What does it take to make circularity a reality in the construction and smart building industry? In this episode of The Circular Coffee Break, Antti Ruuska, CEO of the Green Building Council Finland, shares his insights on the evolving landscape of sustainability and circularity in the built environment. With a background spanning hands-on construction work, smart building research, and sustainability leadership, Antti discusses the paradigm shift from linear construction models to circular approaches that prioritize value retention, resource efficiency, and the integration of nature into urban spaces.

Antti reflects on the significant changes in the industry over the past decades, from the days of scarce materials and labor-intensive construction to today’s challenges of material scarcity, climate change, and biodiversity loss. He emphasizes the need for systemic change, highlighting the role of collaboration, regulation, and market demand in driving the transition toward circularity. The conversation also explores the strategic priorities of the Green Building Council Finland, including achieving carbon-neutral operational energy for buildings, reducing the embodied carbon of building materials, and fostering a fully circular built environment by 2030.

Why listen?

• Discover how the construction industry is transitioning from linear models to circular approaches that prioritize value retention and resource efficiency.
• Explore the role of the Green Building Council Finland in driving systemic change through collaboration, regulation, and market demand.
• Learn about the strategic priorities for achieving carbon-neutral operational energy and reducing the embodied carbon of building materials.
• Understand the importance of incorporating nature into urban environments and the benefits of green solutions for mental and physical health.
• Hear Antti’s perspective on the synergy between forward-thinking cities and companies eager to showcase sustainable building solutions.

Whether you are a sustainability professional, construction industry insider, or urban planner, this episode offers a thought-provoking perspective on the future of circularity in the built environment and the key levers for driving impactful change.

Keywords: circular economy, smart buildings, Green Building Council Finland, Antti Ruuska, circular construction, sustainability, built environment, carbon-neutral buildings, embodied carbon, circular built environment, nature in cities, green solutions, urban planning, systemic change, collaboration, regulation, market demand

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What does it really take for a global leader in packaging to transition toward circularity? In this episode of The Circular Coffee Break, Katri Saarenheimo, Head of Sustainability and Communications at the Flexible Packaging Unit at Huhtamäki, shares her insights on the complexities and opportunities of making packaging more sustainable. With a career spanning sustainability, communications, and industry transformation, Katri discusses the challenges of shifting from linear to circular models in an industry where packaging plays a critical role in preserving products, ensuring safety, and reducing waste.

Katri reflects on Huhtamäki’s journey toward circularity, emphasizing the importance of collaboration across the value chain, from material innovation to end-of-life solutions. She explores the unique challenges of flexible packaging, which often balances functionality, cost, and sustainability, and highlights the need for systemic change to address issues like recycling infrastructure, consumer behavior, and regulatory frameworks. The conversation also touches on the role of innovation in developing circular packaging solutions and the importance of transparency in communicating progress to stakeholders.

Why listen?

• Discover how Huhtamäki is addressing the challenges of making flexible packaging more circular and sustainable.
• Explore the role of collaboration across the value chain in driving systemic change for packaging circularity.
• Learn about the unique challenges of flexible packaging, including balancing functionality, cost, and sustainability.
• Understand the importance of innovation in developing circular packaging solutions and improving recycling infrastructure.
• Hear Katri’s perspective on the role of transparency and communication in engaging stakeholders and driving industry-wide change.

Whether you are a sustainability professional, packaging industry insider, or business leader, this episode offers a thought-provoking perspective on the journey to circularity and the challenges of transforming an industry.

Keywords: circular economy, sustainable packaging, Huhtamäki, Katri Saarenheimo, flexible packaging, circularity, sustainability challenges, value chain collaboration, recycling infrastructure, consumer behavior, regulatory frameworks, innovation, transparency, industry transformation

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What if the key to unlocking circularity lies not in recycling or end-of-life solutions, but in reimagining the very operations that drive our supply chains? In this episode of The Circular Coffee Break, Deborah Dull, Vice President of Global Supply Chain Sustainability at Genpact and author of Circular Supply Chains: 17 Common Questions, shares her expertise on the often-overlooked role of supply chain professionals in the circular economy. With a background spanning Microsoft, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and GE Digital, Deborah explains why circular supply chains require more than just sustainable materials and business models—they demand a fundamental shift in how we design, track, and manage operations.

