Plastic. Climate. Future.

What does it take to make industry truly future-ready?In this episode, we speak with Gunther Weidinger, founder and chairman of Estanium and former Siemens executive, about how manufacturing can become more connected, resilient, intelligent, sustainable and people-centric — or, in one word: CRISP.Drawing on more than three decades of industrial experience, Gunther shares why the biggest challenges facing manufacturing cannot be tackled in isolation. Digitalization, resilience, sustainability, AI and people all need to become part of the same transformation.We discuss:What CRISP manufacturing means — and why factories need a more holistic approach to transformation How trusted data sharing can create transparency across complex supply chains Why circularity can strengthen both sustainability and industrial resilience Why technology alone is not enough — and the role trust, collaboration and people play in making transformation workAnd the conversation continues in Munich!

Another episode of our series with Plastics Europe Deutschland is out! This time, we look at why successful recycling often starts long before a product reaches the end of its life — at the design stage.We speak with Dr. Alexander Azzawi from Evonik about the technologies that can make plastics easier to separate, repair and recycle.From inks that can be washed off packaging to adhesives designed to debond on demand, Alex shows how innovations at the design stage can enable higher-quality recycling and more circular material flows. We discuss:How de-inking technology can improve the quality of recycled plasticsHow “debonding on demand” can make products easier to repair, disassemble and recycleWhy circular solutions require collaboration across the entire value chainWhy designing for recyclability is becoming increasingly important as circularity requirements reshape the market Circularity doesn't begin at the recycling plant. Increasingly, it begins with the choices we make when products and materials are designed.Listen now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!

In this episode, we speak with Dr. Jens Hamprecht,  VP Global Plastics Steering Committee & Sustainability at BASF, about the transformation of the plastics industry and why circularity is becoming increasingly important for Europe's industrial future.From innovative recycling technologies to reducing dependence on imported resources, Jens shares his perspective on the opportunities and challenges of building a circular plastics industry.We discuss: How BASF is advancing circular plastics through innovative recycling technologies and industry collaborationsWhy scaling circular solutions requires market demand, investment and collaboration across the value chainHow circularity can strengthen Europe's industrial resilience and resource independence Why clear and stable regulatory frameworks are essential to accelerate the transitionCircularity is no longer just an environmental ambition. It is becoming a strategic opportunity to strengthen Europe's industrial future. Listen now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!

Last week in Berlin, Germany's innovation ambitions took center stage. Our series with Plastics Europe Deutschland continues with another example of the technologies and companies shaping its industrial future.We speak with Melanie Hackler and Eva Kamp from matterr about what happens after you develop a promising recycling technology: how do you actually scale it into an industrial business?matterr has developed a chemical recycling process that breaks polyester-rich waste back down into its original building blocks. Those recycled monomers can then be used again in existing polyester production — turning waste into a new raw material.But technology alone doesn't create a circular economy. Scaling requires reliable waste streams, sorting infrastructure, customers, investment and an ecosystem capable of bringing all of those pieces together.We discuss:How matterr's technology tackles complex polyester waste that conventional recycling struggles withWhat it takes to move from a pilot plant to industrial scale Why circular materials have to compete with linear production systems optimized over decades — and the role regulation and investment can play in enabling the transitionWhy Germany's infrastructure, expertise and industrial ecosystem can provide a strong foundation for scaling the next generation of circular technologiesThe technology is there. The need is clear. The challenge is taking circular solutions from promising innovations to competitive industrial scale.Because for circular technologies to matterr, they have to scale.

This week, Germany's plastics industry takes its innovation story to Berlin — and our series with Plastics Europe Deutschland looks at what it will take to turn industrial strength into action.Ahead of this week's innovation press conference, we sit down with Christine Bunte from Plastics Europe Deutschland to discuss what Germany's plastics industry can contribute to the country's high-tech ambitions — and what needs to happen to turn that potential into action.Germany has strong industrial capabilities, material expertise and an active innovation landscape. But having the right ingredients is not enough. The challenge now is to move faster and get into the “do stage.”We discuss:Why plastics and material competence are essential to Germany's High-Tech Agenda — from e-mobility and renewable energy to electronics and roboticsWhat industry needs from policymakers — including competitive energy, infrastructure, less bureaucracy and stronger incentives for transformationWhat progress could realistically look like three years from now — and why transforming industrial competitiveness will take timeThis week, many of these ideas will take center stage at the innovation press conference in Berlin, bringing together voices from industry, startups and academia to discuss the future competitiveness of Germany's plastics industry.The capabilities are there. The innovation is there. Now the question is how to turn Germany's industrial strength into action.

