What if waste could power Europe’s future? In this special episode of The Circular Coffee Break, recorded live at the European Biogas Conference 2025 in Brussels, we explore how biomethane is becoming a cornerstone of Europe’s circular economy. Biomethane turns agricultural residues, food waste, and organic by-products into clean energy and valuable nutrients, reducing emissions, strengthening local economies, and closing loops between energy, farming, and waste management.

Host Michael Hanf sits down with seven leaders at the forefront of Europe’s biomethane revolution to uncover how policy, science, finance, and innovation are converging to unlock the full potential of this circular resource. From the European Commission’s strategic vision to on-the-ground innovations in agriculture and technology, these conversations reveal how biomethane is not just another renewable fuel, it’s a system that connects, regenerates, and powers a circular future.

In this episode, you’ll hear from:

• Daniel Mes (European Commission) on how biomethane fits into Europe’s competitiveness and clean industrial strategy.
• Mats Eklund (Linköping University) on the science of circular systems and industrial symbiosis.
• Oriol Bellot Miana (European Investment Bank) on the role of finance as an enabler of circular infrastructure.
• Simon Ford (Celtic Bioenergy) on expanding the feedstock base with advanced pre-treatment technologies.
• Mia Shaw (RAFT Energy / Real Zero) on maximizing efficiency and accelerating the energy transition.
• Louise Parlons Bentata (Bluemethane) on capturing residual methane and closing the final loop.
• Piero Gattoni (Consorzio Italiano Biogas / European Biogas Association) on circularity in agriculture and Italy’s leadership in biomethane production.

Why listen?

• Discover how biomethane is becoming a strategic asset in Europe’s clean industrial deal and competitiveness agenda.
• Learn about the science of circular systems and how industrial symbiosis can turn waste into value.
• Explore the role of finance in enabling circular infrastructure and scaling biomethane projects.
• Understand how advanced pre-treatment technologies can expand the feedstock base for biomethane production.
• Gain insights into maximizing efficiency in biomethane production and its role in accelerating the energy transition.
• Learn how capturing residual methane can close the final loop in circular systems.
• Explore how biomethane is driving circularity in agriculture and what Europe can learn from Italy’s leadership in the sector.

Whether you are a policymaker, a sustainability professional, or simply curious about the future of circular energy, this episode offers practical insights and inspiring stories from the frontlines of Europe’s biomethane revolution.

Keywords: circular economy, biomethane, European Biogas Conference 2025, circular systems, industrial symbiosis, European Commission, Linköping University, European Investment Bank, Celtic Bioenergy, RAFT Energy, Real Zero, Bluemethane, Consorzio Italiano Biogas, European Biogas Association, circular infrastructure, feedstock innovation, energy transition, residual methane, agriculture, circular energy

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What does it take to turn circular ambition into everyday products? In this episode of The Circular Coffee Break, we welcome Dan Dicker, Founder and CEO of Circular&Co., a pioneering eco-product design company based in Cornwall. Dan shares his journey from designing at Dyson to building a business that embodies circular economy principles: making products from waste, designing for longevity, and ensuring full recyclability at the end of their life.

Dan dives into the challenges and opportunities of embedding circularity into business, from working with global brands to building robust supply chains that support circular design. He discusses the importance of setting clear design pillars, such as Circular&Co.’s "100, 10, 100" rule, 100% recycled content, a minimum 10-year lifespan, and 100% recyclability, and how these constraints spark innovation rather than limit it. The conversation also explores the role of collaboration, the need for persistence, and the potential of emerging models like "Tap and Reuse" and product-as-a-service to scale circularity.

Why listen?

• Discover how Circular&Co. turned circular ambition into practical, market-ready products.
• Learn about the challenges of scaling circular innovations and the importance of supply chain collaboration.
• Explore Circular&Co.’s "100, 10, 100" rule and how clear design pillars drive innovation.
• Understand the potential of emerging models like "Tap and Reuse" and product-as-a-service to accelerate circularity.
• Gain insights into the mindset and persistence needed to drive circular design forward.

Whether you are a designer, a business leader, or simply curious about turning waste into value, this episode offers practical insights and inspiring stories from the frontlines of circular innovation.

Keywords: circular economy, Circular&Co., Dan Dicker, circular design, waste to value, supply chain innovation, recycled materials, product longevity, recyclability, Tap and Reuse, product-as-a-service, circular business models, sustainability, innovation, persistence

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What does it take to turn sustainability ambitions into real-world impact? In this special edition of The Circular Coffee Break, recorded live at Impact Day 2025 in Tallinn, we explore how leaders across finance, policy, science, and business are driving circularity from intention to action.