Deborah introduces the concept of a circular supply chain as a Venn diagram, where circular business models, materials, and operations intersect. She highlights the critical gap between those planning for circularity and those executing it, emphasizing that supply chain professionals must be at the heart of this transition. The conversation explores the challenges of achieving transparency across supply chain tiers, the disconnect between circularity planning and operational execution, and the role of standards and technology in enabling this shift. Deborah also discusses the potential of industrial symbiosis, regionalized circular ecosystems, and the ongoing Industrial Revolution, where hyper-individualization and decentralized production could redefine manufacturing paradigms.

Why listen?

• Discover how circular supply chains decouple growth from finite inputs, enabling businesses to thrive while reducing environmental impact.
• Explore the four key components of circular supply chains: inputs, outputs, processes, and systems, and how they differ from traditional linear models.
• Learn about the challenges of achieving transparency across supply chain tiers and why less than 5% of supply chains can see past their Tier 2 suppliers.
• Understand the role of standards and technology in enabling circular operations, and why blockchain may not always be the best solution.
• Hear Deborah’s vision for the future of supply chains, including scenarios where products start with existing materials rather than raw inputs, and where regional ecosystems enable circularity at scale.

Whether you are a supply chain professional, sustainability advocate, or business leader, this episode offers a thought-provoking perspective on how to bridge the gap between circularity planning and operational execution.

Keywords: circular economy, circular supply chain, Deborah Dull, Genpact, supply chain transparency, industrial symbiosis, circular operations, sustainability, operational execution, standards, technology, blockchain, supply chain tiers, circular business models, manufacturing, Industrial Revolution, hyper-individualization, decentralized production

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What if the key to a more sustainable fashion industry lies in the items already hanging in our closets? In this episode of The Circular Coffee Break, Timo Huhtamäki, CEO of Emmy Clothing, explores how the second-hand clothing market is evolving from a DIY niche to a mainstream, managed service that unlocks the value of "sleeping assets." With over 90,000 branded clothes available online, Emmy Clothing is leading the charge in the Nordic region, making it easier than ever for consumers to buy and sell high-quality, pre-owned apparel.

Timo reflects on his journey from marketing and e-commerce leadership at Tori.fi to his current role at Emmy, where he is driving the shift from a traditional linear economy to a circular one. He discusses the challenges and opportunities in scaling the second-hand market, including the need for greater consumer awareness, strategic partnerships with brands and retailers, and international expansion. With a background as an investor in over 20 sustainability-related growth companies, Timo also shares his insights on the long-term trends shaping the future of circularity and digital innovation.

Why listen?

• Discover how Emmy Clothing is transforming the second-hand market by making it easy for consumers to sell and buy branded apparel.
• Learn about the shift from DIY second-hand markets to managed services and why this change is critical for scaling circularity.
• Explore the economic and environmental benefits of treating clothes as investment goods rather than consumables.
• Understand the challenges posed by fast fashion and how circular business models can compete.
• Hear Timo’s perspective on the role of investors, regulators, and consumers in driving the transition to a circular economy.

Whether you are a sustainability professional, fashion industry insider, or conscious consumer, this episode offers a thought-provoking perspective on how activating sleeping assets can create sustainable circular value.

Keywords: circular economy, second-hand fashion, Emmy Clothing, Timo Huhtamäki, sustainable consumption, circular business models, managed services, fast fashion, consumer awareness, resale value, investment goods, digital innovation, Nordic market, sustainability trends, circularity, fashion industry

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What if the future of fashion could be built without harmful chemicals, excessive water use, or waste? In this episode of The Circular Coffee Break, Shahriare Mahmood, Chief Sustainability Officer at Spinnova, shares how his company is revolutionizing the textile industry with a breakthrough technology that creates textile fiber from wood or waste without harmful chemicals. This innovation not only reduces environmental impact but also retains the natural qualities of the raw material, offering a true alternative to traditional fibers like cotton.