Our series with Plastics Europe Deutschland continues with a perspective from someone who has been observing the chemical and plastics industries from a front-row seat for more than three decades.Michael Reubold is a polymer chemist by training — but instead of working directly in the plastics industry, he has spent more than 30 years observing, reporting on and engaging with it as Editor-in-Chief of CHEManager.That gives him a unique perspective on how the industry has changed, the challenges it faces today, and where it could go next.

Flame retardants rarely get much attention. Yet they play an important role in enabling the plastics used across electronics, electric vehicles, renewable energy technologies, buildings and many other high-tech applications.In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Adrian Beard from Clariant to explore the science behind flame retardants and the challenge of combining fire safety, material performance and sustainability.We discuss:How flame retardants help make polymers suitable for demanding high-tech applicationsWhy electrification, batteries and renewable energy technologies are creating new material safety challengesWhy developing a new flame retardant can take five to ten years from the initial idea to commercial scaleHow fire safety and circularity can be reconciled, and why durability and recyclability sometimes create difficult trade-offsHow sustainability and regulation are changing the way new chemistries are developedWhy even more sustainable solutions still need a viable business case and market acceptanceIt's a fascinating reminder that some of the technologies enabling innovation are almost invisible in the final product. We may never see the chemistry, but without it, many of the materials and technologies we rely on would not perform as safely as they do. Listen now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!

Our series with Plastics Europe Germany takes on another key question for the future of plastics: What happens when conventional recycling isn't enough?In this episode, we sit down with Marcel Beermann, CEO of ARCUS GreencyclingTechnologies, to explore the role chemical recycling can play in tackling mixed and difficult-to-recycle plastic waste — and what it takes to turn these waste streams back into valuable resources.We discuss:Why mechanical and chemical recycling can complement each other, rather than competeHow mixed plastic waste can be converted into pyrolysis oil and used again as feedstock for new plasticsWhat it takes to scale chemical recycling from technology to industrial realityWhy regulation and market demand will be critical to creating a viable circular economyHow making better use of our own plastic waste can strengthen Europe's resource resilience and industrial competitivenessOne thing becomes clear: Europe already has a significant resource in its plastic waste. The question is how we make better use of it. Listen now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!

The energy transition isn't only about generating renewable energy. It's also about how we transport and distribute that energy — and the materials that make this infrastructure possible.In this episode, we sit down with Dr.Matthias Pursch from Dow Packaging & Specialty Plastics to explore the often invisible role advanced materials play in the infrastructure around us.We discuss:How material innovation is enabling high-voltage and HVDC cableshigh-voltage power cables, including HVDC systems, to transport electricity over long distancesWhy these technologies are increasingly important as we connect renewable energy generation to the gridHow advanced materials are helping improve district heating infrastructureThe role of recycled and bio-based feedstocksThe role of post-consumer recycled (PCR) materials and bio-circular feedstocks, and the challenge of combining circularity with demanding technical performanceWhy collaboration across the value chain is essential to bring new solutions into real-world infrastructureMany of these materials remain almost invisible in our everyday lives — yet they play an essential role in making our energy systems more efficient, durable and ready for the future.

New episode of our series with Plastics Europe Deutschland, exploring “What HighTech is made of – Plastics as the Enablers of German Innovation Goals,” is live.Episode 2: Rethinking How We Innovate MaterialsHow do we turn promising material ideas into solutions that actually work at industrial scale — and can we do it faster?In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Jürgen Stebani, founder and CEO of Polymaterials, to explore how material innovation itself is changing.We discuss:How to accelerate material development and move from ideas to industrial solutions fasterHow to bridge the gap between startups, research and established industryHow AI, digitalization and data are changing the way new compounds and materials are developedWhat Germany needs to remain competitive as a location for material innovationWhy speed, experimentation and a willingness to take risks matter for the next generation of materialsBecause ultimately, innovation isn't only about discovering new materials. It's also about rethinking how we develop them and bring them into industry. Listen now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!