Host Michael Hanf sits down with nine changemakers to uncover the strategies, mindsets, and innovations shaping the future of sustainability. From financial transparency and public investment to water stewardship and circular design, these conversations reveal that the deepest transformations come from leadership, collaboration, and a willingness to embrace imperfection.

In this episode, you’ll hear from:

• Monika Tamošiūnaitė (Nasdaq) on how financial disclosure can spark real-world change.
• Andrus Treier (Environmental Investment Centre, KIK) on why small, local projects can add up to systemic impact.
• Christopher Flensborg (SEB) on reimagining water as an economic asset and a key sustainability lens.
• Dr. Gregory Norris (MIT / SHINE Initiative) on measuring "handprints"—the positive impacts that multiply when we act.
• Frank Muro (Environmental Impacts Academy) on building the mindset and skills to move from intention to implementation.
• Kaisa Sibelius (Forum Virium Helsinki) on designing circular tools that keep creating value even after projects end.
• Madis Laid (Duco Hotels) on redefining luxury and tackling waste in the hospitality industry.
• Miglė Makuškaitė-Survilė (Planet Positive) on engaging employees to make sustainability part of everyday culture.
• Salla Sulasuo (Paulig Group) on embedding sustainability into corporate DNA—from sourcing to innovation.

Why listen?

• Discover how financial transparency can drive corporate transformation and real-world impact.
• Learn why small, local actions can add up to systemic change when coordinated effectively.
• Explore how water stewardship is becoming a critical lens for sustainable business practices.
• Understand the concept of "handprints" and how measuring positive impacts can reframe sustainability.
• Gain insights into the mindset and skills needed to turn sustainability intentions into action.
• Hear how circular tools and open-source knowledge can create lasting value.
• Learn how the hospitality industry is redefining luxury and tackling waste.
• Find out how to engage employees and embed sustainability into corporate culture.
• Explore how companies can integrate sustainability into their core operations and innovation processes.

Whether you are a business leader, a sustainability professional, or simply curious about how to turn ambition into impact, this special episode offers practical insights and inspiring stories from the frontlines of circularity.

Keywords: circular economy, Impact Day 2025, sustainability, financial transparency, systemic change, water stewardship, handprints, circular design, corporate culture, hospitality, employee engagement, circular tools, Nasdaq, Environmental Investment Centre, SEB, MIT, SHINE Initiative, Environmental Impacts Academy, Forum Virium Helsinki, Duco Hotels, Planet Positive, Paulig Group

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The CCB Podcast is partnering with the Circular Valley Forum 2025, which takes place on November 14th in Wuppertal under the theme “Partnerships for a Circular Economy.”

In this teaser, Michael speaks with Carsten Gerhardt, founder of Circular Valley and Chairman of the Circular Valley Foundation. He shares what makes the Forum a unique platform for collaboration and what participants can look forward to at this year’s event.

Tune in for a first glimpse of the conversations and insights that will shape our special live episode from the Forum.

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What if synthetic fibers like polyester and nylon could biodegrade like natural fibers when they escape into the environment? In this episode of The Circular Coffee Break, we welcome Andrea Ferris, Co-Founder and CEO of Intrinsic Advanced Materials and co-inventor of CiCLO® technology. Andrea shares her journey from managing McDonald’s uniform programs to pioneering a breakthrough solution that embeds biodegradable pathways into synthetic fibers, addressing one of the most pressing environmental challenges: microfiber pollution.

Andrea dives into the story behind CiCLO, explaining how the technology works, its compatibility with existing recycling systems, and the challenges of scaling innovation in the textile industry. She discusses the importance of affordability, global supply chain infrastructure, and the role of industry champions in driving adoption. The conversation also explores the growing awareness of microplastic pollution, the need for consumer education, and how CiCLO fits into broader circular economy strategies for textiles.

Why listen?

• Discover how CiCLO technology enables synthetic fibers to biodegrade in the environment while maintaining durability and recyclability.
• Learn about the challenges of scaling circular innovations in the textile industry and the importance of affordability and infrastructure.
• Explore the growing awareness of microplastic pollution and the role of consumer education in driving change.
• Understand how CiCLO fits into broader circular economy strategies, including extended producer responsibility and recycling.
• Gain insights into the future of textiles and the potential for industry-led transformation toward circularity.

Whether you are a textile industry professional, a sustainability leader, or simply curious about innovations in circular materials, this episode offers practical insights into rethinking the future of polyester and addressing microfiber pollution.

