HappyPorch Radio: Circular Economy & Technology

How Tech Enables Circular Innovation – with Patrick Hypscher

What does it really take to build circular business models — and how can technology accelerate that transformation?

In this episode of HappyPorch Radio, we’re joined by Patrick Hypscher, a circular business strategist, advisor, and the voice behind Circularity.fm. Patrick brings unique insights from working at the intersection of digital innovation and the circular economy — from launching a software startup to building BlueMovement, a home appliance subscription service inside Bosch Siemens Home Appliances (BSH).

We explore the vital role of technology in enabling, scaling, and adapting circular models, particularly product-as-a-service (PaaS). Patrick shares honest reflections on what worked, what didn’t, and how thoughtful use of digital tools can remove friction, support iteration, and accelerate progress.

In this episode:

Patrick explains why building in-house tech is often unnecessary — and even risky — for early-stage PaaS ventures.

We discuss how SaaS tools, APIs, and no-code platforms offer the flexibility needed to support fast iteration and growth.

Patrick explores the enabling role of IoT and remote condition monitoring in rental and performance-based models.

He shares real-world examples, including cooling-as-a-service from Kaer, pay-per-part manufacturing at Trumpf, HP Instant Ink, and Hilti subscriptions.

We reflect on organisational culture, channel conflict, and internal buy-in — and how to navigate these in large businesses.

Finally, we explore the importance of iteration, adaptability, and learning cycles when piloting circular models.

This episode offers practical insights for anyone working at the intersection of digital systems and circular design.

Mentioned in this episode:

BlueMovement (BSH): https://www.bluemovement.com/nl-en

Kaer – Cooling-as-a-Service: https://www.kaer.com/

Trumpf – Pay-per-Part Manufacturing: https://www.trumpf.com/en_INT/

HP Instant Ink: https://instantink.hpconnected.com/uk/en/l/v2

Hilti Tool Subscriptions: https://www.hilti.co.uk/content/hilti/E1/GB/en/support/support/faqs/subscription-portal/general-subscription-portal.html

About our guest:

Patrick Hypscher is a circular strategist and the host of Circularity.fm, where he interviews founders and practitioners building real-world circular business models. With a background in economics, philosophy, and entrepreneurship, Patrick brings a systems-thinking lens to his work.

He previously led the BlueMovement initiative at BSH, where he helped implement and grow a rental model for household appliances — a pioneering example of product-as-a-service at corporate scale.

Patrick also runs an invite-only Product-as-a-Service Roundtable, connecting practitioners working on circular transitions inside organisations.

Connect with Patrick on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-hypscher/

Listen to Circularity.fm: https://www.circularity.fm

About HappyPorch 🌍:

HappyPorch is a purpose-driven software engineering consultancy focused on the circular economy.

We believe technology plays a vital role in addressing the world’s most pressing challenges — from climate change to biodiversity loss. If you're working on circular economy solutions, we’d love to help make your journey smoother and more successful.

Whether you need a dedicated product development team, access to skilled, values-aligned software engineers, or just practical guidance and insight — we’re here to support mission-led teams working toward a regenerative future.

Learn more at https://www.happyporch.com

Subscribe to HappyPorch Circular News 💌 :

HappyPorch Circular News is our monthly newsletter for people working in and around the circular economy and technology.

In the newsletter, you can:

Explore the intersection of circularity and digital tools

Discover innovative companies and inspiring individuals

 Be first to hear about new podcast episodes, events, and ideas

Enjoy curated articles, tools, and insights — handpicked by our team

Subscribe at https://www.happyporch.com/newsletter/

Explore the Circular Economy Podcasts Guide:

We’ve created something new: The Circular Economy Podcasts Guide. After 9 seasons of HappyPorch Radio and years of discovering other brilliant shows on circularity, we realised the podcast space needed a central, searchable place to explore the best voices in circular innovation.

The guide is curated and growing, searchable by theme, region, or keyword, and open for submissions — anyone can suggest shows or episodes to be added.

Browse the guide at https://circulareconomypodcasts.guide/

Listen and subscribe:

Stream this episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Deezer, iHeart, Pocket Casts — or wherever you get your podcasts.

Visit https://www.happyporchradio.com to explore more episodes.

Mentioned in this episode:

Season 10 Celebration

 HappyPorch Radio is 10 seasons old and we're celebrating in person with People, Planet, Pint!

Season 10 Celebration

 HappyPorch Radio is 10 seasons old and we're celebrating in person with People, Planet, Pint!

Welcome back to HappyPorch Radio: the circular economy technology podcast!

In this episode our hosts Barry O’Kane and Tandi Tuakli are joined by Katie Hanton-Parr, the visionary founder of Baboodle - a circular rental platform specifically designed for baby equipment.

Katie’s story is one of passion, perseverance, and innovation—born out of her own experience as a parent grappling with the challenges of accessing safe, high-quality baby gear without the waste and cost of traditional ownership.

Throughout the episode Katie talks about the many layers involved in running a circular rental business in such a sensitive and highly regulated space. 

