The Circular Coffee Break

Jaakko Nauha was the first interview guest of The Circular Coffee Break back in early 2023. Almost three years later, he returns as the final interview guest of the podcast, now as CEO of Tracegrow.In this conversation, we look at what has changed since those early days and what building a circular business looks like once initial ideas meet market realities. We discuss Tracegrow’s expansion from recycled battery-based fertilizers into broader industrial side streams, the move into seed treatment, and the development of battery-grade manganese for energy storage and electric vehicles.The episode explores product market fit in agriculture, the challenges of entering the European battery ecosystem, and the practical work of scaling under regulatory, logistical, and cost constraints.A reflective closing conversation for the interview series of The Circular Coffee Break. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This short episode shares an update on the future of The Circular Coffee Break.Host Michael Hanf explains the decision to bring the podcast to a close in February 2026, what listeners can expect from the remaining episodes, and what will happen to the existing archive. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Circular Coffee Break, Michael Hanf speaks with Costas Papaikonomou, co-founder of Una Terra, a 200-million-euro early growth venture capital fund investing in solutions that accelerate the shift to a more circular and regenerative economy. Costas brings more than twenty-five years of experience in engineering, manufacturing, innovation consulting, and entrepreneurship. He has helped global consumer goods companies turn creative thinking into real products that work at scale. Today he applies the same hands-on mindset to impact investing.The conversation explores what it truly takes to finance the transition to a circular world. Costas explains why circular innovation is still grounded in the physical realities of making things and why the fundamentals of commercial adoption determine whether impact can grow. He outlines why desirability always comes before impact and why technologies must fit into existing manufacturing systems if they are going to scale. A good idea is not enough. It must be something that large companies can buy, produce, and integrate with as little disruption as possible.Michael and Costas dive into the long sales and adoption cycles that challenge early stage circular ventures. They discuss why many startups struggle to cross the gap between promising technology and successful industrial integration, and how investors can support them in staying flexible, reducing unnecessary capital expenditure, and using existing manufacturing capacity instead of building from scratch.A key theme is the critical role of technical sales and customer fit. Costas shares how circular startups often underestimate the number of stakeholders involved in making a material or product switch inside a large organization. Success requires engaging procurement, R&D, product design, logistics, and innovation teams. It also requires being able to tell the difference between customers who are serious about adopting a solution and those who are engaged in what he calls pilot washing. He explains how simple signals can help startups protect their time and focus their efforts on real opportunities.Looking ahead, Costas sees strong momentum for circular investment. Environmental pressure, new regulation, concerns around human health, and the need for supply chain resilience are creating a perfect storm that will push industries to rethink how materials are produced, used, and reused. He argues that circularity is not only an environmental requirement. It is also a strategic and commercial one that will shape Europe’s competitiveness in the decades to come.The episode closes with an optimistic but grounded reflection. The circular transition is a century scale journey. It requires investors and innovators who understand the realities of physical products, industrial systems, and commercial adoption. Una Terra aims to be part of this shift by backing companies that combine strong impact potential with practical pathways to market.Tune in to learn how capital can become a catalyst for systemic change, what it takes to scale circular solutions, and how the next generation of ventures can reshape the material basis of our economy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Circularity is accelerating, and the 2025 Circular Valley Forum in Wuppertal offered a vivid snapshot of how fast the transition is unfolding. The event brought together leaders from industry, science, public institutions, startups and civil society. The atmosphere was buzzing with energy, ideas and a shared determination to turn circular concepts into real action.In this special episode of the Circular Coffee Break Podcast, we bring together conversations from across the Forum to explore what circularity looks like in practice today. Each voice offers a different window into the transition, and together they reveal how interconnected and dynamic this field has become.We begin with Tim Janßen of the