrick has developed some really helpful models for...
2025-06-2531 min
Circularity.fmHow Purpose-Driven Investors and Impact Founders Accelerate Systemic Change with Tina Dreimann from Better VenturesFunding the Future with Integral Investing
How can purpose-driven founders and investors work together to build the solutions our economy urgently needs?
Many startups are building solutions that target the root causes of today’s biggest challenges. But purpose-driven angel investors still have to evaluate each team individually, making it hard to fund impact at scale.
In this episode, Tina Dreimann, founder of better ventures, explains how her network connects founders and investors to systematically change our economy towards impact and return. Tina also points out the principle of integral investing, where revenue and impact gr...
2025-06-2435 min
Circularity.fmNew Critical Materials, Supply Chain Infrastructure, and Modular Solutions in the Circular Economy with Aly BryanHow to Build More Resilient Supply Chains?
What will it take to recover more critical materials when demand is growing and recovery systems aren’t keeping up?
With the growing deployment of solar panels, wind turbines, electric vehicles, and data centers, demand for metals and minerals is rising fast. But current systems for recovering and reusing these materials are limited, inefficient, or missing entirely.
In this episode, Aly Bryan, Senior Member of the investment team at Closed Loop Partners’ Venture Group, explains why critical materials have become a central topic in the circular economy. She intr...
2025-06-1741 min
Circularity.fmHow to Get VC funding for Circular and Impact-driven Startups with Charlotte Lafont from Ring CapitalWhat startups need to know about impact KPIs, product–market fit, and scaling
"What does it take for circular and impact-driven startups to raise funding from VCs?
In this episode, Charlotte Lafont, Principal at Ring Capital, explains how funds can integrate impact into every stage of the investment process, from evaluating impact intentionality to setting KPIs that are audited and tied to carried interest. Charlotte highlights what circular founders need to demonstrate to attract funding: strong product–market fit, alignment with existing value chains, and the ability to scale beyond niche markets.
This episode is part...
2025-06-1038 min
Circularity.fmHow a global leader in building solutions invests in circular startups with Bengt Steinbrecher from Holcim Maqer VentureStrategic venture capital, circularity, and scaling innovation in the construction industry
What does it take to invest in circularity in construction - an industry defined by waste, emissions, and long scaling cycles?
In this episode, Bengt Steinbrecher of Holcim MAQER Ventures shares how one of the largest building materials companies works with startups to decarbonise the sector. From reusing 10 million tons of demolition material to testing carbon-storing concrete across Europe, Holcim blends strategic relevance with clear circular KPIs.
The episode explores how corporate venture capital enables circular startups to scale in the construction industry...
2025-06-0334 min
Circularity.fmLeveraging New Technologies to Decarbonise the Economy with Mark Windeknecht from World Fund | Venture CapitalReducing Carbon Emissions through Circular Innovations
Decarbonising the economy is a political goal and a commercial opportunity. How can circular startups benefit as well?
In this episode, Mark Windeknecht, Principal at World Fund, discusses the connection between decarbonisation and the circular economy. By examining the battery recycling startup Cylib, the food startup Planet A Foods and the consumer tech startup Faircado, Mark provides insights into the drawdown potential of different business models. As a considerable share of circular startups are asset-heavy, Mark touches upon the challenges and opportunities of financing the growth of these circular business models.
2025-05-2734 min
Circularity.fmPlastic waste as a business opportunity
in Asia & Latin America with Ellen Martin from Circulate Capital | Venture CapitalRecycling and Materials Innovation around the world
Ocean plastics are a danger to the environment and humans. Cleaning it up and avoiding it from happening is a business opportunity, though.
In this episode, Ellen Martin, Chief Impact Officer at Circulate Capital, presents how the circular startups in their portfolio tackle the plastics crisis while running profitable businesses. With venture capital investments in Asia and Latin America, Ellen highlights commonalities and differences of markets in these continents. She illustrates the dependency of circular business models on local circumstances.
