Let's Talk about It

How is the sustainability debate impacting the packaging industry? And what changes are coming with Generation Z? Watch the newest episode of “Let’s talk about it” with Alan Thomas from “Butterflies & Hurricanes” to find out more.

Do you think that your everyday actions can’t have a real impact on the environment? You are in for a surprise! This time on “Let’s talk about it”, Michael invites Vladimír Kočí, Dean of the Faculty of Environmental Technology at UCT Prague, to discuss how life cycle assessment studies uncover the true power of individual choice.

A successful circular economy heavily relies on shifting our perspectives to seeing waste as a resource. But does it work in practice? Cyril Klepek stops by to discuss why such a transition is necessary, how he himself is contributing with his online marketplace for secondary resources, and how waste as a resource can work in real life.

Global economic models are steadily shifting in a circular direction, setting off alarm bells for some traditionally linear businesses. But this doesn’t have to mean the end. On this episode of “Let’s talk about it”, Michael sits down with corporate sustainability advisor Carina Sundqvist to learn more about leadership and collaboration opportunities such a transformation inherently brings for business.

Can seaweed based polymers replace traditional plastics? Dr. Alexander Golberg from Tel Aviv University stops by “Let’s talk about it” to give more insight about seaweed based bioplastics and discuss the true cost of sustainability.

At first glance, recycling plastic may seem like the ideal solution. But is it always? This time on “Let’s talk about it”, polymer specialist Michal Babič stops by to discuss the complexities, offer alternatives and unveil the darker side of what we think of as recycling.

Do you find the thought of microplastics in our oceans unsettling but not sure what to do about them? Luckily, 13-year old Anna Du is already working on a solution! Watch her interview with Michael on Let’s talk about it and find out her how, her why and her plans for the future.

Bioplastics sound like a dream come true. Something that’s “bio” can’t hurt the environment, right? Not necessarily! Dr. Petra Innemanová from Charles University stops by to clear up confusion about this material and tell us whether she believes it presents a viable solution to the global plastic crisis.

Some have labeled hydrogen as the fuel of the future. But is it? And what obstacles stand in the way of a full-fledged hydrogen economy takeover? Aleš Doucek from the Czech Hydrogen Technology Platform stops by to talk about the current state of affairs and take a look at what we can expect within the next few years.

Is the polymer age coming to an end? Prof. Josef Jančář from VUT Brno comes by to discuss both opportunities and innovative solutions plastics have brought us, while acknowledging the challenges that come along with them. He and Michael contemplate topics such as applied research funding, public demand for a solution and viable alternatives to current material applications. 

Undergoing major transformation comes with facing challenges, recognizing weaknesses and creating new solutions. Transitioning from a linear to a circular economy is no different. On this episode, Michael invites Vojtěch Vosecký from the Institute of Circular Economy to shine a light on the issue, discuss the challenges and identify opportunities such a transformation can offer.

On this episode of “Let’s talk about it”, Lukáš Sedláček, founder of the European Leadership Academic Institute (https://elai.cz/) , comes by to discuss the power of stories to inspire change and drive innovation.