What does it really take to design for circularity? And how do we balance ambition with the messy realities of business and innovation?
In this episode of The Circular Coffee Break, host Michael Hanf sits down with Joe Iles, Circular Design Programme Lead at the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, to explore the evolving role of design in driving the transition towards a circular economy. Joe has been with the Foundation since 2011 and has become one of the most recognized voices in circular design, working with companies, designers, and innovators around the world.
Together, they discuss:
☕ The evolution of circular design – how it has shifted from a standalone concept to an embedded part of mainstream innovation.
☕ The idea of “circular-ish” – why embracing imperfection and iteration is essential for progress.
☕ Six key entry points for businesses – practical ways companies can engage their design and innovation teams to accelerate circularity.
☕ Case examples – including Decathlon’s approach to combining repair, resale, and rental models to create a “minimum viable ecosystem.”
☕ The bigger picture – how circularity is not just about sustainability, but also about competitiveness, resilience, and future prosperity.
☕ A challenge to designers and innovators – are you empowered to take bold steps towards circularity in your organization?
Joe emphasizes that circularity is not about perfection but about momentum. Small steps, when connected, can trigger systemic change. He also highlights the importance of transparency and bringing customers along on the journey, even when progress is incremental.
This conversation is packed with insights for business leaders, designers, innovators, and policymakers who are grappling with how to move from ambition to action. It’s a reminder that circular design is both a mindset and a practice and that the transition will require courage, creativity, and collaboration at every level.
🎧 Listen in to discover how to embrace “circular-ish” thinking, empower creative teams, and turn design into a catalyst for real change in the economy.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Popular Podcasts
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com