This episode is part of VC for Circularity...
2025-05-2032 min
Circularity.fmInvesting in Circular Business Models in
North America &
Europe with Maya Hassa from Circular Innovation Fund - VCSupporting Startups with Smart Money and Collaboration with Corporate Clients
What is the better place to launch a circular statup, the US or Europe?
In this episode, Maya Hassa, Principal at Circular Innovation Fund, discusses regional differences in circular business models and stresses the possibilities a fund can offer startups when working with corporate limited partners.
This episode is part of VC for Circularity - the Venture Capital Perspective on Circular Economy Startups.
People
Maya Hassa, Principal at Circular Innovation FundL
https://www.linkedin.com/in/maya-hassa/
Patrick Hypscher, Circular Business...
2025-05-1328 min
Circularity.fmVeganz's Journey in Becoming a Cutting-edge FoodTech Company by Anja Brachmüller, Veganz | CIRCULAZE SummitInventing a new Vertical Farming Business
What happens when the local farmers refuse to work with you? You build your own vertical farming factory.
In this episode, Anja Brachmüller, COO at Veganz, shares the company's remarkable 13-year evolution from a single supermarket to an innovative food tech powerhouse with three factories across Europe. Discover how a small cashew cheese operation transformed Veganz's business model, and learn about their groundbreaking vertical farming technology that grows protein-rich peas using just 5% of the water required for traditional agriculture - potentially solving food security challenges worldwide.
This episode i...
2025-04-0110 min
Circularity.fmThe challenging “New Work World” in the circular economy by Andreas Jenne, REHAU | CIRCULAZE SummitCooperation for circular plastics
Everyone says that the circular economy needs cooperation. But how is that supposed to work? Do it like Andreas.
In the KARE project, sixteen organisations are working to establish a regional competence centre for labour research into the circular economy of plastics. Companies of different sizes and degrees of maturity have to come together, as do competitors. In his talk at the CIRCULAZE Summit, Andreas Jenne, Head of Sustainability at REHAU Technologies, reports how the partners are coming together. It is only possible at eye level, with personal dialogue, simple KPIs and pragmatic...
2025-03-2513 min
Circularity.fmTransitioning From the Linear to Circular Value Chain for Solar PVs by Pamela Ong, E.ON | CIRCULAZE SummitA systemic approach including product design, collaboration and regulation
The expansion of Solar energy is progressing rapidly. But how do we keep this new equipment in circulation?
Pamela Ong presents a systematic analysis of the solar panel supply chain. It covers product design and stakeholder collaboration as well as supply chain incentives and regulation. Pamela's talk is based on a new report from Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership, E.ON Group Innovation and Institute for Manufacturing Engage, that explores the challenges and circular solutions associated with the expected increase in end-of-life solar PV waste over the coming...
2025-03-1709 min
Circularity.fmUrban Mining of the Patrick-Henry-Village: Heidelberg's Vision for a Circular Economy in Construction, M. Heinrich, EPEAWhat it needs to reuse components and materials of old buildings
The construction industry consumes the most new resources. At the same time, they have access to an enormous reservoir of materials: old buildings. But how can these urban mines be tapped?
In his presentation, Matthias Heinrich uses the example of the Patrick Henry Village in Heidelberg to explain what is needed to reuse old buildings. You can find his presentation with illustrations on the episode's website.
This episode is part of the series about the CIRCULAZE Summit from November 2024.
People
Matthias A...
2025-03-1110 min
Circularity.fmThe Human Factor in Circular Fashion by Serena Bonomi, On | Circular FashionFrom Products and Design to Emotions and Systems
The circular gap is immense, even in the fashion industry. Why is it not possible to do business more circularly?
Serena Bonomi cites several reasons: from emotionality to incentives to the question of the economic system. Hear for yourself how a pioneer in circular fashion outlines problems and solutions.
