Harald Friedl has spent his life answering one question: How can we create a world that actually works for everyone? From politics to business, from NGOs to leading global movements—his journey has been anything but ordinary. But through it all, one thing became clear: we’re climbing the wrong mountain.

For decades, we’ve been told that more consumption, more production, and more profit is the only way forward. But what if the entire system is broken? What if we’re heading towards a future where resources run dry, inequality deepens, and businesses collapse under their own weight?

Harald believes the answer lies in the Circular Economy—a system that stops waste before it starts, values collaboration over competition, and redefines prosperity beyond GDP. His mission? To inspire 111 million people to rethink the way we live, work, and consume.

In this episode, we break down:
🔥 Why 90% of deforestation is linked to our economic system
🚨 Why "greenwashing" is a massive threat to real progress
🌍 How we can move from awareness to real action—today
💡 The single biggest mindset shift we need for change

This conversation isn’t just about theory—it’s about real, tangible solutions. Harald doesn’t just talk about the future. He’s building it.

🔊 Listen now & rethink everything you know about the economy.

The design industry has long adhered to a “replace rather than repair” mentality, leading to 10 million tons of discarded furniture annually in Europe, with 90% ending up in landfills. In this episode we dive into the possibilities of circular design with Sabrina van Dongen, Managing Director of Furnify, a company dedicated to redefining interior design through circularity.

Why This Episode Matters:

Key Highlights:

Reimagining Interiors with Circularity: Discover how Furnify integrates second-life materials to create interiors that are both sustainable and visually stunning.

The Story of DB55: Learn how this Amsterdam venue became a living example of circular design, showcasing the beauty and potential of reuse.

Overcoming Industry Challenges: Sabrina delves into the hurdles Furnify faces, from logistical barriers to shifting mind-sets, and how they tackle them head-on.

Changing the Narrative Around Consumption: Understand how storytelling and emotional connection can redefine how we value and care for materials.

The Role of Collaboration: Sabrina discusses the importance of partnerships and transparency in accelerating the adoption of circular design practices.

Conclusion:

In the upcoming episode of Circular Pioneers, Sabrina van Dongen, Managing Director of Furnify, shares how her team transforms discarded materials into stunning interiors. Stay tuned to learn more how Furnify challenges the 'throwaway' culture, redefines waste, and paves the way for a sustainable future in design.

The financial sector is a critical player in the transition to a circular economy, and Hilde Sijbring is at the forefront of this transformation. With nine years at Rabobank, Hilde shifted her focus to integrating circular principles into finance. As co-founder of the Circular Finance Lab and now a Senior Policy Advisor for Sustainability at the Dutch Banking Association, Hilde is leveraging finance as a powerful tool for change. This episode of Circular Pioneers delves into her journey, her mission to make circular finance the norm, and the vital role that finance plays in shaping a sustainable future.

Why This Episode Matters: In the world of finance, the shift towards sustainability is not just a trend—it's a necessity. In Hilde’s words “There is no transition without finance. Circularity must become the norm in the financial sector for a sustainable future.” Thus, understanding how finance can support and accelerate this transition is crucial. Hilde Sijbring’s insights offer a roadmap for how financial institutions can integrate circular principles into their core processes, paving the way for sustainable business models that are both resilient and profitable. This episode is essential listening for financial professionals, investors, and anyone interested in the intersection of finance and sustainability.

Key Highlights:

The Circular Finance Lab: Hilde discusses the founding of the Circular Finance Lab with Elisa Achterberg, aiming to bridge the gap between circular entrepreneurs and financiers. 

Challenges in Circular Finance: Despite the growing awareness of circular business models, many financiers are still hesitant to invest due to perceived risks and lower short-term profits. Hilde explains why this mindset needs to change and how the financial sector can evolve to support sustainable businesses.

The Importance of Risk Assessment: One of the major barriers to circular finance is the traditional approach to risk assessment, which often overlooks the long-term benefits of circular business models. Hilde highlights the need for new tools, such as the Circular Risk Scorecard, to better evaluate and support circular enterprises.

