Scaling circular plastics is part chemistry, part collaboration—and 100% systems thinking.

In this episode, host Sven Steinert is joined by Stephan Roest, Head of Circular Economy Business Development at Borealis, to explore what it takes to build a truly circular plastics economy. Stephan explains why circularity goes far beyond recycling—it demands a fundamental shift in how we design, produce, and collaborate across the value chain. From chemical recycling to reuse systems and mono-material packaging, he shares how Borealis is advancing circular solutions without compromising on quality. He also unpacks the role of mass balance in integrating sustainable feedstocks into existing infrastructure—and why transparency and traceability will be essential in a fossil-free future.


You'll learn:

1. Why circularity in plastics means redesigning products and rethinking feedstocks
2. How Borealis ensures high-quality plastics from low-grade waste
3. Why both chemical and mechanical recycling are essential for full circularity
4. How mass balance helps scale sustainable materials using today’s infrastructure
5. Why traceability and transparency matter in a fossil-free future

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Get in touch with Stephan Roest on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanroest/

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About the host Sven Steinert:
Sven Steinert is the CEO of SUSTAINX | The Sustainability Leaders Community, and Partner and Sustainability Lead at H&Z Management Consulting. To Sven, sustainability is not just a buzzword – it’s about making real changes for a sustainable future. His goal is to help companies reduce their environmental footprint and embrace circularity. Sven is passionate about ice hockey, and exploring new cultures to enrich his understanding of the world and diverse ways of life.

Get in touch with Sven Steinert on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/svensteinert/

Want to connect with like-minded sustainability professionals in a collaborative space? Join our online community at sustainx.bettermode.io.

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The SUSTAINX: Leaders in Sustainability Podcast is powered by H&Z Management Consulting in collaboration with SAWOO.