Circularity.fm

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Circularity.fm is the podcast about understanding, building and managing circular business models. Most episode showcase one specific organisation that runs a circular business model or a business model in the circular economy. This can be a startup, an established SME or a business field of a corporate. Hence, interviews are both about founding and funding a circular business as well as transforming an existing linear business to a circular one, be it in Europe, North America, South America, Asia, Africa or Australia. The podcast focuses on experiences made in this build-up and transformation phase.

Patrick Hypscher


    • May 13, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • every other week NEW EPISODES
    • 31m AVG DURATION
    • 44 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Circularity.fm

    Investing in Circular Business Models in 
North America & 
Europe with Maya Hassa from Circular Innovation Fund - VC

    Play Episode Listen Later May 13, 2025 28:13 Transcription Available


    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.

    Veganz's Journey in Becoming a Cutting-edge FoodTech Company by Anja Brachmüller, Veganz | CIRCULAZE Summit

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 1, 2025 10:44


    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 is part of the series about the CIRCULAZE Summit from November 2024.

    The challenging “New Work World” in the circular economy by Andreas Jenne, REHAU | CIRCULAZE Summit

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 25, 2025 13:11


    Everyone says that the circular economy needs cooperation. But how is that supposed to work? 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 R-strategies. This episode is part of the series about the CIRCULAZE Summit from November 2024.

    Transitioning From the Linear to Circular Value Chain for Solar PVs by Pamela Ong, E.ON | CIRCULAZE Summit

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 17, 2025 9:00


    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 years. This episode is part of the series about the CIRCULAZE Summit from November 2024."

    Urban Mining of the Patrick-Henry-Village: Heidelberg's Vision for a Circular Economy in Construction, M. Heinrich, EPEA

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 11, 2025 10:01


    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.

    The Human Factor in Circular Fashion by Serena Bonomi, On | Circular Fashion

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 5, 2025 12:20


    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.

    Family Business transform towards circular value creation by Carl-Luis Rieger, WEPA | CIRCULAZE Summit | Venture Capital

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 25, 2025 11:46


    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.

    Collaboration Now! Circular Economy as strategic business lever by Nina Fechler, Evonik | CIRCULAZE SUMMIT

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 18, 2025 12:27


    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.

    How to win colleagues for the circular economy with Vojtech Vosecky, The Circular Economist | CIRCULAZE SUMMIT

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 11, 2025 28:17


    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.

    Everything a Board needs to know about Product-as-a-Service

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 10, 2024 53:55 Transcription Available


    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 at Acer, 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.

    TRUMPF - Be more Efficient with Equipment-as-a-Service

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 3, 2024 54:07 Transcription Available


    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.

    kaer - Cooling-as-a-Service and the Role of Technology

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 26, 2024 35:03 Transcription Available


    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.

    Royal Ahrend - From a Separated Startup to an Integrated Business

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 19, 2024 33:55 Transcription Available


    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.

    Hilti - Overcoming Hidden Complexities of Circular Rental and Reuse

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 13, 2024 34:31 Transcription Available


    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.

    UNDRESS Circularity - Assessing the Impact of Circular Business 
Models

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 5, 2024 35:53 Transcription Available


    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. In this episode, Dr. Marianne Kuhlmann, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Circularity, presents insights from the first market report of UNDRESS Circularity. UNDRESS Circularity 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. This episode is the eleventh in the series PaaS Decoded, 16 conversations about the fine details of product-as-a-service.

    V-ZUG - Reporting & Accounting of a PaaS Model

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 29, 2024 32:23 Transcription Available


    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.

    Cradle to Cradle NGO - From Product to Performance

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 22, 2024 39:46 Transcription Available


    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 fine details of product-as-a-service.

    Debt Financing of PaaS Assets

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 1, 2024 38:15 Transcription Available


    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.

    Circular X - Identifying and Mitigating Rebound Effects

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 24, 2024 27:40 Transcription Available


    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 the seventh in the series PaaS Decoded, 16 conversations about the fine details of product-as-a-service.

