Plastic. Climate. Future.

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.

In our latest podcast episode, we headed towards the United Kingdom, and had a lovely chat (over tea) with Adam Herriott from WRAP, a circular economy expert, to discuss the pressing issues surrounding sustainability. Adam brought a wealth of knowledge and insights from his role at WRAP, where their main vision is to work towards a thriving world where climate change is no longer a problem. One key theme that emerged from our conversation was the shift from a linear economy to a circular one. Adam emphasized the importance of rethinking our approach to consumption and waste management. Rather than viewing items as disposable, he advocated for a paradigm shift towards viewing consumers as custodians of resources, responsible for their lifecycle from acquisition to disposal. Adam highlighted WRAP's integral role in driving collaboration across various sectors to achieve sustainability goals. From working with retailers to redesign packaging for recyclability to supporting local authorities in optimizing recycling collections, WRAP's multifaceted approach underscores the importance of collective action in creating systemic change. Furthermore, Adam provided valuable insights into WRAP's diverse team and the range of expertise contributing to their initiatives. From plastics experts to water management specialists, WRAP's interdisciplinary approach underscores the holistic nature of sustainability efforts, encompassing areas such as food waste reduction, textiles, and greenhouse gas emissions. Feel free to check out the work of WRAP at www.wrap.org.uk and feel free to contact Adam Herriot in LinkedIn.

In this week's podcast episode, we had the privilege of speaking with Victor Préaux, a passionate advocate for environmental sustainability and a project manager at Waste Free Oceans, a nonprofit organization tackling plastic pollution by cleaning up debris and transforming it into new materials. The conversation covered a range of topics, from the innovative ways they're giving plastic a second life to the importance of raising awareness.

This episode features a discussion with Verena Keller from UVEX, a company known for its consumer sports brand and B2B brand specializing in Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Verena is the head of strategic sustainability development within the Department of Strategic Innovation Solutions. Her role involves supporting product teams, marketing, and sales, especially with the increasing customer interest in sustainability and circularity. The conversation delves into Verena's unusual background in English and economics, her decade-long experience in the textile industry, and her focus on sports and outdoor brands. She emphasizes the importance of sustainability in natural materials and the complexity of transparent supply chains in textile manufacturing. Verena's entry into sustainability was gradual and unplanned, stemming from her sales and marketing roles and the desire to communicate effectively and drive change.

In our latest podcast episode, we delved into the intricate world of sustainability in the chemical value chain with no other than Dr. Christian Krüger, Head of Global Advocacy and Sustainability Chemical Recycling at BASF. And, as Christian’s position already suggests, we do not miss to speak about chemical recycling and the ominous process of mass balancing.

In the latest episode of our new series with Circularise, we had the pleasure to speak to René Bethmann from Vaude. He shares profound insights about the material challenges and polymer innovations shaping the future of sustainable textiles. Especially interesting is the emphasized the distinction between true and visible sustainability, which highlights the role of certifications in building trust supply chains but also among brands and their customers.

This is the first episode of this series and we have had the privilege of hosting Thomas Philipon the CEO of TotalEnergies Corbion. The discussion dives deeply into the world of bio-based and biodegradable PLA-based plastics, exploring the challenges and triumphs of creating eco-friendly alternatives to traditional plastics. And, we cannot forget of mentioning the importance of a mug!

In this podcast episode we had the opportunity to talk with Fridolin from Holypoly, a startup focused on revolutionizing the plastic recycling industry, by ending plastic destruction and keeping them in the cycle. Holypoly works with big brand manufacturers like Bosch, Lamy, NUK and Mattel. The conversation spans various topics, from Fridolin's personal experiences and travels in East Africa that exposed him to the harsh realities of climate change and its impact on communities, to the challenges of sourcing recycled materials and competing with low-cost virgin plastics. Additionally, the company's growth and the shift from a startup to a more established enterprise are also touched upon, with Fridolin highlighting their plans for expansion, including a crowdinvesting campaign which aims to enable small investors to invest in the economic potential of the circular economy. If you want to actively support the shift together with Holypoly, then click here http://holypoly.co/rocket . Overall, the discussion provides valuable insights into the practical aspects and challenges of sustainability in the recycling industry, emphasizing transparency, resilience, and technological advancements. Holypoly's growth plans underscore the increasing relevance of sustainability in addressing global challenges like climate change and waste management. Feel free to check out the work of HolyPoly at www.holypoly.co and feel free to contact Fridolin Pflüger in LinkedIn.