Steps Toward Change: Hilde outlines the key steps the financial sector must take to integrate circular principles by 2030, including the development of new financial instruments, cooperation between government and financial institutions, and the inclusion of circular metrics in risk assessments.

Global Impact: While the Netherlands is a frontrunner in circular finance, Hilde emphasizes the need for global cooperation and alignment, particularly in developing a common language and standards for circular finance.

Conclusion: The transition to a circular economy is heavily dependent on the financial sector’s ability to adapt and innovate. Hilde Sijbring’s work with the Circular Finance Lab and the Dutch Banking Association is paving the way for a financial system that supports sustainability at its core. As more companies recognize the importance of circular principles, the role of finance in enabling this shift becomes ever more critical. This episode of Circular Pioneers is a must-listen for anyone interested in how finance can be a catalyst for sustainable change.

‍

Relevant Links:

Hilde Sijbring on LinkedIn: LinkedIn Profile

Circular Finance Lab: Circular Finance Lab

Dutch Banking Association: Dutch Banking Association

InvestNL - Kopgroep Circulair Financieren: InvestNL Circular Financing

X-Tax Project: X-Tax Project

Empowering Interior Designers: Marije Remigius on Circular Design and Sustainable Material Choices.

The interior design industry is one of the largest contributors to waste, with 80-90% of materials ending up in landfills. Yet, in the heart of Amsterdam, Marije Remigius is leading a revolution to change that. With 25 years of experience at Fiction Factory and as the founder of Circu Leren, Inter Matter and Jutplaats, Marije is a true circular maker. Her work is transforming the way we think about and approach interior design, proving that sustainability is not just a trend but a necessary evolution. This episode of Circular Pioneers dives into her journey, the challenges she faced, and the tools she’s created to make circular design accessible and impactful.

Why This Episode Matters: As industries across the globe grapple with the need to reduce waste, the interior design sector stands at a crossroad. Marije started her journey with her realisation that she had been designing very beautiful waste. The principles and practices shared by Marije Remigius offer a practical and inspiring roadmap for designers, architects, and businesses looking to embrace circularity when it comes to their Interiors. Whether you're a seasoned designer or new to the concept of sustainable interiors, this episode provides valuable insights into how you can make a difference, one design at a time.

Key Highlights:

- The Birth of Circu Leren, Inter Matter and Jutplaats: Learn how Marije’s experiences at Fiction Factory and her realization of the waste problem in interior design led her to create Circu Leren, a consultancy that guides designers toward circular practices, and Jutplaats, a marketplace for reused materials.

- Designing with Circular Principles: Marije discusses the four key principles of circular design: less is more, design for disassembly, use good materials, and avoid round designs. She explains why these principles are crucial for reducing waste and creating sustainable spaces.

‍- The Power of Inter Matter: Discover how Inter Matter, a tool developed by Marije, helps designers choose sustainable materials by simplifying lifecycle assessments (LCA) and offering a color-coded system to guide material selection.

‍- Overcoming Challenges in Circular Design: From dealing with clients’ expectations to managing the practicalities of using reused materials, Marije shares her experiences and solutions for overcoming the challenges of circular design.

‍- The Future of Interior Design: Marije envisions a future where all interior design is circular, with materials and products designed to be reused and recycled. She highlights the importance of legislation and the need for more European regulations to support this transition.

Conclusion: Marije Remigius is more than just a maker — she’s a pioneer in the movement to make interior design sustainable. Her work with Circu Leren, Inter Matter and Jutplaats is paving the way for a new approach to interiors, where waste is minimized, and materials are given new life. For anyone in the interior design industry, this episode is a must-listen, offering practical advice and inspiration to start or continue your journey toward circular design.

Relevant Links:

Marije Remigius on LinkedIn

Circu Leren: Circu Leren

Inter Matter: Intermatter

Jutplaats: Jutplaats

In an industry where fast fashion dominates, United Repair Centre is changing the game. Founded by Thami Schweichler and Paul Kerssens, the United Repair Centre is leading a fashion revolution by making high-quality clothing repair accessible and desirable. Working with major brands such as Patagonia, Decathlon, and Lululemon, United Repair Centre is setting a new standard for sustainability in fashion. This episode of Circular Pioneers explores their journey, from recognizing the industry's waste problem to creating scalable solutions that align sustainable and social ambitions.