From managing rigorous safety and hygiene standards to the complexities of reverse logistics, Katie explains what it takes to keep every item in Baboodle’s inventory reliable and ready for the next family. One of the key themes is repairability: ensuring products can be fixed and maintained rather than discarded, which is vital to the sustainability mission but often tricky in practice.

We also delve into the technology that underpins Baboodle’s operations. Katie shares how the team integrates specialised circular economy software for handling rental logistics, inventory management, and refurbishment workflows. She gives examples of crucial tools for digital subscriptions and recurring billing, combined with seamless warehouse and fulfillment operations. 

This tech stack allows Baboodle to handle complex customer journeys, whether it’s a simple rental, a rent-to-own arrangement, or a resale option, all while maintaining transparency and control over each product’s lifecycle. Katie emphasizes how crucial it is to have a system built specifically for circularity—not just repurposed e-commerce tech—so that the platform can scale and adapt.

Tune in to hear more about Katie’s blend of practical wisdom, innovative use of technology, and genuine care for families and the environment that makes this episode truly inspiring!

This podcast is brought to you by HappyPorch. We specialise in technology and software development for Circular Economy minded purpose-driven businesses.

Our podcast focuses mostly on: Circular Economy, Digital Enablers, Technology, Software, Circular Solutions, Fashion & Textiles, Circular Strategies, Digital, Reuse, Circular Design, Circularity, Systems Thinking, Economics, Data, Platforms, Degrowth, Policy & Regulation, Collaboration, Materials, Supply Chain, Biological Cycles, Materials, Food Waste, Biomimicry, Construction, Modular Design, Culture & Language, Zero Waste, Digital Passports, Life Cycle Assessment, Recycling, Reverse Logistics, Materials, Sharing Economy, Manufacturing, Efficiency, Environmental Impact and much more!

Mentioned in this episode:

Season 10 Celebration

 HappyPorch Radio is 10 seasons old and we're celebrating in person with People, Planet, Pint!

Season 10 Celebration

 HappyPorch Radio is 10 seasons old and we're celebrating in person with People, Planet, Pint!

Welcome back to HappyPorch Radio: the circular economy technology podcast!

In this episode our hosts Barry O’Kane and Jo Weston are joined by Yann Toutant, CEO and Co-founder of Black Winch who are the world's exclusive authority in Product-As-A-Service (PaaS) solutions. 

At the beginning of the conversation Yann explains Black Winch’s work and how they engage, inspire and empower intrapreneurs to achieve their PaaS ambitions by building and scaling their in-house recurring revenue models. 

Drawing on his experience guiding manufacturers through the transition to outcome-based services, Yann offers a deep dive into both the opportunities and the operational realities of implementing PaaS and discusses the importance of a long-term thinking strategy to make PaaS successful in any business.

Yann also highlights key differences between B2B and B2C adoption of as-a-service models and talks about how technology plays a critical role in enabling these models. He outlines the importance of asset tracking, consumption data, billing complexity management, and reverse logistics—all underpinned by flexible tech stacks that evolve as the business scales. 

Looking ahead, Yann envisions that manufacturers will want to retain ownership of raw materials and explains how urban mining and material recovery will become strategic advantages.

Tune in to learn about how new generations of data-driven leaders will continue to accelerate the shift towards PaaS and much more!

This podcast is brought to you by HappyPorch. We specialise in technology and software development for Circular Economy minded purpose-driven businesses.

Our podcast focuses mostly on: Circular Economy, Digital Enablers, Technology, Software, Circular Solutions, Fashion & Textiles, Circular Strategies, Digital, Reuse, Circular Design, Circularity, Systems Thinking, Economics, Data, Platforms, Degrowth, Policy & Regulation, Collaboration, Materials, Supply Chain, Biological Cycles, Materials, Food Waste, Biomimicry, Construction, Modular Design, Culture & Language, Zero Waste, Digital Passports, Life Cycle Assessment, Recycling, Reverse Logistics, Materials, Sharing Economy, Manufacturing, Efficiency, Environmental Impact and much more!

Mentioned in this episode:

Season 10 Celebration

 HappyPorch Radio is 10 seasons old and we're celebrating in person with People, Planet, Pint!

Season 10 Celebration

 HappyPorch Radio is 10 seasons old and we're celebrating in person with People, Planet, Pint!

Welcome back to HappyPorch Radio: the circular economy technology podcast!

In this episode our hosts Barry O’Kane and Tandi Tuakli are joined by Ryan Atkins, the co-founder and CEO of Supercycle - a circular commerce platform that enables rental and resale natively in Shopify.

Ryan explains that scaling circular business models depends on overcoming integration challenges between physical product flows (repair, refurbishment, cleaning) and digital commerce (Shopify, customer experience). 

In this conversation we learn that while platforms like Supercycle can provide the core technology and integration "pipes," each brand has unique requirements in logistics, customer experience, product flows, and back office systems.