This episode is part of the series about the CIRCULAZE Summit from November 2024.
People
Serena Bonomi, Circular Strategy & Innovation Consultant
https://www.linkedin.com/in/serenabonomi/
Patrick Hypscher, Circular Business Strategist, PaaS Expert
https...
2025-03-0512 min
Circularity.fmFamily Business transform towards circular value creation by Carl-Luis Rieger, WEPA | CIRCULAZE Summit | Venture CapitalCombining Circular Strategy, Business Development and Venture Capital
Many family businesses are smart. That is why they look into circular business opportunities. But how can circularity be integrated into their corporate strategy?
In this episode, Carl-Luis Rieger, unfolds the circular strategy of WEPA, a family business and European leader in producing hygienic paper. Looking into business development close to the core business, reducing and repurposing production waste and investing in startups close to the value chain.
This episode is part of the CIRCULAZE Summit series from November 2024.
People
Carl-Luis Rieger, Managing Director at...
2025-02-2511 min
Circularity.fmCollaboration Now! Circular Economy as strategic business lever by Nina Fechler, Evonik | CIRCULAZE SUMMITLearnigns from a Director Global Circular Economy
Championing circularity in a big company can be tough. But what if you could learn from someone who's already navigated the challenges? Let's uncover their key takeaways!
In this episode, Nina Fechler, Director Global Circular Economy Program at Evonik, shares her three major learnings from the last years. They involve attitude towards the business, collaboration, and the right timing.
This episode is part of the CIRCULAZE Summit series from November 2024.
People
Nina Fechler, Director Global Circular Economy Program, Evonik
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ninafechler/
2025-02-1812 min
Circularity.fmHow to win colleagues for the circular economy with Vojtech Vosecky, The Circular Economist | CIRCULAZE SUMMITCommunication tactics for circularity professionals
"Transforming a linear business into a circular one requires the support of many colleagues. But how do you win them over for a circular future?
In this episode, Vojtech Vosecky, LinkedIn's Top Green Voice with more than 143k followers, gives an insight into his communication strategy. Whether for building new circular business models, circular product design or improving recycling rates, Vojtech's tips help circularity professionals with internal stakeholder communication.
This episode is part of the CIRCULAZE Summit series from November 2024.
People
Vojtech Vosecky, Founder and CEO, The Circular...
2025-02-1128 min
Circularity.fmEverything a Board needs to know about Product-as-a-ServiceThe PaaS Essentials
What insights do board members need to know, and what decisions must they make before starting a product-as-a-service proposition?
Product-as-a-Service may look easy but is transformative for customers and the operating company. Being aware of the requirements and pitfalls helps to succeed.
In this episode, Mailin Jappé, formerly Director Device-as-a-Service and Patrick Hypscher look back at the fifteen episodes of PaaS Decoded and wrap it up for board members.
This episode is the 16th in the series PaaS Decoded, 16 conversations about the fine details of product-as-a-service.
People
Mailin J...
2024-12-1053 min
Circularity.fmTRUMPF - Be more Efficient with Equipment-as-a-ServicePay-Per-Part as an Industry Shift
How can customers and operators benefit from Product-as-a-Service? By creating efficiency gains that both parties share.
With its Pay-Per-Part model, TRUMPF developed a concept that forced the OEM to rethink major elements of its offering. In doing so, overall machine efficiency increased to a degree that customers and TRUMPF benefitted from.
In this episode, Tom Schneider, Benedikt Braig, and Jörg-Andre Junker provide insights into efficiency gains and their requirements.
This episode is the 15th in the series PaaS Decoded, 16 conversations about the fine details of product-as-a-service.
2024-12-0354 min
Circularity.fmkaer - Cooling-as-a-Service and the Role of TechnologyReducing Costs and Emissions
When customers operate their equipment poorly, the time has come for Product-as-a-Service. The cooling of large building complexes such as shopping centres, university campuses or offices is a case in point.
