The Selling Circular Podcast

Amelia Eleiter co-founded Debrand in 2008, long before "circularity" was a buzzword, and has spent nearly two decades building the reverse-logistics infrastructure that sits in the "messy middle" of textile circularity with the sorting, identification, and traceability work that happens after a garment is returned, damaged, or overproduced. In this conversation Amelia walks Garr & Sabira through how that hidden layer actually functions, why recycling and circularity aren't the same thing, and how regulation and strategic investment are reshaping the economics of reuse. It's an wonderfully candid look at an industry from someone who refuses to oversell it.

What happens when the people trying to save the world can't save themselves? In this deeply personal episode, executive coach Laurie McGinley reveals a startling truth: 62% of sustainability professionals report signs of burnout. Drawing from her own experience of having a stroke at 31 while being a perfectly healthy D1 athlete, Laurie challenges everything we think we know about careers, success, and sacrifice.Discover why treating your career like a compost cycle instead of a linear extraction could revolutionize not just how you work, but whether you survive the work. Learn the counterintuitive remedy to burnout that has nothing to do with vacations or sabbaticals, and everything to do with increasing seconds of flow state in your day.From her daughter's burned finger providing an unexpected metaphor for organizational trauma, to questioning whether Back to the Future holds up (spoiler: it doesn't), this conversation weaves together neuroscience, circular economy principles, and radical self-care into a blueprint for sustainable leadership.If you've ever felt like you're the only one who can do the work, if you've mined your own wellness for a cause bigger than yourself, or if you lead a team of brilliant, passionate people who are burning out faster than fossil fuels – this episode might just save your career, your health, and your mission.

In this conversation, Sabira Lakhani and Garr Punnett discuss the Heritage Group and its venture capital arm, HG Ventures, focusing on their approach to investing in the circular economy. They explore the challenges and opportunities within this space, emphasizing the importance of relationships, storytelling, and transparency in venture capital. The discussion also highlights the need for innovation, the role of software in circular solutions, and the balance between short-term and long-term goals in investment strategies. Ultimately, the conversation conveys a sense of optimism about the future of circular economy investments and the potential for systemic change.

In this episode, Garr Punnett and Sabira Lakhani engage with Lia Kiam from Visia to discuss the innovative approaches using AI for the circular economy, particularly in recycling. They explore the challenges faced by recycling operators, including safety concerns related to hazardous materials like lithium-ion batteries, and the role of technology in enhancing operational efficiency. The conversation delves into the complexities of the recycling industry, including pricing strategies, generational shifts in business practices, and the importance of data transparency. Lia shares insights on the future of the circular economy and the need for collaboration among stakeholders to drive meaningful change.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Setup04:07 The Importance of Safety in Recycling06:50 Understanding the Circular Economy09:53 Vizia's Innovative Solutions12:49 Pricing Strategies and Market Dynamics15:52 Transitioning from Finance to Recycling18:52 Current Trends and Challenges in Recycling22:16 Market Variability and Geopolitical Impacts23:02 The Importance of Battery Recycling25:14 Technological Limitations in Material Detection26:38 AI and Automation in Recycling28:11 Generational Shifts in Recycling Technology Adoption31:02 Interoperability in Recycling Facilities32:59 Feedback Loops in the Recycling Supply Chain35:35 The Need for Data in the Circular Economy39:05 Regulatory Challenges and Opportunities42:29 Hope for the Future of the Circular Economy45:45 Selling Circular Open (Presentation) (1).mp4

Join Garr Punnett, Sabira Lakhani, and Joseph Klatt in this insightful episode exploring the intersection of sustainability, design, and entrepreneurship. Joseph Klatt, founder of Marble Plastics, shares his journey from leading global initiatives with Precious Plastic to creating innovative recycled plastic materials for furniture and building applications. Discover how Marble Plastics transforms polystyrene waste into functional and aesthetically striking products, such as countertops and custom furniture, while tackling the challenges of recycling infrastructure and market education.The conversation delves into the creative process behind Marble Plastics' signature designs, like the playful "Gelato" pattern made from recycled bread tags, and collaborations with KidSuper and PACT Collective. Joseph also discusses the decentralized manufacturing model inspired by his international experience, emphasizing hyper-local solutions to address plastic waste. Whether you're an architect, designer, or sustainability enthusiast, this episode offers valuable insights into how recycled materials can reshape industries and consumer perspectives.

In this conversation, Garr, Ben, and Sabira discuss the innovative work being done by Cambium in the realm of circular economy and wood supply chains. Ben Christensen shares insights into how Cambium is addressing the massive waste problem in the wood industry by creating regenerative supply chains that utilize wasted materials. The discussion also touches on the complexities of managing a multi-faceted supply chain, the importance of customer focus, and the potential for significant impact in the wood industry through better transparency and brand value. In this conversation, Ben Christensen discusses the innovative approaches Cambium is taking in the wood industry, focusing on just-in-time manufacturing, building trust through case studies, and scaling supply chains. He emphasizes the importance of regional markets, the future demand for wood, and the carbon benefits of using salvaged materials. The discussion also covers the challenges of navigating city approvals, the role of mass timber in urban planning, and the need for digitization in the wood buying process. Christensen expresses optimism about the circular economy and the potential for innovation in this space, while acknowledging the challenges that lie ahead.