Germany's future technologies share one common denominator: plastics. In our series with Plastics Europe Deutschland, we talk to the people turning that into solutions — from material volume to material competence, the core idea behind The Plastic Shift.For our first company conversation, we sit down with Daniel Koch from LyondellBasell to look at what circularity means when it moves beyond the lab and into industrial reality.At LyondellBasell's Wesseling site, the company is building its first industrial-scale MoReTec plant, designed to turn difficult-to-recycle mixed plastic waste into feedstock for new polymers.We talk about what it really takes to bring circularity to industrial scale — from transforming existing production sites and integrating new technologies into established operations, to creating the conditions that allow these investments to succeed. And we explore why the transition will depend not only on new technology, but also on infrastructure, expertise, regulation and demand.As Daniel puts it:“Circularity is not really only a technology question.”And perhaps that is the bigger story: transforming the plastics industry doesn't necessarily mean starting again from scratch. It can also mean using the infrastructure, expertise and people we already have to build something new.This is the first episode in our new mini-series exploring the innovative spirit of Germany's plastics and polymer industry — and the people turning transformation into industrial reality.

Germany doesn't have an ideas problem.Eight years of shrinking industrial production. Christine Bunte, Managing Director of Plastics Europe Deutschland, calls it what it is: not an economic dip, but a structural crisis.And yet — the universities are excellent. The research is excellent. The ideas are there. What's missing is the step from idea to industrial scale.“We have lost speed in making these ideas industrial products and bringing them to industrial scale. That is often the step that's missing.”So Plastics Europe Deutschland is turning the perspective around: from material volume to material competence. Plastics not as the villain, but as the invisible key technology behind Germany's future industries.From today, our series “What Hightech Is Made Of” — following the seven fields of Germany's Hightech-Agenda, with the people actually building the solutions. Every Tuesday and Thursday, through to the innovation press conference in Berlin on 11 September.Here a short preview of what's coming:- How mixed plastic waste becomes raw material again - at industrial scale, inside a working chemical park. - Why finding the right formulation used to take months and now takes minutes. - What's inside a power cable and why it decides how much wind energy actually arrives.- Why no electric car moves without flame retardants.

What started as an effort to create a better alternative to conventional plastic straws led to something nobody expected.In this episode, we speak with Brad Laporte and Michael Winters from WinCup, the team behind PHADE®—a PHA-based material designed to biodegrade in environments where conventional plastics persist. Along the way, they discovered an entirely unexpected application: helping researchers restore coral reefs by protecting young corals during their most vulnerable stage.Together, we discuss:- How bacteria can produce the next generation of plastics- Why they chose PHA over paper straws- The surprising connection between biodegradable plastics and coral restoration- What it takes to bring a new material from the lab to billions of products- Why science, certification, and performance matter in building trustThis is a fascinating conversation about material innovation, unexpected discoveries, and how one idea can solve problems far beyond its original purpose.

Circular plastics have moved beyond pilot projects. Today, companies are investing in mechanical recycling, chemical recycling, renewable feedstocks, and even CO₂-based materials. But are these solutions ready to scale—and what will it take to make them mainstream?In this episode, we sit down with Stephan Roest, Head of Circular Economy Business Development at Borouge International. Having spent many years at Borealis, Stephan brings a unique perspective on how the plastics industry is evolving—from linear production towards truly circular value chains. Together, we discuss: What it takes to scale circular plasticsThe roles of mechanical and chemical recyclingRenewable and alternative carbon feedstocksWhy collaboration across the value chain is essentialHow regulation, innovation, and market demand are shaping the industry's futureThis is an insightful conversation about the opportunities (and the challenges) of making circular plastics part of the mainstream.

In this episode, we speak with Neil Morris, founder of Kelpi, about how seaweed-based materials could help reshape the future of packaging — and what it really takes to move beyond fossil-based plastics.We discuss:Why seaweed is attracting attention as a renewable feedstockThe challenge of scaling sustainable packaging solutionsHow brands are approaching next-generation materialsThe realities behind replacing conventional plasticsWhy infrastructure, economics, and regulation matter as much as innovationWhat makes this conversation especially interesting is that it moves beyond hype. Neil shares the practical realities of building a materials startup in one of the world's most challenging industries — packaging.At Plastic Climate Future, we believe serious conversations about plastics, climate, circularity, and innovation need nuance, not slogans.