Shahriare reflects on his extensive career in the textile industry, from his early roles in product development and research to his current position at Spinnova. He discusses the challenges and opportunities in scaling sustainable innovations, emphasizing the need for collaboration across the value chain to drive systemic change. The conversation explores the role of consumer awareness, transparent information, and policy in shaping a more sustainable textile industry, as well as the potential of EU legislation introducing a digital product passport for textiles and electronics.

Why listen?

• Discover how Spinnova’s mechanical process produces cellulosic fiber without chemicals or water, setting a new standard for sustainability in textiles.
• Explore the challenges of overconsumption in the fashion industry and how innovations like Spinnova’s can help reduce waste and environmental harm.
• Learn about the importance of collaboration between brands, innovators, and consumers to scale sustainable solutions.
• Understand the role of transparency in helping consumers make informed, sustainable choices.
• Hear Shahriare’s three wishes for the textile industry: scaling green innovations, adopting green chemistry, and integrating circularity into every product and process.

Whether you are a sustainability professional, fashion industry insider, or conscious consumer, this episode offers a thought-provoking perspective on how innovation and collaboration can drive the green transition of the textile industry.

Keywords: circular economy, sustainable textiles, Spinnova, Shahriare Mahmood, textile innovation, green chemistry, circular fashion, waste reduction, digital product passport, EU legislation, sustainable materials, fashion industry, consumer awareness, collaboration, transparency, environmental impact

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What does it take to drive real sustainability in an industry as complex and impactful as construction? In this episode of The Circular Coffee Break, Jukka Viitanen, Head of Sustainability and Environmental Manager for Finland at NRC Group and a Board Member at the Green Building Council Finland, shares his insights on how the construction and infrastructure sectors can embrace circularity and sustainability at scale.

Jukka reflects on the evolution of sustainability discussions in the construction industry over the past 15 years, highlighting the recent acceleration in climate change mitigation efforts. He emphasizes the importance of collaboration across the value chain, as companies at different levels of maturity need to work together to drive systemic change. With the construction industry contributing significantly to global emissions, Jukka explores how NRC Group is addressing these challenges through innovative approaches, such as requesting Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) from suppliers and launching the Sustainability Insight Blog to showcase practical examples of sustainability in action.

The conversation also touches on the role of the Green Building Council in shaping industry transitions and the need for joint efforts to address circularity challenges. Jukka and Michael discuss the alarming decrease in global circularity and the urgent need for the construction industry to proactively propose and adopt sustainable solutions.

Why listen?

• Understand how the construction industry is evolving to address sustainability and circularity challenges.
• Explore the importance of collaboration across the value chain to drive systemic change.
• Learn about the role of the Green Building Council in shaping industry transitions.
• Discover how NRC Group is promoting sustainability through initiatives like the Sustainability Insight Blog.
• Gain insights into the challenges and opportunities of implementing circularity in an industry with long life cycles.

Whether you are a professional in the construction industry, a sustainability advocate, or simply interested in how we can build a more sustainable future, this episode offers a thoughtful and practical perspective on the role of collaboration and innovation in driving sustainable impact.

Keywords: circular economy, sustainable construction, Green Building Council, NRC Group, Jukka Viitanen, construction industry, circularity, sustainability, Environmental Product Declarations, EPD, collaboration, value chain, climate change mitigation, infrastructure, sustainable impact

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What if the key to a sustainable future isn’t just about doing more but about doing less? In this episode of The Circular Coffee Break, Tomi Nyman, Founder and CEO of November Consulting and a pioneer in circular economy innovation, challenges the notion that growth must come at the expense of the planet. With a bold mission to cut global emissions by 1 gigaton, Tomi shares how businesses, industries, and individuals can consume less while creating more value through systemic change, circular principles, and a shift in mindset.