Cradle to Cradle NGO, who reflects on how circularity has evolved over the past decade and why the social and ecological foundations of the movement matter more than ever.From there we turn to science and applied research with Prof. Dr. Manfred Renner of Fraunhofer UMSICHT, who discusses how breakthrough technologies move from lab to real-world implementation.The industry perspective comes from Rolf Bayersdörfer of Henkel Consumer Brands, Adrian Blum of Evonik, and Björn Hoffmann of BASF. They explore how large companies navigate complex supply chains, develop circular raw materials, scale circular business models and build partnerships that make change possible.We then move into systems thinking with Inge Neven, CEO of VITO, who explains how real scale demonstrators and mini factories help bridge the gap between research and industry.Steffen Knodt, representing the German Aerospace Centre and the UN Ocean Decade, expands the conversation to ocean health and global material flows, showing how circularity and planetary boundaries are closely linked.Several startup founders share how circularity is becoming an engine of innovation. Marc Diefenbach of rhinopaq introduces reusable solutions for B2B packaging. Felix May of recarbished explains how new ownership models can secure valuable materials at the end of vehicle lifecycles. Peter Johnson of LightEd offers a powerful story about turning waste into solar solutions for off-grid communities in Nigeria and Rwanda, highlighting the social dimension of circularity.We close with a cultural perspective from Carsten Cramer of Borussia Dortmund, who reflects on how football can make sustainability and circularity accessible to millions of fans.Across all conversations, a few themes stand out. Circularity is no longer a concept. It is becoming a strategic necessity across industries. Progress depends on collaboration across borders and systems. Innovation must be demonstrated at scale, not only discussed in theory. And culture, storytelling and public engagement are essential for driving societal adoption.This episode offers a panoramic view of circularity at a moment of real momentum. It highlights the people, ideas and partnerships pushing the movement forward and invites listeners to reflect on what it will take to accelerate the transition even further.Listen in and join the conversation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Circular Coffee Break, host Michael Hanf sits down with Allison Jordan, Executive Director of the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance (CSWA) and Vice President of Environmental Affairs at the Wine Institute.For more than two decades, Allison has helped turn California into a global model for sustainable winegrowing. Today, over 2,600 vineyards and wineries, representing more than 90 percent of the state’s wine production, are certified sustainable. But behind those numbers lies a story about collaboration, resilience, and rethinking how a centuries-old industry can thrive in a changing world.Together, Michael and Allison explore what it takes to make sustainability work from grapes to glass, and why wine is a powerful lens for understanding the balance between environmental, social, and economic success.Tune in to learn about:How the California wine industry built one of the world’s leading sustainability programsThe challenges and trade-offs wineries face in balancing profit, people, and planetHow climate change is transforming vineyards and shaping new farming practicesThe growing importance of global standards and certification in wine exportsWhy “regenerative” isn’t a trend but an evolution of sustainable practicesHow digital tools and transparency are changing how wineries communicate with consumersFrom droughts and wildfires to shifting consumer expectations, California’s wine industry is confronting the realities of climate change head-on. The CSWA’s Climate Action Toolkit now helps vineyards measure and reduce emissions, adapt to extreme weather, and find win-win solutions that protect both business and biodiversity.Allison also shares insights from her experience as a restaurant owner, offering a practical perspective on sustainability from the other side of the wine glass. Her message is clear: whether you are a grower, a producer, or a consumer, sustainability is a shared journey that depends on collaboration, innovation, and long-term thinking.As she puts it, “Sustainability in wine is about much more than protecting the environment. It’s about producing high-quality wine, enriching the lives of employees and neighbors, and safeguarding family farms and vibrant businesses for generations to come.”Join the conversation to discover how California is cultivating the future of sustainable wine and what the rest of the world can learn from its success. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does it take to design products that turn today’s waste into tomorrow’s resource? In this episode of the Circular Coffee Break, host Michael Hanf sits down with Dan Dicker, Founder and CEO of Circular&Co., to explore how circular design principles can move from idea to practice.Dan began his career as a designer at Dyson, where he experienced the thrill of blue sky innovation. Yet when he proposed using recycled materials, the idea was dismissed as impractical due to cost and supply chain risks. That rejection inspired him to start his own company in Cornwall, with a clear mission: create products made from waste, built to last, and fully recyclable at the end of life.Over the past two decades, Circular&Co. has grown into a global partner for companies and brands, helping them design and scale circular products. In the conversation, Dan shares lessons learned from that journey:Why circular design means looking beyond the product to redesign supply chains and logistics.How to work with big brands by creating “win-win” solutions that fit existing operations.The importance of choosing the right battles, picking materials and products that can be circular without needing to change customer habits.Why consumer behaviour should not be the starting point. Circular products need to be the default so that adoption happens naturally.The value of clear design rules. Circular&Co. follows a “100, 10, 100” principle: 100 percent recycled content, minimum 10-year lifespan, and 100 percent recyclability.Dan also highlights new business models that could shift markets. One is Tap and Reuse, a system piloted with Waitrose where customers borrow a reusable cup with a simple card tap, returning it within days at no cost. Another is product as a service, where durable goods like washing machines are leased rather than sold, aligning manufacturer incentives with longevity and repairability.The episode also explores how Circular&Co.’s Cornish roots shaped its ethos. Being based in a coastal community brought the team closer to nature and sustainability, while proximity to Exeter University’s Centre for the Circular Economy provided vital research partnerships.For companies starting out, Dan offers practical advice. Set clear design pillars from the beginning. Work only with suppliers willing to innovate. Insist on better, even when it is hard. And above all, maintain a can do mindset. Circularity will not always be easy, but the rewards in resilience and competitive advantage are significant.As Dan puts it, “The pace is frustrating, but it will happen. Our job is to push the snowball down the hill. Over time, momentum is unstoppable.”This conversation is not only a story of one entrepreneur’s persistence, but also a guide for leaders who want to embed circularity into their own businesses. Whether you are designing products, shaping supply chains, or setting strategy, the lessons from Circular&Co. show how turning waste into value is not only possible, but essential. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The CCB Podcast is partnering with the Circular Valley Forum 2025, which takes place on November 14th in Wuppertal under the theme “Partnerships for a Circular Economy.”In this teaser, Michael speaks with Carsten Gerhardt, founder of Circular Valley and Chairman of the Circular Valley Foundation. He shares what makes the Forum a unique platform for collaboration and what participants can look forward to at this year’s event.Tune in for a first glimpse of the conversations and insights that will shape our special live episode from the Forum. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.

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 senior roles at Fortum and Ekokem, Kalle offers one of the most grounded, strategic perspectives on how to operationalize circularity at scale.As COO of one of the largest waste and recycling companies in the Nordic region, Kalle oversees NG Nordic’s Industrial Waste Services Division, Group Procurement, Innovation, and Operational Excellence. He is also a board member at several recycling and technology companies and an active voice in shaping Europe’s circular policy and business landscape.🎧 What we cover in this episode:🔹 How Kalle’s thinking on circular economy has evolved over time 🔹 Why recycling alone won’t solve the circularity challenge 🔹 The five-stage framework for bringing innovation to scale 🔹 The barriers to, and opportunities in urban reuse and circular construction 🔹 NG Nordic’s role as an enabler across value chains and sectors 🔹 How regulation can either accelerate or stall circular business models 🔹 The critical role of depollution and chemical safety in circular systems 🔹 The future of secondary materials and why we must price in environmental externalities 🔹 Geopolitical risks, resource scarcity, and the case for resilient circular supply chains 🔹 What gives Kalle optimism and what keeps him up at nightThis episode dives deep into the operational, technological, and systemic realities of circularity. From scaling innovation and managing hazardous materials to enabling policy and cross-sector collaboration, Kalle presents a compelling case for infrastructure-level transformation.Circularity is not just about technology or recycling, it’s about rethinking systems, shifting regulation, and rebuilding trust in the material loops that sustain modern life. And companies like NG Nordic are at the heart of that shift. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.