    Circularity Capital - The Asset's influence on Funding

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 17, 2024 40:50 Transcription Available


    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.

    Commerzbank - Financing a PaaS Business

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 11, 2024 48:53 Transcription Available


    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.

    Philips - Operating & Communicating Refurbishment Successfully

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 3, 2024 40:58 Transcription Available


    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 episode is the fourth in the series PaaS Decoded, 16 conversations about the fine details of product-as-a-service.

    Lizee - Finding the best Circular Model for Customers & Business

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 27, 2024 34:07 Transcription Available


    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.

    HP Instant Ink – Scaling a Value Proposition around the World

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 23, 2024 41:29 Transcription Available


    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 the go-to-market interfaces with the local sales organisation. This episode is the second in the series PaaS Decoded, 16 conversations about the fine details of product-as-a-service.

    MUD Jeans - Close the loop with Lease-a-Jeans

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 13, 2024 40:19 Transcription Available


    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 first in the series PaaS Decoded, 16 conversations about the fine details of product-as-a-service.

    (18) phiyond & Korozo: Measuring Corporate Circularity

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 18, 2024 46:25


    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.

    (17) Husqvarna Group - Finding the Best Circular Business Ideas

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 4, 2024 46:34


    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.

    (16) Kearney: Circular Economy Essentials for Senior Management

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 19, 2024 36:03


    This episode features Angela Hultberg, Global Sustainability Director at Kearney. She 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 towards sustainability, despite the complexities of defining complete circularity.

    (15) Würth - Winning the Organisation for Circularity

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 31, 2024 39:01


    This episode features Alexander Shevelov from Würth Group discussing their journey and strategies in integrating sustainability into business processes. Würth's approach is all about integrating internal and external stakeholders into the process, listening to their needs and giving them ownership. The conversation delves into the role of sustainability ambassadors, having top-management support and involving external partners. People: Alexander Shevelov, Strategy & People Lead Sustainable Value Chain Management, Würth Group Patrick Hypscher, Co-Founder of Green PO, Expert in Sustainable Business Models About Würth (from website): The Würth Group is the global market leader in the development, production, and sale of fastening and assembly materials. The Würth Group operates worldwide and currently consists of more than 400 companies with more than 2,700 branches and shops in 80 countries. In its core business, the manufacturing of assembly and fastening materials, the Würth Group is a firmly established market player. Further Links: Würth Group, https://www.wuerth.com/

    (14) Haniel - Investing for profit and a future worth living

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 1, 2023 34:18


    Many investors and companies struggle to balance profit and impact. Should we go for one at the expense of the other? Or can we combine the two? And if so, how do we translate this ambition into tangible goals and make them work in day-to-day operations? In this episode, Axel Berger, Chief Sustainability Officer at Haniel, shares how Haniel has profit and impact targets.

    (13) vaude: In- & outsourcing to rent out outdoor equipment

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 9, 2023 35:03


    What do you do if you need to solve a problem you are not familiar with? You learn new skills. Or you ask for help. It's the same for companies testing a new proposition. So, you have to decide what are the things you do internally and what are the things you ask others for support. In this episode, Robert Klauer tells us how vaude – a German outdoor equipment manufacturer– split the work for running its renting proposition.

    (12) scc events & cuna: Collaboration for reusable cups

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 12, 2023 26:07


    At running events, drinks are typically provided in disposable cups. That is a significant amount of waste. SCC events, the Berlin Marathon and Berlin Half-Marathon organizer, wants to change that. So they partnered with Cuna Products, Remondis, and WWF to pilot a reusable cup. Collaboration is essential to move towards a circular economy. This episode sheds light on the implications for the users, the product, the logistics, and the pricing. Thanks to Michael, Head of Operations at SCC Events, and Rafael, CEO and founder of CUNA Products, for sharing their experience with us!