Why This Episode Matters: The fashion industry is at a critical juncture. With 92 million tons of textile waste generated annually, and regulations like the EU’s ban on incinerating unsold goods and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) on the horizon, the pressure to adopt circular practices has never been greater. For fashion brands, understanding and integrating sustainable practices is no longer optional—it’s essential. This episode is a must-listen for fashion industry professionals seeking to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving market. Thami and Paul share how United Repair Centre is helping brands turn sustainability into a business advantage, from reducing waste to maintaining customers through repair services.

The United Repair Centre shows that businesses truly can be a force for good. If you enjoyed this podcast, share the story to change the system.

Relevant Links:

United Repair Centre: United Repair Centre

When the jungle of sustainable legal abbreviations dazzles you, you tuned in to the right podcast. Listen to the man who identified the legal jungle as an opportunity to create more clarity shares his insights.

In this episode of Circular Pioneers, Arjan Hassing, Circular Innovation Strategist at the Municipality of Amsterdam and the visionary behind CircuLaw, shares his extensive knowledge on navigating the intricate world of circular economy regulations. With over two decades of experience in sustainability, Arjan has played a pivotal role in simplifying the legal frameworks that govern sustainable practices, making it easier for municipalities, businesses, and policymakers to drive the transition to a circular economy.

Why This Episode Matters: As the global push towards sustainability intensifies, understanding and navigating the legal landscape has become increasingly challenging. Regulations like the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), and the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) are pivotal in driving the circular economy. This episode is crucial for lawmakers, policymakers, and business leaders who are keen on leveraging these regulations to foster innovation and sustainability in their regions.

Key Highlights:

Understanding CircuLaw: Arjan introduces CircuLaw, a program that demystifies complex sustainability regulations, helping municipalities and businesses navigate the legal maze.

Overcoming Legislative Barriers: Learn about the common challenges associated with implementing new sustainability regulations and how CircuLaw provides practical solutions for overcoming them.

The Role of Policymakers: Insight into how local, regional, and national governments can collaborate effectively to ensure the successful implementation of CSRD and EPR.

Empowering Innovation Through Law: Explore how clear, consistent regulations not only create a level playing field but also incentivize businesses to innovate within the framework of the circular economy.

Looking Ahead: What’s next for CircuLaw as it continues to adapt to upcoming legislation? How can policymakers stay informed and proactive in the evolving legal landscape?

Conclusion: In a world where sustainability is no longer optional, understanding and applying the right regulations is key to success. CircuLaw is not just a tool for simplifying the legal landscape—it’s a catalyst for change, empowering governments and businesses to lead the transition to a circular economy. If you're involved in policy-making or sustainability, this episode will equip you with the resources to make impactful changes.

Relevant links

Insights from former Dutch Minister: Jacqueline Cramer on Leading System Change and Sustainable Innovation

In this episode of Circular Pioneers, we delve into the inspiring journey of Professor Dr. Jacqueline Cramer, a former Dutch Minister of Housing, Spatial Planning, and the Environment, and one of the advocates of the circular economy in the Netherlands. Known for her relentless dedication to transforming industries from within, Jaqueline has guided over 300 companies on their circular journey, authored more than 30 books, and played a crucial role in the Amsterdam metropolitan region’s transition to sustainability.

Why this episode matters: Jaqueline Cramer’s work is a testament to the power of political leadership in driving systemic change. With the world facing unprecedented environmental challenges, her insights into the circular economy provide a blueprint for businesses and governments alike. This episode is essential listening for professionals in the sustainability, environmental policy, and industrial innovation sectors who are looking to understand how to implement large-scale change effectively across different industries.

Key highlights:

- A Lifelong Dedication to Sustainability: Jaqueline shares her “aha moment” that sparked her commitment to environmental issues, tracing her journey from a biologist to a politician and beyond.

