Episodes 22-32

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 This episode features Alain Mavon, VP of R&D and Sustainability at Lumene, as he discusses the cosmetics industry's journey toward sustainability. Alain highlights Lumene’s innovative upcycling efforts, eco-friendly packaging, and the importance of collaboration in advancing circular beauty. With the Nordics leading in sustainable demand, the episode envisions a future where circularity sets the standard in the beauty industry. 

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 This episode explores sustainability in the sports industry with Max Sorst, Senior Director of Sustainability at SPORTFIVE Germany. Max highlights impactful projects like energy-efficient stadium lighting and water awareness initiatives, emphasizing the importance of education, community engagement, and responsible resource management. He envisions a future where sustainability becomes a fundamental priority, driven by regulations and generational pressure for meaningful change.  

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 In this special episode, we reflect on the highlights of 2023 and wrap up Season 1 of The Circular Coffee Break. Get a snapshot of the year’s top topics and the people driving the podcast forward. 

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 Season 2 opens with Talke Schaffrannek, Director of Circular Economy at BASF, sharing insights from her two decades in the chemicals industry. Talke discusses BASF’s circular strategy, challenges in adopting circular models, and systemic changes needed for a sustainable future. From mattress recycling to value-based agriculture, this episode highlights innovation, collaboration, and the path toward renewable and recycled resources. 

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 This episode features Olli Helppi, junior researcher at LUT University, discussing the Handprint concept—a framework to measure the positive impact of circular economy solutions. Highlighting case studies in waste management and energy, Olli explains the balance of footprint and handprint in corporate climate action. He encourages companies to reduce their footprint and create handprints, unlocking both sustainability and business opportunities. 

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 Michael sits down with Heidi Peltonen, VP of Sustainability at Outokumpu, to discuss the company’s circular economy initiatives. Heidi shares how Outokumpu produces stainless steel with over 90% recycled materials and explores challenges like managing Scope 3 emissions and fostering collaboration in the value chain. The episode highlights Outokumpu’s efforts in embedding circularity, reducing emissions, and driving systemic change for a sustainable future. 

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 Michael welcomes Dr. Sara Lindeman, founder of Leapfrog, to discuss frugal and reverse innovations in emerging markets and their lessons for sustainability. They explore systemic change, financing challenges, and Sara’s work in aligning Nordic innovation with complexity theory. With insights on action research and collaboration, this episode highlights innovation’s role in fostering deep societal transformation for a sustainable future. 

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 Harri Nieminen, Co-creation Manager at VTT, joins Michael to discuss Finland’s Sustainable Industry X (SIX) initiative and its role in advancing industry renewal. The conversation focuses on optimizing battery life cycles in heavy machinery, emphasizing data transparency, unique product IDs, and ethical data practices. Harri highlights VTT’s role in fostering collaboration, aligning regulatory efforts, and creating business value through sustainable battery solutions. 

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 In this episode, Michael speaks with Karel Golta, a pioneer in human innovation, about his journey toward circular economy principles. Golta shares his "Oppenheimer moment" in 2019 and emphasizes redefining innovation to benefit humanity and the environment. Through case studies and ecosystem thinking, the conversation highlights the challenges and opportunities in mainstreaming circular practices and envisioning a sustainable future. 

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 Michael is joined by Rasmus Pinomaa, Head of Corporate Sustainability at Kemira, to discuss the chemical industry's role in driving circularity. Rasmus highlights Kemira's clean water solutions, renewable chemistry, and recycling innovations. They explore cross-industry collaboration, customer-driven targets, and KPIs for measuring circular progress, offering a compelling look into how sustainable development principles are reshaping the chemicals sector. 

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 In this episode, Michael highlights the evolution and impact of the World Circular Economy Forum (WCEF). Guests Reetta Kohonen from Sitra and Hatty Cooper from Circle Economy Foundation discuss WCEF’s origins, global growth, and recent insights from the Brussels forum. They share hopes for the upcoming Sao Paulo event, emphasizing inclusivity, collaboration, and actionable outcomes to accelerate circular economy transitions worldwide. 

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 Kati Pallasaho, SVP of Strategy and Sustainability at Lindström, joins Michael to discuss integrating circular economy principles into textile services. Highlighting Lindström’s focus on longevity, reusability, and full-service solutions, Kati shares progress toward 100% textile recycling and the use of recycled materials. The episode explores collaboration, material innovation, and the role of AI in optimizing sustainable practices for a circular future. 

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