Keywords: circular economy, CiCLO, Andrea Ferris, Intrinsic Advanced Materials, biodegradable pathways, synthetic fibers, polyester, nylon, microfiber pollution, textile innovation, circular textiles, microplastic pollution, recycling, extended producer responsibility, sustainability, industry transformation

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What does it mean to design for circularity in a world still dominated by linear systems? In this episode of The Circular Coffee Break, we welcome Joe Iles, Circular Design Programme Lead at the Ellen MacArthur Foundation. Joe shares his insights on the evolution of circular design, the importance of embracing imperfection, and how businesses can embed circular principles into their strategies and operations.

Joe dives into the concept of "circular-ish", a mindset that encourages progress over perfection and recognizes that circularity is a journey rather than a destination. He discusses the six entry points for businesses to leverage design and innovation teams in their circular economy transition: understanding the system, envisioning circular futures, building capability, facilitating collaboration, setting rules, and using tools. Joe also highlights the role of empowerment in driving circular innovation and the need for businesses to move beyond isolated pilots toward systemic change.

Why listen?

• Discover how circular design has evolved from a niche concept to an integrated consideration in all design processes.
• Learn about the "circular-ish" mindset and why embracing imperfection is crucial for progress.
• Explore the six entry points for embedding circular design principles into business strategies.
• Understand the role of empowerment in driving circular innovation and the importance of creative confidence.
• Gain insights into how businesses can move beyond isolated pilots toward systemic change and future prosperity.

Whether you are a designer, a business leader, or simply curious about the future of circular design, this episode offers practical insights into turning circular ambition into action.

Keywords: circular economy, circular design, Joe Iles, Ellen MacArthur Foundation, circular-ish, systemic change, design principles, business strategy, innovation, empowerment, creative confidence, circular futures, collaboration, circular tools

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What happens when a 130-year-old food company decides to turn its waste into value? In this episode of The Circular Coffee Break, we welcome Juhani Sibakov, Head of Innovation at Fazer Bakery Finland, and Katariina Rommi, Senior Manager at Fazer Lab. Together, they share the story behind Brewed with Fazer Rescued Bread, a circular brewing ingredient made from surplus rye bread, developed in collaboration with Teerenpeli Brewery & Distillery.

Juhani and Katariina dive into the journey of transforming surplus bread into a viable ingredient for beer, replacing up to 25% of traditional malt. They discuss the technical challenges, the importance of cross-functional collaboration, and how Fazer Ventures—an internal startup program—empowers employees to drive innovation and sustainability. The conversation also explores the cultural shift in consumer attitudes toward circular products and the potential for scaling circular innovations across industries and markets.

Why listen?

• Discover how Fazer turned surplus bread into a circular brewing ingredient and a shelf-ready product.
• Learn about the technical and cultural challenges of developing circular products and partnerships.
• Explore the role of Fazer Ventures in fostering agile innovation and cross-functional collaboration.
• Understand how consumer attitudes toward circularity are evolving and what it takes to build trust in circular products.
• Gain insights into the potential for scaling circular innovations and the importance of ecosystem thinking.

Whether you are a food industry professional, an innovation leader, or simply curious about circular economy success stories, this episode offers practical insights into turning waste into worth.

Keywords: circular economy, Fazer, Juhani Sibakov, Katariina Rommi, Brewed with Fazer Rescued Bread, circular innovation, surplus bread, Teerenpeli Brewery & Distillery, Fazer Ventures, cross-industry collaboration, sustainability, food waste, circular products, consumer attitudes, scaling circularity

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What does it take to move circularity from concept to commercial reality? In this episode of The Circular Coffee Break, we welcome Kalle Saarimaa, Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President at NG Nordic. Kalle shares his insights on the operational, technological, and systemic realities of driving circularity in industrial and municipal systems, drawing from his extensive experience in the Nordic waste and materials landscape.

Kalle dives into the challenges of scaling circular solutions, emphasizing that the barriers are not just technological but also systemic, regulatory, and cultural. He discusses NG Nordic’s role as an enabler and systems integrator, helping industries transition from linear to circular models. The conversation also explores the complexities of urban reuse, the critical role of depollution in circular systems, and the need for secondary material markets to achieve cost parity with virgin materials.

The episode highlights the importance of a five-step model for assessing innovation readiness: idea, technology, regulation, cultural adoption, and value chain cooperation. Kalle emphasizes that successful circular transformation requires collaboration across industries, progressive legislation, and a shift in mindset to prioritize circularity at every stage of the value chain.

Why listen?