In this episode, Dave Mackerness, Director at kaer, explains how Cooling-as-a-Service work. By optimising the equipment, connecting it and operating it much more efficiently, Cooling-as-a-Service can yield cost and emission reductions.
This episode is the 14th in the series PaaS Decoded, 16 conversations about the fine details of product-as-a-service.
People
Dave Mackerness, Director at kaer
https://www.linkedin.com...
2024-11-2635 min
Circularity.fmRoyal Ahrend - From a Separated Startup to an Integrated BusinessStrategic Approach to Furniture-as-a-Service
How integrated should a Product-as-a-Service proposition be in the core business? If an existing company starts a new as-a-service business, this question needs to be answered.
In this episode, Rob Keulemans, Chief Commercial Officer at Royal Ahrend, describes the organisational journey of their Furniture-as-a-Service proposition. After a separate start, significant elements of FaaS are now part of core processes and systems.
This episode is the 13th in the series PaaS Decoded, 16 conversations about the fine details of product-as-a-service.
People:
Rob Keulemans, Chief Commercial Officer, Royal Ahrend
https://www.linkedin...
2024-11-1933 min
Circularity.fmHilti - Overcoming Hidden Complexities of Circular Rental and ReuseKeeping Professional Products in the Loop
A durable and long-lasting product is a promising starting point for circular activities. Yet organisational challenges remain.
In this episode, Caroline Stern gives insights into Hilti Group's challenges when measuring and improving its circularity. It starts with logistics, spans over accounting, and includes selecting the right input data for ERP systems designed for a linear world.
This episode is the 12th in the series PaaS Decoded, 16 conversations about the fine details of product-as-a-service.
People
Caroline Stern, Head of Sustainability for South Asia Pacific, Hilti Group
...
2024-11-1334 min
Circularity.fmUNDRESS Circularity - Assessing the Impact of Circular Business
ModelsRepair and Rental in the Consumer Electronics Industry
Rental and Repair business models come with the promise of superior circularity. However, it is unclear if a specific company can deliver on this promise.
The UNDRESS project provides a framework and practical guide to determine the impact of rental and repair business models. It is a collaborative industry project led by Circularity in collaboration with Fraunhofer IZM, Systemiq, and 12 industry partners (Assurant, circulee, Everphone, fixfirst, Foxway, Grover, Ingram Micro, rebuy, Recommerce Group, Reverse Logistics Group, Deutsche Telekom, Vodafone), further supported by Deutsche Bundesstiftung Umwelt and Deloitte.
...
2024-11-0535 min
Circularity.fmV-ZUG - Reporting & Accounting of a PaaS ModelOperating a Circular Business Model
Traditional reporting and accounting practices are designed for linear sales models. However, a circular product-as-a-service proposition requires a different logic and KPI.
In this episode, Jonas Bulach, Project Manager Product-as-a-Service at Swiss Home Appliance Manufacturer V-ZUG, explains how V-ZUG creates transparency about the business and handles accounting challenges.
This episode is the tenth in the series PaaS Decoded, 16 conversations about the fine details of product-as-a-service.
People
Jonas Bulach, Product Manager Product-as-a-Service, V-ZUG
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonas-bulach-1b3728193/
Patrick Hypscher, Co-Founder of Green PO, Expert...
2024-10-2932 min
Circularity.fmCradle to Cradle NGO - From Product to PerformanceFrom product design to systems change
Every Product-as-a-Service needs a product in the first place. A well-designed product supports the success of the subscription proposition.
The Cradle to Cradle school of thought paved the way for circular thinking in product design. Products should be designed so that their materials and components can be repaired, repurposed, or recycled indefinitely.
In this episode, Nora Sophie Griefahn, Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Cradle to Cradle NGO connects circular product design with Product-as-a-Service.
This episode is the ninth in the series PaaS Decoded, 16 conversations about the...