    (11) mujo labs: Finding the first application for a technical innovation

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 8, 2023 21:11


    From time to time, ingenious people sit in the laboratory and discover new technology, find new insights about how the world works, or how to improve the status quo. But how to turn that into practice? There might be plenty of possible applications in multiple markets. You cannot start with everything at the same time. How do you evaluate these options? How do you make a choice? In this episode, Juni, co-founder of mujo labs, shares her story about leveraging the benefits of algae to provide biodegradable packaging materials.

    (10) Commown: Chosing a legal entity that puts the planet first

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 1, 2023 42:41


    What is the best legal entity to start a sustainable business? The way an organization is set up defines its modus operandi. Whether money is a means to an end or an end in itself is decided at that early moment. In this episode, Élie, co-founder of Commown, shares the rationale and details of running an organization as a cooperative in collective interest.

    (9) hey circle: Introducing re-usable packaging

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 16, 2023 32:02


    What does it take to reduce packaging waste? Re-usable packaging in e-commerce starts with customer information, checkout adaptations and needs to tackle a fundamental question: How does the packaging return? In this episode, Doris, founder of Hey Circle describes the steps necessary to switch to re-usable packaging.

    (8) evergrain: Balancing Planet & Profit

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 23, 2022 40:40


    Do you put planet over profit? Every organization answers this question, mostly implicitly in day-to-day decisions. It's the job of the leadership team to set priorities when it comes to planet and profit ambitions. In this episode, a leader of a purpose-driven startup founded by a stock-listed company shares his experience of balancing planet and profit ambitions.

    (7) Urwahn bikes: Using a Circular Label in your communication

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 9, 2022 27:00


    How can you inform customers about the way in which you apply circularity? Many organizations invest a lot in their circular approach and want to share this with the public. In this episode, Silke from Urwahn tells us how a label can help convey circular efforts.

    (6) kaputt.de: Building a B2C repair marketplace

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 25, 2021 22:59


    Building a marketplace requires growing two customer groups at the same time: The buyers and the sellers. Providing platform services that compete with the sellers' offerings adds another twist to the challenge. In this episode, Tobias Kronawitter, founder of kaputt.de, shares his experience in helping people extend the lifetime of smartphones, smartwatches, coffee machines, and game consoles by matching them with local repair shops and offering repair kits.

    (5) Hulaaloop: The PaaS benefits for brands and manufacturers from a startup perspective

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 19, 2021 27:40


    Why should a brand or manufacturer offer its products as a service? And what will they learn about their products? In this episode Puck Middelkoop, the founder of Hulaaloop will share her experience in renting out kids' clothes from premium brands.

    (4) Mattress as a Service with bedzzzy: Make subscribing more attractive than buying

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 14, 2020 25:31


    Why should customers rent a product they previously bought? Having a compelling answer to that question is key for the success of every Product as a Service model. And why would you start the service under a new service brand when you already have a well-known product brand? In this episode, Lisette from bedzzzy shares her experience with offering circular Auping mattresses as a service.

    (3) IKEA: Organizational Transformation and Circular Design Principles

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 4, 2020 52:56


    Did you ever wonder how a large company organizes the transformation to a more circular business? And what if you're producing and selling thousands of products - how to assess and manage their circularity? These are the main questions we will explore in this episode. Simon Skoog from IKEA shares experiences they made so far.

    (2) The Papillon Project: Renting out Bosch home appliances to a social organisation

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 10, 2020 31:04


    How to run a Product as a Servíce business together with a social partner? And how to remove the worries of poor people with a subscription? The Papillon project rents out Bosch home appliances to poor people. In this episode, Bruno Vermoesen explains the unique character of Papillon.

    (1) The Circular Business Model Map - Startups, SME & Corporates in the Circular Economy

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 29, 2020 29:40


    This episode will give you an overview of more than 140 different organisations running business models in the circular economy. I assign these organisations to one of five types: Product as a Service, Sharing Platforms, Resource Recovery, Product Life Extension and Circular Supplies.

    (0) What is Circularity.fm?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 16, 2020 5:56


    This is a short introductory episode with essential information about this podcast.

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