Episodes 33-42

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 Terhi Vapola, Managing Partner at Green Code Ventures, joins Michael to discuss the role of venture capital in advancing sustainability and circular business models. Terhi highlights impact investing, the importance of building value networks, and the challenges startups face aligning business metrics with circular goals. She explores trends like resource scarcity and biodiversity preservation, showcasing VC's potential to catalyze meaningful change. 

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 In this episode, Johanna Stemberger, VP of Operations at TOMRA Textiles, shares how advanced sensor-based sorting technology is revolutionizing textile recycling. She highlights TOMRA’s efforts to connect waste management with the textile industry, ensuring high-quality feedstock for recyclers. Johanna envisions a future built on regulation, innovation, and collaboration to tackle textile waste and drive a sustainable circular economy. 

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 In this episode, Michael explores the CIRPASS Project and the EU's push for Digital Product Passports (DPPs) with Francesca Poggiali from GS1 and Vincenzo Renda from DIGITALEUROPE. They discuss DPP pilots in textiles, batteries, and electronics, highlighting the importance of unique product identification, interoperability, and a phased implementation approach to support SMEs. Stay tuned for part two! 

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 In this continuation, Francesca Poggiali (GS1) and Vincenzo Renda (DIGITALEUROPE) dive into the practical implementation of Digital Product Passports (DPPs). They discuss the alignment of DPPs with Europe’s digital transformation agenda, emphasizing supply chain transparency and streamlined compliance. Highlighting challenges for SMEs and the importance of stakeholder collaboration, this episode explores DPPs as key drivers of circularity and sustainability in supply chains. 

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 As we wrap up the first half of Season 2, we want to thank you for your support and engaging conversations that have helped grow The Circular Coffee Break community. While we take a July break, we’re leaving you with a sneak peek at what’s coming in the next six months. Stay tuned, subscribe, and follow us on LinkedIn to join the journey! 

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 In this episode, Henry Beniard, COO at Twice Commerce, discusses the challenges and opportunities of integrating circular economy principles into e-commerce. Highlighting platforms like Twice Market and Twice Commerce, Henry explains how AI-powered tools enable brands to source second-hand items and manage circular business models. With examples from Decathlon and Bauhaus, he envisions a future where circularity reshapes e-commerce, blending resale and traditional platforms seamlessly. 

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 Jack Kimani, CEO of the Climate Action Platform for Africa (CAP-A), and Matthew Hill, Senior Associate for Green Industrialization at CAP-A, join Michael to discuss Africa’s potential as a hub for climate-positive growth. They highlight CAP-A’s work in leveraging Africa’s natural resources, renewable energy, and young population to drive sustainable industrialization, share success stories from Kenya, and explore challenges like climate finance. A must-listen on Africa’s leadership in achieving net-zero goals. 

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 Edward Blomstedt, CEO and co-founder of Combi Works, joins Michael to explore the Factory as a Service (FaaS) model and its impact on manufacturing, circularity, and sustainability. Edward shares how FaaS optimizes existing manufacturing capacity, reduces capital expenditure, and supports supply chain resilience. They discuss economic, environmental, and regulatory drivers shaping the industry and the importance of collaboration for a circular future. 

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 Michael Maas, CEO of Zimi, discusses the electrification of mobility in Africa with a focus on EV charging for commercial fleets. Highlighting solar power's role in overcoming energy challenges, the conversation explores Africa’s potential to lead in renewable energy and mobility solutions. Key takeaways include EV adoption driven by decarbonization goals and the rapid growth of commercial fleet electrification. 

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 Jonas Aechtner, Senior Project Manager for Circular Economy at WWF Germany, discusses the Circular Economy Model Germany project, which aims to reshape Germany’s economy toward sustainability. He highlights the transformative potential of sufficiency measures, such as car sharing and dietary shifts, to drastically reduce emissions and resource use. Jonas emphasizes policy support, public education, and behavioral change as key drivers for a circular future. 

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 Justus Kammüller, Senior Manager at WWF Germany, joins Michael to discuss tools like the One Planet Business Framework and Circular Economy Business Assessment (CBA), designed to help companies integrate sustainability and circularity. They explore the shift to solution-driven approaches, the challenges of cross-departmental engagement, and the mindset shifts required for lasting impact. Justus emphasizes collaboration and innovation as key to a sustainable future. 

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 Päivi Koivisto, VP of Sustainability at Kalmar, shares how the company integrates circularity into heavy material handling equipment. She highlights Kalmar’s focus on durability, modularity, and recycling across the value chain, alongside innovations like electrified fleets and battery recycling. With a 2045 net-zero target and expanding circular business models, Kalmar is paving the way for sustainable heavy machinery solutions. 

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