• Discover the operational realities of scaling circularity in industrial and municipal systems.
• Learn about NG Nordic’s role as an enabler and systems integrator in the circular economy.
• Explore the challenges and opportunities of urban reuse and circular construction.
• Understand the critical role of depollution and chemical safety in circular systems.
• Gain insights into the future of secondary materials and the need for regulatory and economic incentives.

Whether you are a business leader, a policymaker, or simply curious about the future of circularity in the Nordics, this episode offers a practical and inspiring perspective on turning circular rhetoric into real infrastructure.

Keywords: circular economy, NG Nordic, Kalle Saarimaa, circular systems, innovation, regulation, urban reuse, depollution, secondary materials, circular construction, value chain cooperation, sustainability, operational excellence

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How far have Nordic companies really come on their circular journey? In this episode of The Circular Coffee Break, we welcome Michel Bajuk, Managing Director at Cradlenet and Partner at the Nordic Circular Hotspot, and Marcus Linder, Director of Business Design at RISE. Together, they led the Nordic Circular Economy Outlook 2024, the first comprehensive study of how publicly listed companies across Finland, Sweden, Norway, and Denmark are progressing on circularity.

Michel and Marcus unpack the report’s key findings, from the gap between circular intentions and real-world execution to the introduction of the Circular Business Index (CBI), a new metric tracking circular maturity. They also explore why some strategies, like "rethink" and "remake," are underutilized despite their potential to deliver financial benefits, and how regulation is increasingly seen as a competitive advantage rather than a burden.

The conversation reveals that while 86% of Nordic companies include circularity in their strategy, only 39% have set measurable targets, and even fewer are actively executing on those strategies. The average CBI score across the Nordics is just 21%, signaling a low expected collective impact in the near to mid-term. Finland leads the region with a CBI of 25%, though the differences between countries are not yet statistically significant.

Why listen?

• Discover the first data-driven snapshot of how Nordic companies are progressing on circularity and where they need to go next.
• Learn about the Circular Business Index and what it reveals about the intensity and scope of circular efforts in the Nordics.
• Explore why strategies like "rethink" and "remake" are underutilized despite their potential to drive financial benefits.
• Understand how regulation, such as the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), is viewed as a competitive advantage by many Nordic firms.
• Gain insights into the actions business leaders, policymakers, and investors can take to accelerate circularity in the region.

Whether you are a business leader, a policymaker, or simply curious about the state of circularity in the Nordics, this episode offers a practical and inspiring perspective on turning intent into impact.

Keywords: circular economy, Nordic Circular Economy Outlook 2024, Michel Bajuk, Marcus Linder, Cradlenet, RISE, Circular Business Index, CBI, circular strategies, Nordic companies, sustainability, regulation, competitive advantage, rethink, remake, CSRD

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What does it take to embed circularity at the core of business strategy? In this episode of The Circular Coffee Break, we welcome Anne Raudaskoski, co-founder of Ethica and author of Circular Strategies for Success. Anne shares her journey from sustainability advocate to circular economy pioneer, helping organizations rethink their approach to innovation, value creation, and long-term resilience.

Anne dives into the principles of circular design and how businesses can move beyond incremental improvements to adopt systemic, regenerative practices. She discusses the importance of aligning economic success with environmental responsibility and how her Circular Design Framework enables companies to identify new opportunities for circularity in product design, supply chains, and customer engagement. Anne also reflects on the role of leadership in driving this transformation, emphasizing the need for courage, curiosity, and a willingness to challenge the status quo.

The conversation explores the intersection of design, strategy, and sustainability, with Anne highlighting real-world examples of organizations that have successfully integrated circular strategies. She addresses common barriers to adoption, such as short-term thinking and resistance to change, and offers practical advice for overcoming them. Anne also shares her vision for the future, where circularity is not just a competitive advantage but a fundamental requirement for business survival.

Why listen?

• Discover how circular design can unlock new value streams and drive business transformation.
• Learn about the Circular Design Framework and how to apply it in your organization.
• Explore real-world examples of companies that have embedded circularity into their core operations.
• Understand the role of leadership in driving systemic change and overcoming resistance to circular practices.
• Gain insights into the future of circular business models and the opportunities they present for innovation and growth.

Whether you are a business leader, a designer, or simply curious about how circular strategies can shape the future of industry, this episode offers actionable insights and inspiration for rethinking success.

Keywords: circular economy, circular design, Anne Raudaskoski, Ethica, circular strategies, business transformation, sustainability, leadership, systemic change, regenerative practices, innovation, Circular Design Framework

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