What if the problem isn't that we're failing to recycle, but that the system itself is working against it?In this episode, we speak with Joan Marc Simon, founder of Zero Waste Europe and one of the leading voices shaping circular economy policy across the EU. With decades of experience bridging grassroots action and European regulation, he brings a sharp and often uncomfortable perspective on what's really happening behind the scenes of plastic recycling.Note: This conversation was recorded prior to recent developments in the Middle East impacting global oil and plastics markets.From oversupply and global market dynamics to policy design and economic realities, this conversation challenges some of the most widely held assumptions about circularity.

What if the future of plastics doesn't start in a lab, but in a design studio?In this episode of Plastic. Climate. Future., we speak with Beat Karrer, founder of FluidSolids, who took an unconventional path from industrial design into material innovation — developing high-performance materials made entirely from waste streams.From corn cobs to coffee waste, his work challenges a fundamental assumption: that plastics must come from fossil resources.We explore:How waste streams can become high-performance material feedstockWhy design thinking is a powerful (and often overlooked) driver of material innovationWhat it takes to scale new materials — from pilot to industrial productionWhy circularity depends on systems, not just materialsA refreshing and grounded perspective on what it really takes to rethink plastics, not just replace them.

Circularity isn't just about materials. It's about energy.In this episode of Plastic. Climate. Future., we speak with Constantine Lau from Schneider Electric, who is leading electrification strategies for some of the world's most energy-intensive industries.With decades of experience across oil, gas, and chemicals, Constantine shares why the shift from managing molecules to managing electrons may be one of the most underestimated levers for circular transformation.We explore:Why electrification is central to scaling circular systemsHow digitalization and energy management reshape industrial operationsThe connection between decarbonization and circularityWhy ROI and regulatory clarity must align for real impactA strategic, forward-looking conversation about how energy systems and circular systems are more connected than we often think.

What if the breakthrough in plastic recycling doesn't come from higher temperatures or bigger reactors — but from biology?In this episode of Plastic. Climate. Future., we speak with Oliver Borek from Entzimatiko, a company developing a novel enzymatic technology that goes beyond conventional chemical recycling.Their approach combines enzyme engineering, nano-encapsulation, and oxidation in a single-step process — operating at ambient conditions and targeting even the toughest materials, including polyolefins.We explore:Why polyolefins have long been considered “uncrackable” — and what may be changingHow enzymatic machinery differs from pyrolysis and hydrothermal methodsWhat low-temperature, solvent-free processing could mean for cost and scalabilityWhy competitiveness with fossil equivalents is critical for real impactThe roadmap to commercial scale by 2030A fascinating conversation about science, risk, and what it takes to move breakthrough technology from lab to market.If circularity is to scale, innovation must go beyond incremental change. This episode dives into what that could look like.

We're kicking off the next series of Plastic. Climate. Future. —

New Year, New Episode – But First, Let's Rewind.

What began as a curious design experiment has grown into a pioneering materials company, one that's rethinking circularity, material value, and how we deal with overlooked waste streams.In this episode, we speak with Zsofia Kollar, founder of Human Material Loop, a startup turning human hair waste into high-performance textile fibers for the interior and design industries.From salon floors to acoustic panels, Zsofia shares how their material innovation — Adara fiber — is entering the market with a low-carbon footprint, strong performance, and zero microplastics.

What if plastic could be made — not from fossil fuels — but from forestry residues?In this episode of Plastic Climate Future, we speak with Fredrik Malmfors, CEO of Lignin Industries, about how this abundant, underused natural material is being transformed into a scalable alternative to traditional plastics.With roots in consulting and food supply chains, Fredrik shares his personal journey to biopolymers — and how lignin-based materials can deliver performance, circularity, and value, from trucks to e-commerce packaging.Why tune in:- What makes lignin a game-changer in the bioplastics landscape- How Lignin Industries is building scalable, recyclable solutions- What's next for bio-based plastics and policy support in Europe

In this episode, we speak with Ved Krishna, the visionary behind Pakka, a company creating compostable food packaging from sugarcane waste — and aiming to scale regenerative packaging across the food industry.With deep roots in India and global ambitions, Ved shares how Pakka is building local supply chains, designing for true end-of-use, and why they've chosen to stay laser-focused on just one thing: food packaging.What we explore:- What regenerative packaging means in practice- Why scalability and pricing still challenge bio-based solutions- How values, design, and market pressure intersect in packagingA refreshing, candid, and at times radical take on what it really takes to change the system — and why it's worth doing.