In our recent podcast, we sat down with Chris Thaller, the creative force behind "Anything But Ordinary" and a follower of the "Bold Ideas, Big Impact" mantra, to delve into his remarkable journey in sustainability. Our discussion navigated through his remarkable journey in sustainability, focusing on the transformative "Run for the Oceans" digital campaign and his broader vision for a greener future. At the heart of our conversation is Chris's ingenious "Run for the Ocean", a campaign that mobilized millions and raised awareness about ocean-bound plastic. The podcast explores how the fusion of running, digital outreach, and big brand influence can drive transformative change. The conversations delves into the origin of Chris's motivation for sustainability – witnessing plastic waste in oceans and on beaches. This is followed by Chris narrating some of his compelling stories, such as his journey to New York without using single-use plastics, illustrating the transformative power of individual actions and the influential role big brands play in shaping collective mindsets. The podcast also delves into Chris's interactions with iconic figures like Jane Goodall and Captain Paul Watson, revealing profound insights that have fueled his commitment to sustainability. These conversations underscore the intersection of passion, purpose, and a sustainable future. Concluding, this podcast episode emphasizes the challenges and triumphs in the journey towards sustainability while leaving us inspired to envision a future where each individual contributes to a more sustainable and optimistic world.

In our latest podcast episode, we had the privilege of sitting down with Bram, the innovative mind behind "From Waste to Wind." The conversation delves into the world of sustainable wind energy, exploring challenges, opportunities, and a vision for a greener future. Bram consistently emphasizes the critical role of additive manufacturing in crafting efficient wind turbine blades. Using 3D printing technology, he explains how this approach minimizes waste and optimizes blade shapes. The discussion seamlessly flows into an intriguing connection between art and sustainability. Bram shares his dream of creating a large kinetic sculpture that generates electricity. Looking toward the future, Bram envisions the global impact of sustainable wind energy solutions. He discusses deployment possibilities in both Western countries and developing nations, even in remote locations, providing energy solutions for diverse communities. The conversation reveals the barriers faced in embracing sustainability, addressing funding challenges and the necessity for a proof of concept. Despite these hurdles, Bram maintains optimism about the growing interest from industries and investors as technology advances. This podcast episode not only unveils the challenges and triumphs in the journey toward sustainable wind energy but also showcases the intersection of technology, sustainability, and creativity. As we look ahead, it's inspiring to see individuals like Bram paving the way for a future where renewable energy is both accessible and environmentally conscious. Listen to the full episode [link] and join the conversation on the future of wind energy!

In this episode, we spoke with diverse students from the International School in Circular Economy Project Management at the University of Ferrara. They highlighted collaboration and communication as key drivers for sustainable progress. Notable insights included a winemaker advocating for nature-friendly production and renewable energy adoption, and material scientists stressing the importance of innovative, sustainable materials for circular business models. Early-stage education's role in sustainability was also discussed. In summary, sustainability isn't just a buzzword; it's a way of life. The circular economy principles provide a promising path for various fields, hinging on innovation, creativity, and adaptability to different cultures and contexts. Check out the courses at Centoform’s website: www.centoform.it and University of Ferrara. In addition, take a look at the partner institutions, Wuppertal Institut, Athens University of Economics and Business, De-LAB, Anois and Aevolution.