2024-10-2239 min
Circularity.fmDebt Financing of PaaS AssetsStructuring nearly 2bn of asset funding
Grover is a role model for debt-based asset funding. With nearly € 2bn of debt from various lenders in multiple rounds Grover has shown a way of separating startup and asset risk.
In this episode, Mitja Sadar, former Senior Vice President Finance and Head of Debt Capital Markets at Grover, gives insights into Grover’s approach. Mitja explains the various stages, pitfalls and the interrelation between the product portfolio and debt structures.
This episode is the eighth in the series PaaS Decoded, 16 conversations about the fine details of product-as-a-service.
Pe...
2024-10-0138 min
Circularity.fmCircular X - Identifying and Mitigating Rebound EffectsDesigning PaaS models for a positive impact
Description
Do PaaS models reduce overall resource consumption? Enhancing circularity is one motivation for starting PaaS. But PaaS does not necessarily deliver on that promise. It requires monitoring consequences and benchmarking them with other behaviours.
In this episode, Ankita Das, PhD Researcher on Circular Business Models at Circular X at Maastricht University, explains the origin and character of rebound effects. She does not stop there but shares common mitigation strategies and ways to implement rebound thinking in the early design process of a business model.
This episode is...
2024-09-2427 min
Circularity.fmCircularity Capital - The Asset’s influence on FundingInvestor perspectives on Impact & Finance
When is a business model considered circular? A fund with circularity in its name must answer this question.
Andrew Shannon, Partner at Circularity Partners, gives us her answer. A benchmark market method is used to examine the behaviour of the portfolio company's customers.
In addition, Andrew describes how the financing challenges of PaaS businesses can be overcome.
This episode is the sixth in the series PaaS Decoded, 16 conversations about the fine details of product-as-a-service.
People
Andrew Shannon, Partner at Circularity Capital
Patrick Hypscher, Co-Founder...
2024-09-1740 min
Circularity.fmCommerzbank - Financing a PaaS BusinessWhere a bank can help
Description
Funding the assets is a prominent challenge for PaaS businesses. Assets have to be prefinanced, as customers only pay a monthly few.
Generally, three partners can provide support: venture capital investors, banks, and strategic partners, such as manufacturers.
In this episode, Lennert van Mens provides a bank's perspective on a PaaS business, including the overall business model, the cashflow design and the value generation.
This episode is the fifth in the series PaaS Decoded, 16 conversations about the fine details of product-as-a-service.
People
Lennert van Mens...
2024-09-1148 min
Circularity.fmPhilips - Operating & Communicating Refurbishment SuccessfullyBuilding the Foundation of Product-as-a-Service
Description
Running a Product-as-a-Service Business includes refurbishing products. It is not only a process in itself. It can also be another business model in itself.
Philips created a symbiotic relationship between PaaS and Refurbishment. PaaS returns are refurbished and sold as refurbished products. And many more products that are not available as subscriptions can be bought as refurbished.
In this episode, Boris Romero and Vincent van Lamoen from Philips give us insights into the refurbishment process, customer communication and the differences between the subscription and refurbishment propositions.
This...
2024-09-0340 min
Circularity.fmLizee - Finding the best Circular Model for Customers & BusinessSubscriptions as one circular instrument of many
Description
Consumers are looking to adopt a circular economy, based on renting and buying second-hand. Anna Balez, founder and CEO of Lizee, shares her insights about consumer preferences with us.
Customers demand solutions for their problems. Subscriptions can be one solution, but they are not the only one. This interview looks at the differences between renting and second-hand from a customer, operations, and company perspective.
This episode is the third in the series PaaS Decoded, 16 conversations about the fine details of product-as-a-service.
People
Anna Balez, Founder...
2024-08-2734 min
Circularity.fmHP Instant Ink – Scaling a Value Proposition around the WorldRunning a PaaS in over 40 countries successfully
Never run out of ink - that is the promise of HP Instant Ink. This promise attracts millions of customers worldwide. Shuchir Bhatia, Global Product Manager for HP Instant Ink takes us on a journey to discover how HP runs this proposition on a global scale.