In this episode of Plastic Climate Future, we speak with Valentijn de Neve, CEO of BlueAlp and President of Chemical Recycling Europe, ahead of the

In this episode of Plastic Climate Future, we speak with Dr. Christine Bunte, Managing Director of Plastics Europe, about what it really means to make plastics circular — and why achieving it is far more complex than simply recycling more.Christine brings a unique perspective, blending a background in polymer chemistry with years in public affairs, now representing Europe's plastics producers at the center of policy and industry change.What we explore:Why “well-made” packaging can be more sustainable than we thinkThe role of chemical and mechanical recycling in scaling circularityHow cost, innovation, and regulation intersect — and where the bottlenecks areWhy making circularity attractive to consumers is just as critical as policy targets

In this episode of Plastic Climate Future, we speak with Olivier Van Volden, a leading expert in plastics regulation and circular policy across Belgium and the EU. With a PhD in polymer science and a career spanning sustainable logistics, packaging legislation, and industry advocacy, Olivier shares how regulation can both enable and challenge the transition toward circularity.This episode also marks a milestone for our team: for the first time, Pedro Guincho steps behind the microphone to lead the discussion.Together, they explore what it takes to align EU legislation with on-the-ground innovation — and why the path to a circular future remains full of roadblocks.What we explore:How the EU's Green Deal and packaging rules are influencing innovationWhy complexity and uncertainty are holding back circular scale-upThe risk of losing industrial leadership to other global regionsWhat a more effective, purpose-driven regulatory framework could look like

What if every bottle cap, cigarette butt, or food wrapper washed up on a beach was more than just waste? What if it represented a data point, a story, and a call to action?In this episode of Plastic Climate Future, we speak with Sarah Weller from Ocean Conservancy, whose work transforms global beach cleanups into one of the world's most extensive sources of data on ocean pollution.From her early experiences diving in the Bahamas to leading the International Coastal Cleanup, Sarah shares how community-driven action, digital tools, and science communication are reshaping the movement toward a cleaner and more resilient ocean.What we explore:How 40 years of trash data is influencing policy and global awarenessWhy citizen science is essential to driving systemic change—not just removing litterHow the Clean Swell app is turning everyday actions into measurable impactThe shift from counting what we find to changing what gets madeThis episode is for anyone who believes the ocean deserves better—and that small, collective actions can create meaningful change.

At just 30 years old, Antero Ahvenainen was trusted to lead the most critical technology project in his company — a polyethylene innovation that would eventually power some of the largest polymer plants in the world.He didn't have formal training in plastics. What he had was curiosity, courage, and a team with the right attitude. The result? A process that helped shape the future of the global polyolefins industry.Together with John, who knows Antero from

In this episode of Plastic Climate Future, BASF experts Dr. Ivana Krkljuš, Dr. Christian Krueger, and Prof. Peter Saling discuss the future of sustainable chemistry through the lens of bio-attributed products, mass balance, and industrial decarbonization. Drawing from their recently published book chapter, the conversation unpacks the science, standards, and strategies driving BASF's climate-focused transformation.Key Highlights:

In the second episode of the podcast series Plastic. Climate. Future: A Journey into Circular Solutions for a Sustainable World, Christian Sigmund discusses WildPlastic's mission and its innovative approach to transforming plastic waste into sustainable packaging solutions. He also reflects on the pivotal moment that redirected his career towards addressing the global plastic crisis.Key Highlights:

In the first episode of this new podcast series: Plastic. Climate. Future.: A Journey into Circular Solutions for a Sustainable World. , we are joined by Christian Goldhahn, a material scientist at ON Running, to explore how circularity is reshaping the sportswear industry.Key Highlights: • Bio-Based Materials in Performance Gear: Christian explains how renewable materials are redefining performance without compromising on quality. • Closed-Loop Systems for Sustainability: Discover ON Running's innovations in creating fully recyclable sportswear. • Scaling Circular Design: Learn about the challenges of making circular systems economically viable in the competitive sportswear market.Christian shares how ON Running is raising the bar for sustainability while maintaining exceptional athletic performance—setting an example for other industries driven by innovation.