- The Concept of System Change: Explore Jaqueline’s approach to the circular economy, emphasizing the need for a shift from linear to circular systems across industries.

- The Role of Transition Brokers: Learn about the critical role of transition brokers in orchestrating change within industries, and how Jaqueline embodies this role in her work.

- Case Studies from the Field: Discover real-world examples from the concrete and textile industries, where Jaqueline has implemented circular principles to drive sustainable innovation.

- Challenges and Opportunities: Understand the challenges of implementing circular economy principles, from regulatory hurdles to industry resistance, and how Jaqueline navigates these complexities to achieve her goals.

Jaqueline Cramer’s experience and deep understanding of the circular economy make her a pivotal figure in the global push towards sustainability. Her work is not only transformative within the Netherlands but also serves as a model for other countries grappling with similar challenges. This episode offers valuable lessons for anyone involved in sustainability, policy-making, or industrial transformation.

Relevant Links:
Jaqueline Cramer on LinkedIn.

Books by Jaqueline Cramer: Free Downloads on the Amsterdam Economic Board Website

In this episode, we sit down with Ellyne Bierman Hagen, a pioneering force in the circular economy within the flower industry. With over 20 years of marketing experience, Ellyne transitioned into the world of sustainable business by founding Reflower, a company that offers artificial flowers as a service. Her innovative approach challenges the traditional flower industry, aiming to reduce waste and environmental impact while providing a circular solution that keeps flowers in circulation for longer.

Why This Episode Matters:

The flower industry is often overlooked in discussions about sustainability, yet it has a significant environmental impact. The Netherlands alone produces 1.7 billion cut flowers annually, contributing to massive CO2 emissions, water use, and pesticide pollution. This episode is crucial for professionals in the floriculture and sustainable business sectors who are looking for ways to innovate and reduce their ecological footprint. Ellyne Bierman Hagen’s Reflower model not only challenges the conventional flower market but also offers a viable and sustainable alternative through a product-as-a-service model, which could be a blueprint for other industries facing similar challenges.

Key Highlights:

Conclusion:

Ellyne Bierman Hagen’s work with Reflower is a beacon for those seeking to make impactful changes in industries traditionally resistant to sustainability. By focusing on the circular economy and product-as-a-service, she is paving the way for a more sustainable and responsible flower industry. This episode is a must-listen for anyone in the floriculture and sustainability sectors looking to lead the way in reducing environmental impact while offering innovative products.

Relevant Links:

https://www.reflower.nl 

https://www.clubvancirculaireondernemers.nl/

In this episode, we sit down with Thomas Rau, a frontrunner in the circular economy and a visionary architect known for challenging the traditional linear building systems. Rau's work extends beyond conventional architecture; he has co-founded companies like Turntoo and Madaster, aiming to disrupt the way we perceive and interact with materials. By giving materials rights and an identity, Rau is not only rethinking architecture but also pushing for a fundamental system change in the way we approach the built environment.

Why This Episode Matters:

This episode is particularly crucial for professionals in the built environment and sustainable development sectors. The construction industry is one of the largest contributors to global waste, responsible for over 30% of total waste generation and nearly 40% of CO2 emissions worldwide. These alarming statistics underscore the urgent need for systemic change. Thomas Rau's approach to circular economy principles presents a powerful solution by advocating for the design of buildings as material depots and ensuring that materials retain their value throughout their lifecycle. This episode provides actionable insights for industry leaders and stakeholders who are determined to transform their practices, reduce environmental impact, and unlock the immense potential of a circular built environment.

Key Highlights:

Conclusion:

Thomas Rau’s visionary work challenges us to rethink our relationship with materials, architecture, and the broader system we operate within. His insights into the circular economy serve as a powerful reminder that the path to a sustainable future requires profound systemic change, starting with our mindset. This episode is a must-listen for anyone in the built environment and sustainability sectors looking to lead the charge in creating a circular, resilient future.

Relevant links:

Rau Architects | Madaster | Turntoo |⁠ Material Matters Book