In this enlightening episode, we had the pleasure of talking to Amira Fernandéz, a scientist with a keen interest in responsible science communication. The episode featured a discussion on the transformation of the plastics industry, where sustainability and circularity have become focal points. Amira shared insights into her own journey as a scientist and communicator, emphasizing the importance of disseminating scientific knowledge effectively to the public. As the conversation unfolded, we learned about Amira's science podcast, her work with various organizations, and her commitment to driving positive change in society. Concluding, this episode leaves us inspired and calls for continued collaboration and knowledge sharing to address pressing environmental challenges.

In this episode, we meet Tomas Vucurevic, founder and managing director of BRAIND® and a renowned expert in sustainable ingredient branding. During our conversation, Tomas sheds a light on the evolution of ingredient branding, from its early days centered around enhancing product performance, it has now shifted towards a purpose-driven approach, aiming to tackle environmental and social challenges. In addition, Tomas shares his perspective on the importance of collaboration in the application and implementation of a circular economy, while presenting the concept of the regenerative economy, which aims to move beyond sustainability and actively restore ecosystems and communities.

In this episode, we talk to Daniel Guntschnig, whose fascinating background allowed him to shift his focus and co-found one of the leading innovators in the bio-based sustainable materials’ industry, Polyola. Daniel's story is one of passion, innovation, and perseverance. He embarked on a journey to create positive change by addressing environmental challenges. Teaching himself chemistry from a book, he co-founded Polyola, a leading innovator in the space of bio-based polymer technologies in the thermoset/composite sector. Starting in the surfboard industry, Polyola's breakthroughs include the development of polyurethane and polyester resins with high recycling content, reducing dependence on crude oil. Concluding, the conversation ends with advice for young innovators, emphasizing the importance of passion, tenacity, and collaboration.

In this episode, we’ll delve into the exciting journey of his company, the transformative potential of their bio-based materials, as well as the difficulties of competing with mass production and an already established market of cost-efficient plastics. Concluding, our guest also suggests on finding the right value proposition to penetrate the market, and gives us an interesting application for bio-based plastics!

Join us on the second part of our podcast coverage of the renowned World Bio Markets conference in The Hague. In this episode, we continue to bring you insights and interviews with industry experts who are driving change in the realm of renewable material technologies and their applications. Stay updated with us through our LinkedIn and Instagram If you enjoy this podcast, please leave a review on Apple Podcast, Google Podcasts, Spotify and everywhere else.

In this episode, PCF had the privilege of partnering with the renowned World Bio Markets conference in The Hague, where experts from various fields come together to discuss the latest advancements in renewable material technologies and their applications. Join us as we share live impressions from the conference and highlight key interviews with industry leaders who are driving change towards a more sustainable bio-based future. Stay updated with us through our LinkedIn and Instagram If you enjoy this podcast, please leave a review on Apple Podcast, Google Podcasts, Spotify and everywhere else.

In this thought-provoking discussion with Plastic Climate Future, John Bessant extends our understanding of managing innovation, AI, and circularity, providing insights that are as deep as they are enlightening. Tune in to get a whole new perspective on innovation, and how it shapes our world. Stay updated with us through our LinkedIn and Instagram If you enjoy this podcast, please leave a review on Apple Podcast

Listen to our exciting discussion with Alex Thielen from Bioplastics Magazine, and learn what they do to support the circular economy value chain! In this podcast, we also discussed opinions and perspectives about bioplastics, and challenges in conveying important information into nice stories Find out more about Bioplastics Magazine at https://www.bioplasticsmagazine.com/en/ And check out their Bioplastic Basics Book HERE: https://www.bioplasticsmagazine.com/en/books/bioplastics.php Stay updated with us through our LinkedIn and Instagram If you enjoy this podcast, please leave a review on Apple Podcast

Don't miss out on our conversation with Charles Dimmler from Checkerspot! Checkerspot aims to encourage the use of more sustainably sourced raw materials in creating products. They use microorganisms to produce these alternative materials and are committed to practical applications that are relevant to the bioeconomy sector; such as by also focusing to improve the final product's performance. Find out more about Checkerspot at https://checkerspot.com/ Stay updated with us through our LinkedIn and Instagram If you enjoy this podcast, please leave a review on Apple Podcast