In the latest episode of the Plastic. Climate. Future. podcast, we sit down with sustainability expert Nicolo Giusti to untangle some of the toughest challenges facing the fashion industry as it strives to become more sustainable.This insightful conversation covers some of the most pressing topics shaping the future of fashion: • Nicolo's journey from working in textiles to founding the Sustainable Academy, where he advocates for meaningful change in the industry. • The reality behind terms like “vegan leather” and how misleading claims can contribute to greenwashing. • The uphill battle of making footwear sustainable and why designers play a pivotal role in driving innovation and accountability.Nicolo brings a refreshing perspective, offering practical ideas and thought-provoking solutions to address the “tight knot” of sustainability in fashion.

In the latest episode of the Plastic. Climate. Future. podcast, we sit down with Ivana Krkljus from BASF to discuss the company's innovative approaches to sustainability. As a leader in the chemical industry, BASF is at the forefront of efforts to reduce carbon emissions and transition toward renewable materials.Highlights from the Episode: • Innovative Carbon Solutions: Ivana provides insight into BASF's Carbon Division, a key player in the company's journey to achieving a low-carbon footprint.• Biogenic Feedstocks and Renewables: Learn about the integration of renewable raw materials into BASF's processes, along with the challenges posed by scalability and market adoption.• Market and Regulatory Influences: Ivana highlights the interplay between customer readiness, regulatory frameworks, and the adoption of sustainable practices across industries.This episode offers an engaging look into BASF's efforts to pioneer renewable solutions and lead the way in sustainable materials.Learn more about BASF here.#Sustainability #CarbonReduction #RenewableMaterials #BASF #Podcast

In our latest Plastic. Climate. Future. podcast, Michael Carus and Lara Dammer from Nova Institute shed light on the vital work of the Renewable Carbon Initiative (RCI) and its role in transitioning to a sustainable, circular carbon economy.Key Highlights from the Episode:• Leading the Way with RCI: Michael and Lara explain how the Renewable Carbon Initiative focuses on replacing fossil-based carbon with renewable alternatives from biomass, recycling, and CO2 utilization.• Policy as a Catalyst: They discuss the importance of well-designed incentives and regulations in accelerating innovation and investment in green technologies.• Europe's Competitive Edge: A candid look at the challenges Europe faces in staying at the forefront of sustainability, including the need for stronger policy frameworks and infrastructure.• A Balanced Approach to Carbon: Michael and Lara emphasize the importance of leveraging all renewable carbon sources to meet the demands of a sustainable future.This episode offers an engaging and thought-provoking discussion about the future of carbon management and the path to a greener, more circular economy.

Join us in our latest Plastic. Climate. Future. podcast episode with Timo Van Vooren and Steff Van Loy from Citribel, where we had the chance to discuss the impact of mycelium in the future of the materials industry.Check out the key topics:Discover how Citribel's unique fermentation process is revolutionizing the world of sustainable materials.Uncover the potential of mycelium as a green alternative to traditional fossil-based materials.Learn about the exciting market applications and the economic viability of bio-based materials.Do not miss this opportunity to explore how Citribel is paving the way for a new age of sustainable materials, turning groundbreaking ideas into practical solutions.Learn more about Citribel.

Our latest Plastic. Climate. Future. podcast features Emil Pettersen, visionary founder of Reparel. Discover how Emil is tackling the issue of plastic waste while rethinking business models for sustainability. Catch Emil as he shares:The critical role of storytelling and customer engagement in promoting sustainable productsHis approach to leveraging partnerships for innovative recycling processesPersonal insights into finding a balance between profitability and environmental responsibilityDon't miss out on this compelling episode available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube!