Shuchir explains why HP chose a Pay-per-Month over a Pay-per-Use (or Pay per Page) plan and how the ink and the printer play together for HP Instant Ink. Connectivity is key, also for fraud protection. Additionally, we get insights into regional adaptation parameters and...
2024-08-2341 min
Circularity.fmMUD Jeans - Close the loop with Lease-a-JeansUsing Product-as-a-Service to secure access to non-virgin material
Description
In this episode, Bert van Son, founder and spokesperson of MUD Jeans, presents the Lease-a-Jeans proposition. Launched already in 2013, this proposition is a key instrument for closing the loop.
Bert shares the reasoning behind the proposition and explains major elements of it, like the one-time fee as a means to improve cash-flow. Moreover, we address key aspects and challenges of the circular economy, like the use of non-virgin material, the role of taxation on resources and labour, and the importance of a passion-driven brand.
This episode is the...
2024-08-1340 min
future trailsProduct as a Service als Zukunftsmodell? Mit Patrick HypscherÖkologie und Ökonomie in Einklang bringen
Website: Patrick Hypscher
https://www.hypscher.com/
Buchtipp. Sabine Canditt: "Kleine Schritte, große Wirkung. Mit Agilität zu mehr Nachhaltigkeit. Leanpub 2022.
Buchtipp. Thomas Rau, Sabine Oberhuber: "Material Matters. Wie wir es schaffen, die Ressourcenverschwendung zu beenden, die Wirtschaft zu motivieren, bessere Produkte zu erzeugen, und wie Unternehmen, Verbraucher und die Umwelt davon profitieren." Econ 2016.
Blogbeitrag Patrick Hypscher: PaaS Potential Wheel: Does my Product work as-a-Service?
https://circularity.fm/paas-potential-wheel-does-my-product-work-as-a-service/
Blogbeitrag: We’re stopping Fairphone Easy (phone-as-a-service subscription model)… for now.
https://www.fairphone.com/de/2024...
2024-08-041h 14
Circularity.fm(18) phiyond & Korozo: Measuring Corporate CircularityPatrick Peter shares the experience he had when calculating the circularity of an international packaging producer
Description
This episode features Patrick Peter, Director at phiyond by adelphi. Patrick presents how phiyond supported Korozo in creating transparency about its level of circularity. The starting point was the change in the regulatory landscape. Patrick and his team needed to gather and process circularity data to meet upcoming reporting standards. He shares how the reporting effort triggered the ambition to improve the circular share. The episode concludes with the needs and opportunities for companies to become more circular.
People
Patrick...
2024-03-1846 min
Circularity.fm(17) Husqvarna Group - Finding the Best Circular Business IdeasCalle Medin describes the innovation process Husqvarna set in place to accelerate the transition to more circular business models
This episode features Calle Medin, Vice President Sustainability at Husqvarna Group. Calle presents a process Husqvarna set up in 2019 to promote circular business ideas. The starting point is the strategic ambition of the management board. Calle and his team defined focus areas and decision criteria. He shares the different motivations of employees to submit ideas and how the selection committee was staffed. The episode concludes with reflections on the implementation of the ideas and success rates.
People
Calle...
2024-03-0446 min
Circularity.fm(16) Kearney: Circular Economy Essentials for Senior ManagementAngela Hultberg elaborates on the challenges an organisation needs to overcome to unleash the potential of the circular economy
This episode features Angela Hultberg, Global Sustainability Director at Kearney.
Angela discusses the critical role of circular economy strategies in achieving sustainable business practices. She emphasizes the necessity of rethinking business models, products, and services from the ground up to integrate circularity effectively. Angela highlights the challenges of changing consumer behaviors and the importance of collaboration within and outside organizations to foster a circular economy. She concludes by stressing the urgency of making significant decisions and taking action...
2024-02-1936 min