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Welcome to the Circular Future – a podcast that facetimes you with the challenges of e-waste and its impact on the world. Join Stephanie McLarty, Head of Sustainability at Quantum Lifecycle Partners, as she interviews industry thinktanks who share their insights on the trends in reuse and recycling of technology. This podcast is for you if you are responsible for managing your company’s electronics or are simply curious about all things e-waste, sustainability, carbon emissions, data security and more. Each episode finishes with actionable advice for business managers and leaders to do their part in helping build a circular future.
61 Episodes
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Send a text Gary Diamond returns - three years after joining our very first episode - to unpack how Quantum Lifecycle Partners has evolved from a recycling-first company into an end-to-end electronics lifecycle partner. He shares what he’s proudest of (culture, market strength, and expanded capabilities) and explains how Quantum now supports everything from getting devices to market and keeping them running through in-warranty repair and logistics, to secure asset disposition, reuse, and resp...
Send a text In this episode, Steph McLarty discusses the critical link between employee engagement and sustainability, through circularity practices at Quantum Lifecycle Partners. She shares proven strategies for fostering engagement among employees, emphasizing the importance of communication, fun initiatives, and listening to employee feedback. The conversation highlights how integrating sustainability into corporate culture can lead to improved productivity, retention, and overall business...
Send a text In this episode, Stephanie McLarty interviews Matthew Lynch, a representative from Green Economy Canada (GEC), discussing the organization's mission to accelerate Canada's transition to a net-zero future. Matthew outlines three key aspects of GEC: its focus on helping businesses reduce greenhouse gas emissions, its specialization in supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and its ambitious goal of mobilizing 10,000 businesses by 2028. The conversation highlights the ...
Send a text In this episode of The Circular Future, host Steph McLarty sits down with Steve Cory, President of Objex Unlimited, to peel back the layers of the 3D printing industry. While often hailed as a miracle of modern manufacturing, Steve provides a candid look at the environmental realities of additive manufacturing—from the significant waste generated by failed prints and support materials to the "nasty" resins and chemicals that require rigorous safety and disposal protocols. Th...
Send a text In this episode, Stephanie McLarty reflects on the major themes of the circular economy in 2025, highlighting the challenges and breakthroughs in e-waste management, circular value creation, the Right to Repair movement, collaboration, digital product passports, compliance with new regulations, and the need for a fundamental rethinking of business practices to embrace circular principles. Takeaways 2025 has seen significant shifts in the circular economy. C...
Send a text What if your junk drawer is quietly holding cash, critical minerals, and a few nagging data risks? We sit down with Stephanie McLarty, Head of Sustainability at Quantum Lifecycle Partners, to map a simple, secure path from clutter to circularity. From reducing impulse upgrades to choosing certified recycling, this conversation turns good intentions into easy wins you can apply today. We dig into the environmental stakes—toxins in landfills, lithium-linked fire risks, ...
Send a text We explore how circular thinking creates real business value, from lower costs and resilient supply chains to new product lines and revenue. Andrew Telfer shares practical case studies and simple steps any company can take to move from linear to circular. • industrial symbiosis turning outputs into inputs • upcycling examples from juice pulp to ginger beer • traditional manufacturing reusing offcuts for new lines • circularity linked to climate action and net zero • reduce, reuse...
Send a text The conversation you’ve been asking for is finally here: fewer slogans, more results. We’re kicking off season three by sharpening our promise—spotlighting real stories of business circularity that cut waste, save money, and build resilient operations across North America. We trace how listener questions evolved from “What are carbon credits?” to “How did they actually do that?” and explain why the centre of gravity has moved from ESG buzz to measurable circular outcomes. Along t...
Send a text In this episode, Stephanie McLarty speaks with Rich Savoie, CEO of Adiona Tech, about the importance of sustainable logistics and the role of AI in optimizing transport emissions. They discuss a circular pilot project in Australia focused on recycling champagne corks and the challenges faced in the logistics of recycling. Rich shares insights on the significance of commercial transport emissions, the lessons learned from the pilot, and how AI can help improve supply chain efficien...
