The Circular Coffee Break
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© Podcast with Michael Hanf
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The Circular Coffee Break dives into the world of sustainability and circular economy with thought leaders, innovators, and changemakers. Hosted by Michael, each episode unpacks real-world challenges, breakthrough solutions, and inspiring stories from diverse industries. From cutting-edge innovations to practical advice, this podcast offers fresh perspectives to spark ideas and drive action toward a circular future. Tune in biweekly for engaging conversations and insights that matter.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
65 Episodes
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Kristina Kölling, Head of Environment & Circular Economy at Tchibo, shares how one of Germany’s most iconic retail brands is embedding circularity across its diverse product portfolio, from textiles to electronics. She explains the thinking behind Tchibo’s Circular Solutions Lab, how internal education has fueled transformation, and why good products from a good company still matter most to customers. Discover how circular design, business model innovation, and co-creation with consumers are shaping Tchibo’s future. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In the latest episode, Michael sits down with Mikko Pihavaara, Head of Sales Partnerships & Hospitality at FC St. Pauli. Mikko shares how one of football’s most values-driven clubs approaches partnerships, hospitality, and community engagement through a circular and sustainable lens. They explore the unique identity of FC St. Pauli, the role of authentic collaboration in sports, and how football can serve as a powerful platform for driving cultural and environmental change. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Recorded live at ARKI 135 as part of WCEF 2025 Studio Helsinki, this special episode brings together Woamy, Lumene, and Fazer to explore how circularity is reshaping packaging, beauty, and food. From regulatory shifts to breakthrough collaborations, hear how startups and industry leaders are scaling sustainable innovation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Alvaro Conde, lead author of the Circularity Gap Report 2025, breaks down why the world’s circularity rate has dropped to just 6.9% and what that means for business, policy, and the planet. He explores why circular strategies are struggling to scale, how linear systems remain deeply entrenched, and what companies can do to unlock value through circular innovation. Hear how collaboration, data, and mindset shifts can close the gap and build a more resilient global economy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In the latest episode, Michael sits down with Dr. Claas Oehlmann, who leads the Circular Economy initiative at the Federation of German Industries (BDI). Claas shares how German industries are integrating circularity into business strategy, balancing regulatory challenges with economic opportunities. They discuss key enablers like eco-design, secondary raw materials, and circular business models, shaping the future of industrial competitiveness and sustainability. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode, Michael sits down with Peter Evans, a global expert on circular platforms and digital strategy. They explore how platforms are reshaping commerce, driving over $1 trillion in circular transactions annually. From resale and reuse to AI-powered tools and digital product passports, Peter shares key trends, challenges, and what’s next for circular tech and business. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Michael is joined by Tarja Koski, Senior Sustainability Manager at Finnair, to explore how the airline is embedding circularity into its operations. From reducing waste in in-flight catering to extending aircraft component lifecycles and dismantling planes for reuse, Finnair is rethinking sustainability beyond emissions. Tarja shares key insights on regulatory challenges, industry collaboration, and the potential of synthetic fuels in shaping a more circular future for aviation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Michael Hanf is joined by Quan Nguyen, Director of the Institute for Circular Economy Development (ICED) and Associate Professor at Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City (VNU-HCM). Quan shares his journey from environmental hydrology to circular economy leadership, offering insights into Vietnam’s bold steps toward circularity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Michael Hanf sits down with Dominik Patzelt, Director of Business Development at VCG.AI, a German deep-tech startup revolutionizing circularity with AI. In this engaging conversation, Dominik shares how VCG.AI is transforming industrial byproducts and sidestreams into valuable resources using AI and big data—helping industries achieve net-zero emissions while advancing circular economy practices. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Michael Hanf is joined by Jan Timm Utecth, CEO at Globe Hope, a pioneer in sustainable fashion and design. Globe Hope has been transforming discarded materials into innovative, high-quality fashion products for over two decades. Jan shares how the company’s approach to circularity has evolved, blending design, durability, and purpose to redefine the textile industry. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Michael is joined by Harald Friedl, a circular economy pioneer and changemaker with over a decade of experience driving systemic change. Fresh from the World Economic Forum in Davos, Harald shares key insights on the state of circularity, the role of leadership, and the innovations shaping a more regenerative future. They explore the latest trends in AI, digital product passports, and circular financing models, as well as Harald's vision for a world of waste-free cities and carbon-neutral industries. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Michael Hanf is joined by Anniina Virta-Toikka, VP of Sustainability at Konecranes. Anniina discusses Konecranes’ journey toward circularity and sustainability, sharing insights on how this Finnish crane manufacturer is embedding circular economy principles across its operations. They explore innovative approaches, from modular design and retrofitting to remanufacturing and sustainable supply chain practices, all aimed at extending product life and minimising emissions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Michael Hanf is joined by Elin Bergman, known as the Circular Economy Queen of Sweden, and Circular Impact Officer at CradleNet. Elin shares the remarkable journey of CradleNet, one of the world’s oldest circular economy networks, and the evolution of the circular economy landscape in Sweden. They delve into the impact of new EU standards on circularity, the rise of secondhand markets, and the key role of Nordic Circular Hotspot in fostering collaboration across borders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Thank you for the wonderful year 2024! We wish you the happiest holidays and a relaxing end of the year. We welcome you back with Season 3 on the 8th of January, 2025! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Michael Hanf is joined by Kalle Määttä, Chief Growth Officer at ResQ Club. Together, they explore the journey of ResQ Club—a Finnish pioneer in reducing food waste through an innovative app connecting consumers with surplus food from restaurants, grocery stores, and even wholesalers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this Special Episode we had the honor of capturing the freshest insights from 8 visionary guests, live from the heart of the action at Slush. Over the next 40 minutes, you'll discover groundbreaking StartUps reshaping industries and their unique perspectives on the evolving world of circularity.From revolutionary materials to tech-driven sustainability, this episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about innovation and impact. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Michael Hanf and his guest Karoliina Tuukkanen, Senior Specialist at Kiertotalous Pirkanmaa or KIPI operated by Ecofellows, explore the role of cities and regions in driving the circular economy forward, particularly through public-private collaboration. They dive into how municipalities can create conditions for circular markets, share success stories like land allocation criteria for sustainable building projects, and discuss how collaboration between businesses and public entities is essential for systemic change. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Michael Hanf and his guest Päivi Koivisto VP of Sustainability at Kalmar, dive into how Kalmar is integrating circular economy principles into the heavy machinery industry. They discuss Kalmar’s approach to product durability, modularity, and using recycled materials, share insights into transitioning to electric fleets, and explore the collaborative role of partners in achieving long-term sustainability goals. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Michael Hanf and his guest Justus Kammüller, Senior Manager Sustainable Business & Markets at One Planet Business by WWF, explore the One Planet Business Framework and the Circular Economy Business Assessment. They discuss the common challenges in the transition towards circularity, elaborate on some strategies companies have implemented to overcome the adoption of CE principles and explore how WWF Germany supports businesses in fostering the mindset and operational changes necessary for a circular shift. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Michael Hanf and his guest Jonas Aechtner, Senior Project Manager Circular Economy, WWF Germany, explore the Circular Economy Model Germany developed by WWF Germany. They discuss the key questions the model addresses, dive deep into various factors crucial in the model such as sector selection, interactions, and central indicators, and explore how the information from the Circular Economy Model Germany study is used and what is yet to come. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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