From his early career as a research chemist to his roles as a CEO, advisor, and investor in bioeconomy start ups, Tomi has spent decades exploring how to redesign systems for sustainability. He reflects on his unexpected stint as Business Development Director at Dudson Activity Park, a detour that reinforced his belief in reusing, repairing, and extending the life of products, and discusses why industrializing degrowth isn’t just idealistic, but a competitive advantage for businesses willing to embrace it.

The conversation dives into the plastic problem, exploring solutions beyond recycling, like chemical recycling, leasing models, and reuse systems, and why systemic changes, such as policy shifts and cultural mindset shifts, are critical to scaling circularity. Tomi also shares his vision for alternative proteins, precision fermentation, and reducing food waste, proving that sustainability isn’t just about sacrifice, it’s about smart, innovative solutions that benefit both people and the planet.

Why listen?

• Discover how degrowth can be industrialized—and why businesses that adopt circular models will gain market share and profitability.
• Explore alternative approaches to plastic waste, from chemical recycling to leasing materials, and why reuse is the fastest way to reduce consumption.
• Learn how psychology and culture play a role in driving systemic change, and why indirect influencing (like marketing) is more effective than forcing behavior.
• Hear Tomi’s insights on reducing meat consumption and food waste and how these changes could free up billions of hectares of land for carbon capture.
• Understand the economic case for circularity, including how €50 billion in annual investment could decouple the plastics industry from fossil feedstocks and save €100 billion per year in the long run.

Whether you’re a business leader, entrepreneur, or sustainability advocate, this episode offers a provocative yet practical perspective on how to rethink consumption, redesign systems, and create value without waste.

Keywords: circular economy, degrowth, sustainable business, Tomi Nyman, November Consulting, plastic waste, chemical recycling, reuse systems, leasing models, industrial degrowth, systemic change, alternative proteins, precision fermentation, food waste, carbon capture, circular business models, sustainability innovation, consumer behavior, climate action

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What if the waste we struggle to recycle could become the solution to some of our biggest environmental challenges? In the first episode of The Circular Coffee Break, Jaakko Nauha, Business Development Director at TraceGrow, shares how his company is transforming recycled alkaline batteries into organic-certified fertilizers, rich in micronutrients like zinc and manganese. This isn’t just recycling; it’s a radical reimagining of waste as a valuable resource.

Jaakko reflects on his journey from leading Neste Napcon’s algae initiative, where he learned the importance of ecosystems, partnerships, and holistic approaches, to his current role at TraceGrow. He explains how TraceGrow’s chemical process extracts micronutrients from battery waste, turning what was once a harmful byproduct into a product that boosts crop yields by 20% while reducing CO₂ emissions by up to 70% compared to traditional fertilizer production. With partnerships like the one with Boliden Kokkola, TraceGrow is scaling its impact, proving that circular economy isn’t just a concept, it’s a practical, profitable reality.

Why listen?

• Discover how TraceGrow turns black mass from crushed batteries into high-value fertilizers, addressing both waste management and agricultural efficiency.
• Learn why circular systems require collaboration—and how TraceGrow’s partnerships with industrial players like Boliden are accelerating change.
• Explore the economic and environmental benefits of circular fertilizers, from higher crop yields to lower carbon footprints.
• Understand the challenges of scaling circular innovations, from consumer behavior to policy hurdles.
• Hear Jaakko’s insights on urban mining, battery passports, and why the future of agriculture depends on closing the loop.

Whether you’re a business leader, sustainability professional, or innovator looking to turn waste into value, this conversation offers a bold vision for a circular future—where what we once threw away becomes the foundation of something new.

Keywords: circular economy, battery recycling, sustainable fertilizers, TraceGrow, Jaakko Nauha, waste-to-product, micronutrients, zinc, manganese, circular agriculture, urban mining, Boliden Kokkola, black mass recycling, CO₂ reduction, crop yield, circular innovation, industrial side streams, fertilizer industry, clean tech

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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.