This week on the Plastic.Climate.Future podcast, we welcome Karel Golta from Indeed Innovation for a thought-provoking conversation on the future of sustainable innovation. Karel shares insights into the shifting landscape of circular economy initiatives, the business models driving these changes, and how technology can support these goals.Key discussion points include: • The Role of European Policy: How European regulations are actively supporting circular economy models. • Business Models for Circularity: Innovative approaches to make sustainable practices profitable and scalable. • AI in Resource Management: Leveraging AI to optimize resources and minimize waste across industries.Learn more about Indeed Innovation at https://www.indeed-innovation.com/#Podcast #Sustainability #Innovation #CircularEconomy

In this podcast episode, we had the pleasure of speaking with Eric Appelman from Aduro Clean Technologies. Join us to explore how Aduro is revolutionizing plastic recycling with their cutting-edge technology. Key episode highlights:The story behind Aduro Clean Technologies: From Canadian roots to European expansionHow Eric's team is transforming dirty plastic waste into clean, reusable materialsThe advantages of Aduro's low-temperature hydrochemolytic technology over traditional methodsThe role of innovation in driving the circular economyEric's advice for future sustainability professionals: Stay ambitious and optimistic!Don't miss this insightful episode!

In this podcast episode, Jeff Wooster, retired Sustainability Director at Dow, shares over three decades of experience turning plastics into value while advocating for sustainability. His insights offer a unique view of the evolving world of plastics and environmental responsibility.Highlights:A Unique Journey: From a family dairy farm to leading sustainability in polymer innovation.Economic & Regulatory Drivers: How incentives and policies can enhance recycling and sustainable practices.Local vs. Global Strategies: Aligning local needs with global sustainability efforts.Challenges & Innovations: Addressing real-world issues and emerging solutions in plastics recycling.Don't miss this insightful episode!

In this podcast episode, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Cory Connors, Director of Sustainable Packaging at Orora Packaging Solutions, to discuss the future of packaging and its role in driving sustainability. Cory shared his wealth of experience and offered insightful solutions to some of the biggest challenges facing the packaging industry today. Key Topics Discussed: • Reducing material waste while maintaining product safety • Tackling consumer confusion with clearer recycling education • Groundbreaking innovations in packaging, including monomaterials and AI-based recycling • Collaboration across the value chain to create effective sustainable solutions Cory's insights provide a clear roadmap for how the packaging industry can evolve to meet growing sustainability demands. From reducing material waste to embracing new technologies, the future of packaging lies in innovation, collaboration, and better consumer education. Listen to the full conversation [link] and discover how sustainable packaging is shaping a more eco-friendly future.

The latest episode of Plastic.Climate.Future is live!

n this podcast episode, we had the pleasure of speaking with Joel Tasche, founder of CleanHub. Joel's passion for surfing ignited his entrepreneurial spirit, leading him to establish CleanHub, a waste management franchise dedicated to combating the global plastic crisis.Key insights from our conversation include:CleanHub's core mission: Collecting plastic waste directly from households in South and Southeast Asia.The alarming reality: Over two billion people worldwide lack access to proper waste management systems, significantly contributing to ocean pollution.CleanHub's innovative approach: Building a circular economy by converting plastic waste into valuable materials.

"The challenge isn't carbon itself, but the source of the carbon."Take a look at this freshly released recording from the WBM on stage interview with Henkel featuring Sjoerd Dijkstra, Director of Sustainability Strategy & Excellence at Henkel Adhesive Technologies, Mat and John, about the challenges and opportunities of transitioning towards renewable resources in the adhesives industry. Key takeaways from this insightful discussion:Moving away from fossil-based raw materials and the importance of biobased alternatives;The complexities of carbon accounting and how it impacts bio-solutions;Collaboration across the value chain to achieve cost-effective eco-friendly solutions;The role of transparency in ensuring the sustainability of raw materials.

In this podcast episode we had the opportunity to meet Outi Teräs from Neste, a leader in transforming plastic waste into valuable resources through chemical recycling.During this episode we had the chance of getting to know how Neste is tackling plastic pollution and shaping a more circular future for our planet. Here are the highlights: How Neste's innovative approach to chemical recycling is turning low-quality plastic waste into high-quality products you use every day!The magic behind Neste's Circular Journey: a process that refines waste into valuable resourcesNeste's groundbreaking Liquefaction technology: Uncover the science behind transforming plastic waste into oil for high-quality recycled plastics!To learn more about Neste, visit www.neste.com, or check them out on LinkedIn.

