The Circular Coffee Break

The Circular Coffee Break

The Circular Coffee Break dives into the world of sustainability and circular economy with thought leaders, innovators, and changemakers. Hosted by Michael, each episode unpacks real-world challenges, breakthrough solutions, and inspiring stories from diverse industries. From cutting-edge innovations to practical advice, this podcast offers fresh perspectives to spark ideas and drive action toward a circular future. Tune in biweekly for engaging conversations and insights that matter. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episodes

August 20, 2025 35 mins

What does it take to move circular economy from concept to commercial reality?


In this episode of The Circular Coffee Break, host Michael Hanf sits down with Kalle Saarimaa, Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President at NG Nordic, to explore how circularity is being scaled across industrial and municipal systems. With decades of experience across the Nordic waste, recycling, and circular solutions space, including seni...

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How far have Nordic companies really come on their circular journey?

In this episode, Michel Bajuk (Cradlenet, Nordic Circular Hotspot) and Marcus Linder (RISE) unpack key insights from the Nordic Circular Economy Outlook 2024. From strategy gaps to measurable impact, we explore the first data-driven snapshot of how publicly listed Nordic firms are progressing on circularity and where they need to go next.


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July 23, 2025 32 mins
Anne Raudaskoski, co-founder of circular design consultancy Ethica and author of Circular Strategies for Success, shares how companies can embed circularity across products, services, and business models. From mindset shifts to design frameworks, this episode offers a hopeful, hands-on guide for driving real impact.

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Natascha Zeljko, Co-founder of CIRCULAZE, shares how her platform is accelerating the circular economy through radical cross-industry collaboration. From spotlighting groundbreaking startups to convening corporates, investors, and universities, Natascha discusses what it takes to drive real transformation and why circularity is key to the future of business.

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What role can circular economy play in global climate action? In this episode, Tuuli Hietaniemi, Senior Lead at SITRA, joins us to discuss key takeaways from the World Circular Economy Forum 2025 and the road to COP30. We explore circularity as a tool for climate implementation, the evolving role of national policies, and how businesses can prepare for what's ahead.

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In this special episode recorded at Glass Performance Days 2025, we talk with Sophie Pennetier, Graham Dodd, Linda Hildebrand, and Bertrand Cazes about circular design, material reuse, policy frameworks, and the future of sustainable facades.

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Harsha Reddy, Global Head of Sustainability at Indorama Ventures, shares how one of the world’s largest PET producers is scaling circularity from the inside out. From building recycling capacity to shifting corporate mindsets, Harsha reveals what it really takes to lead transformation in the chemical industry.

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Kristina Kölling, Head of Environment & Circular Economy at Tchibo, shares how one of Germany’s most iconic retail brands is embedding circularity across its diverse product portfolio, from textiles to electronics. She explains the thinking behind Tchibo’s Circular Solutions Lab, how internal education has fueled transformation, and why good products from a good company still matter most to customers. Discover how circular desi...

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In the latest episode, Michael sits down with Mikko Pihavaara, Head of Sales Partnerships & Hospitality at FC St. Pauli. Mikko shares how one of football’s most values-driven clubs approaches partnerships, hospitality, and community engagement through a circular and sustainable lens. They explore the unique identity of FC St. Pauli, the role of authentic collaboration in sports, and how football can serve as a powerful platform...

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Recorded live at ARKI 135 as part of WCEF 2025 Studio Helsinki, this special episode brings together Woamy, Lumene, and Fazer to explore how circularity is reshaping packaging, beauty, and food. From regulatory shifts to breakthrough collaborations, hear how startups and industry leaders are scaling sustainable innovation.

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May 14, 2025 35 mins
Alvaro Conde, lead author of the Circularity Gap Report 2025, breaks down why the world’s circularity rate has dropped to just 6.9% and what that means for business, policy, and the planet. He explores why circular strategies are struggling to scale, how linear systems remain deeply entrenched, and what companies can do to unlock value through circular innovation. Hear how collaboration, data, and mindset shifts can close the gap a...

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In the latest episode, Michael sits down with Dr. Claas Oehlmann, who leads the Circular Economy initiative at the Federation of German Industries (BDI). Claas shares how German industries are integrating circularity into business strategy, balancing regulatory challenges with economic opportunities. They discuss key enablers like eco-design, secondary raw materials, and circular business models, shaping the future of industrial co...

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In this episode, Michael sits down with Peter Evans, a global expert on circular platforms and digital strategy. They explore how platforms are reshaping commerce, driving over $1 trillion in circular transactions annually. From resale and reuse to AI-powered tools and digital product passports, Peter shares key trends, challenges, and what’s next for circular tech and business.



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Michael is joined by Tarja Koski, Senior Sustainability Manager at Finnair, to explore how the airline is embedding circularity into its operations. From reducing waste in in-flight catering to extending aircraft component lifecycles and dismantling planes for reuse, Finnair is rethinking sustainability beyond emissions. Tarja shares key insights on regulatory challenges, industry collaboration, and the potential of synthetic fuels...

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Michael Hanf is joined by Quan Nguyen, Director of the Institute for Circular Economy Development (ICED) and Associate Professor at Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City (VNU-HCM). Quan shares his journey from environmental hydrology to circular economy leadership, offering insights into Vietnam’s bold steps toward circularity.

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March 5, 2025 30 mins

Michael Hanf sits down with Dominik Patzelt, Director of Business Development at VCG.AI, a German deep-tech startup revolutionizing circularity with AI. In this engaging conversation, Dominik shares how VCG.AI is transforming industrial byproducts and sidestreams into valuable resources using AI and big data—helping industries achieve net-zero emissions while advancing circular economy practices.



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Michael Hanf is joined by Jan Timm Utecth, CEO at Globe Hope, a pioneer in sustainable fashion and design. Globe Hope has been transforming discarded materials into innovative, high-quality fashion products for over two decades. Jan shares how the company’s approach to circularity has evolved, blending design, durability, and purpose to redefine the textile industry.



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Michael is joined by Harald Friedl, a circular economy pioneer and changemaker with over a decade of experience driving systemic change. Fresh from the World Economic Forum in Davos, Harald shares key insights on the state of circularity, the role of leadership, and the innovations shaping a more regenerative future. They explore the latest trends in AI, digital product passports, and circular financing models, as well as Harald...

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Michael Hanf is joined by Anniina Virta-Toikka, VP of Sustainability at Konecranes. Anniina discusses Konecranes’ journey toward circularity and sustainability, sharing insights on how this Finnish crane manufacturer is embedding circular economy principles across its operations. They explore innovative approaches, from modular design and retrofitting to remanufacturing and sustainable supply chain practices, all aimed at extending...

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Michael Hanf is joined by Elin Bergman, known as the Circular Economy Queen of Sweden, and Circular Impact Officer at CradleNet. Elin shares the remarkable journey of CradleNet, one of the world’s oldest circular economy networks, and the evolution of the circular economy landscape in Sweden. They delve into the impact of new EU standards on circularity, the rise of secondhand markets, and the key role of Nordic Circular Hotspot in...

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