Season 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. 

 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! 

 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.

 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. 

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. 

 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. 

 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. 

 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. 

 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. 

Karoliina Tuukkanen, Senior Specialist at Kiertotalous Pirkanmaa (Kipi), discusses the vital role of municipalities in driving circular economies. She highlights Kipi’s work in Pirkanmaa, including land allocation criteria for sustainable building projects and fostering collaboration between public and private sectors. With trust, new policies, and funding mechanisms, Karoliina shares her optimism about mainstreaming circular economy practices in regional ecosystems. 

 In this special episode recorded live at Slush, we bring you transformative ideas from eight visionary guests redefining industries through circularity. From groundbreaking materials to innovative tech solutions, hear how these entrepreneurs and changemakers are tackling sustainability challenges and creating opportunities. Featuring insights from ENOUGH, Circularise, Winterent, MATR, Eco:fibr, Spin Ventures, KUORI, and Sensorita, this episode is a call to rethink how we design, produce, and consume. Join the conversation shaping the future of circularity! 

Kalle Määttä, Chief Growth Officer at ResQ Club, shares how the company’s digital marketplace connects consumers with surplus food from local vendors, rescuing 10,000 meals daily. He discusses ResQ Club’s mission to reduce food waste, recent expansion into wholesale, and the challenges of scaling globally. Learn how this Finnish company is driving sustainable consumption and creating a positive environmental impact.