Warning: This week's podcast episode contains an extreme story features a raging elephant, a rock and plastic pollution! This story resulted in Ele Collection, an organization founded to tackle plastic pollution in Southern Africa's ecologically sensitive areas. We are joined by Ben Norton, Simon Teede, and Rainer von Urff Kaufeld, who are representing Ele Collection and take us on a journey over the following main topics: The Impact of Plastic Waste on the spread of diseases like cholera and E. coli, causing 4,900 deaths in three months in Zimbabwe and Zambia.The severe lack of local waste management facilities in Zimbabwe.Ele Collection's pioneering plan to convert plastic into concrete and their pilot plant project in Victoria Falls.Their plan to incentivize locals to collect plastic waste in hopes of fostering positive change. To learn more about Ele Collection, visit www.elecollection.co/, or visit them on LinkedIn.

In the latest Plastic.Climate.Future. episode, we dive into the world of sustainability with the incredible Hunter Lovins. As the founder of Natural Capitalism Solutions and a key figure in NOW partners, Lovins brings a wealth of experience and insights to the table. Throughout the episode, we explore the importance of education in driving sustainable decision-making and how implementing sustainability practices can actually boost profitability for companies. Lovins also introduces us to the "D.O.T. approach" - Everyday Do One Thing - encouraging listeners to take small steps towards a greener future. Join us as we uncover the power of everyday actions and their potential to make a big impact. Tune in on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Google Podcasts, and let's take strides towards a more sustainable world together.

In this episode, we take a deep dive in sustainable swimwear with Inga Hinkel the founder of Seasick Swim. We explore Seasick Swim's mission to design and produce swimwear and surf clothing essentials with a focus on circularity.Inga shares her inspiring journey of founding Seasick Swim and highlights the various partnerships that have been crucial to their success, particularly their collaboration with the SEAQUAL Initiative for sourcing materials. The episode concludes with Inga discussing the challenges she has faced along the way and offering valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.To learn more about Seasick Swim, visit www.seasickswim.com, and don't hesitate to connect with Inga Hinkel on LinkedIn

In this episode, we sit down with Emma Samson from Searious Business. Throughout the episode, Emma explains the concept behind Searious Business, namely, their work with businesses in the field of packaging, consumer electronics and furniture to make their plastic products more circular either through suggesting new alternatives or working towards sustainability regulations. During this, Emma enlightens us on Searious Business' mantra - "we are not anti-plastic, we are anti the misuse of plastic!".During our conversation, Emma shared her insights obtained from her maritime work in the North Sea. Her past firsthand experiences, coupled with her report on plastic sightings near docks and beaches, underscore the urgency of addressing ocean pollution. With this in mind, Emma suggests that the impact of regulation and the increase in community awareness has led to a reduction in ocean pollution. However, in certain areas of the globe this is still not the case, reporting situations where the river is overwhelmed by a massive quantity of trash.Finishing the episode, Emma motivates the young sustainability enthusiasts in our audience to stay positive so that they can have a meaningful impact!

In our latest podcast episode, Marcel Lubben from Brightlands Venture Partners, delves into the intricacies of transitioning to a circular economy, shedding light on both the challenges and opportunities it presents.Brightlands Venture Partners is a venture capital fund manager that invests in innovative start-up companies in the areas of agrifood, health and renewable sector. One of those investments is none other than Circularise!During the episode, Marcel shares his first major application in the industry, a generally applicable and biodegradable monomer that was used to develop the first truly biodegradable plastic cup. Additionally, we also emphasize the need for a common language around sustainability to facilitate and ensure that everyone involved in the supply chain is using the same metrics and definitions. Concluding, the road to a circular economy may be complex, but as Marcel highlights, it's paved with exciting opportunities. By embracing the complementary nature of bio-based solutions and fostering collaboration through a common language of sustainability, we can build a more resilient future for generations to come.

In the latest podcast episode, we had the opportunity of interviewing Marcus and Manuel from the Minderoo Foundation.Throughout the episode, they highlighted the significance of international collaboration in tackling global challenges like plastic pollution mentioning that while regulation is crucial, businesses must also take proactive steps towards sustainability. Additionally, another recurring topic of the conversation was the importance of transparency in addressing sustainability issues, particularly in understanding product composition and waste management.Overall, the conversation conveyed a sense of urgency, acknowledging the severity of environmental challenges, but with a positive outlook towards the future, both Marcus and Manuel trust in the growing interest in sustainability, particularly among younger generations. With this in mind, they leave our young audience a message: your passion and skills can make a real difference.