Send a text In this conversation, Stephanie McLarty and Bob Willard delve into the concept of sustainable procurement, exploring its definition, importance, and implementation strategies. Bob shares his extensive experience in sustainability and emphasizes the need for organizations to engage suppliers in their sustainability goals. The discussion covers various aspects of sustainable procurement, including the significance of circularity, the tools available for implementation, and the innov...
Send a text In today’s episode, Stephanie McLarty sits down with Julie Cole, co-founder of Mabel’s Labels to uncover the story behind the business. Julie shares how Mabels Labels integrates eco-conscious practices into everything, from product design to operations. This episode offers real-world insights and actionable advice for businesses looking to embrace sustainability while staying true to their values. Takeaways: ✅ They have successfully repurposed non-recyclable material into insulat...
Send a text Summary In this conversation, Stephanie McLarty and Heidi Frasure discuss actionable circularity tips in celebration of Earth Week. They emphasize the importance of reframing messaging, redefining value in sustainability, and activating strategies to engage teams in sustainability efforts. The discussion highlights the need for integration of sustainability goals into corporate strategies and the importance of community impact. The conversation concludes with advice for sustainab...
Send a text The often-invisible backbone of our digital world, the physical infrastructure of data centers, carries significant environmental weight when it reaches the end of its operational life. This podcast episode delves into the crucial yet frequently overlooked process of data center decommissioning. Mark Petrie from Quantum Lifecycle Partners sheds light on the complexities involved as organizations increasingly migrate to the cloud due to the demands of artificial intelligence and th...
Send a text 10x the Energy of a Google Search: The Hidden Environmental Impact of AI. In this episode of The Circular Future podcast, host Stephanie McLarty, Head of Sustainability at Quantum Lifecycle Partners, dives into the environmental consequences of artificial intelligence. This episode uncovers the hidden costs of AI, including its massive energy, water, and material demands, while also exploring how AI can be part of the solution to sustainability challenges. Through insights ...
Send a text In this episode of The Circular Future , host Stephanie McLarty, Head of Sustainability at Quantum Lifecycle Partners, sits down with two leading voices in the circular economy movement: Jo-Anne St. Godard, Executive Director of the Circular Innovation Council, and Paul Shorthouse, Managing Director of Circular Economy Leadership Canada (CELC). Together, they explore how a circular economy can address some of society’s most pressing challenges—beyond just resource efficiency and c...
Send a text Stephanie McLarty, Head of Sustainability at Quantum Lifecycle Partners, unpacks the critical 2025 amendments to the Basel Convention and their impact on global e-waste management. Learn how new rules governing transboundary movements of electronic waste could reshape supply chains, compliance requirements, and recycling practices—even for businesses not directly involved in international trade. Key Takeaways: Basel Convention Basics: Established in 1989 to regulate hazardous wast...
Send a text In this podcast episode, Stephanie McLarty speaks with Julie-Ann Adams about the evolving landscape of European legislation affecting sustainability, particularly in the realms of e-waste and battery recycling. They discuss the complexities of the EU Waste Shipment Regulation, the implications of the Basel Convention changes, and the upcoming battery legislation. Julie-Ann emphasizes the importance of understanding these regulations for companies operating in or exporting to Europ...
Send a text In this conversation, Stephanie McLarty and Geoff Aardsma discuss the intersection of sustainability and technology, particularly focusing on how automation, AI, and big data can enhance business efficiency and support circular economy initiatives. Jeff shares insights on AMCS's role in resource management, the importance of engaging upstream in recycling processes, and the current state of technology adoption in various industries. They also explore the financial implications of ...
Send a text In this episode, Stephanie McLarty and Steven Napoli discuss the critical importance of responsible e-waste management and recycling. They explore the environmental and health risks associated with improper disposal of electronics, the role of certifications in ensuring safe and sustainable recycling practices, and the challenges faced in increasing awareness and participation in e-waste recycling. Steve shares insights on Terra's initiatives, the significance of certified recycle...
Send a text Petri Hayrynen, Global Head of Product Marketing at HMD Global, joins us for an insightful conversation about sustainable smartphones. We delve into HMD's innovative approach to crafting devices that are not only durable but also easy to repair. Petri shares how HMD's design philosophy focuses on simplifying the repair process, making it accessible to everyone. The episode highlights HMD's unique collaborations with brands like Barbie and Sony. These partnerships not only enhance ...
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