Ryan also discusses collaborations with specialist partners, from 3PLs that can handle circular operations to integration and professional services partners that allow brands to tailor and scale their circular offerings. Without this ecosystem of enablers, it would be impossible to support the variety of customer journeys that circular models demand. 

Tune in to learn more about how circularity is reshaping e-commerce, the technology driving it, and why strong partnerships are the foundation of successful circular systems!

This podcast is brought to you by HappyPorch. We specialise in technology and software development for Circular Economy minded purpose-driven businesses.

Our podcast focuses mostly on: Circular Economy, Digital Enablers, Technology, Software, Circular Solutions, Fashion & Textiles, Circular Strategies, Digital, Reuse, Circular Design, Circularity, Systems Thinking, Economics, Data, Platforms, Degrowth, Policy & Regulation, Collaboration, Materials, Supply Chain, Biological Cycles, Materials, Food Waste, Biomimicry, Construction, Modular Design, Culture & Language, Zero Waste, Digital Passports, Life Cycle Assessment, Recycling, Reverse Logistics, Materials, Sharing Economy, Manufacturing, Efficiency, Environmental Impact and much more!

Mentioned in this episode:

Season 10 Celebration

 HappyPorch Radio is 10 seasons old and we're celebrating in person with People, Planet, Pint!

Season 10 Celebration

 HappyPorch Radio is 10 seasons old and we're celebrating in person with People, Planet, Pint!

Welcome back to HappyPorch Radio: the circular economy technology podcast!

Our hosts are joined by Lucy Wishart, lecturer in Circular Economy and Sustainable Transformations at the University of Edinburgh. In this episode they explore how rental models fit into academic, practical, and social aspects of circularity.

From the idea of “consumption work” (and how rental reduces it) to what makes circular systems messy by nature, this conversation is packed with insight.

Lucy explains how rental plays a key role in circular economy frameworks like the Nine R’s and Product-Service Systems, offering an alternative to ownership-based consumption.

The discussion explores both the potential and pitfalls of rental - from shifting consumption habits to labor and logistical challenges. 

"There’s a distinction between circularity and the circular economy. Circularity can be quite small scale and local… but the circular economy requires more than one product, more than one organisation — it’s collective. It requires us to work together."

This podcast is brought to you by HappyPorch. We specialise in technology and software development for Circular Economy minded purpose-driven businesses.

Our podcast focuses mostly on: Circular Economy, Digital Enablers, Technology, Software, Circular Solutions, Fashion & Textiles, Circular Strategies, Digital, Reuse, Circular Design, Circularity, Systems Thinking, Economics, Data, Platforms, Degrowth, Policy & Regulation, Collaboration, Materials, Supply Chain, Biological Cycles, Materials, Food Waste, Biomimicry, Construction, Modular Design, Culture & Language, Zero Waste, Digital Passports, Life Cycle Assessment, Recycling, Reverse Logistics, Materials, Sharing Economy, Manufacturing, Efficiency, Environmental Impact and much more!

Mentioned in this episode:

Season 10 Celebration

 HappyPorch Radio is 10 seasons old and we're celebrating in person with People, Planet, Pint!

Season 10 Celebration

 HappyPorch Radio is 10 seasons old and we're celebrating in person with People, Planet, Pint!

Welcome back to HappyPorch Radio: the circular economy technology podcast!

In this episode, our hosts Tandi Tuakli and Barry O’Kane had a fascinating conversation with Leah Pollen, a specialist in profitability and circular strategies within the used electronics market, particularly mobile devices. 

Leah shares deep insights into how the mobile phone industry's leasing and trade-in programs—especially driven by OEMs like Apple and Samsung—created what she calls “accidental circularity.” 

Leah also explains the business case for phone rental models, including calculations around device depreciation, residual value, repair logistics, and customer return behaviors.

One of the biggest barriers Leah identifies is mindset. Many organisations are still entrenched in linear thinking—focusing on sales volume, product obsolescence, and short-term wins. She stresses the importance of redefining what product success looks like in a circular model.

Our hosts and Leah draw parallels between mobile phones and other sectors like fashion, luxury goods, and homeware—discussing where circular lessons could be applied and where challenges persist due to differing value chains and consumer behaviors.

This podcast is brought to you by HappyPorch. We specialise in technology and software development for Circular Economy minded purpose-driven businesses.

Our podcast focuses mostly on: Circular Economy, Digital Enablers, Technology, Software, Circular Solutions, Fashion & Textiles, Circular Strategies, Digital, Reuse, Circular Design, Circularity, Systems Thinking, Economics, Data, Platforms, Degrowth, Policy & Regulation, Collaboration, Materials, Supply Chain, Biological Cycles, Materials, Food Waste, Biomimicry, Construction, Modular Design, Culture & Language, Zero Waste, Digital Passports, Life Cycle Assessment, Recycling, Reverse Logistics, Materials, Sharing Economy, Manufacturing, Efficiency, Environmental Impact and much more!

Mentioned in this episode:

Season 10 Celebration

 HappyPorch Radio is 10 seasons old and we're celebrating in person with People, Planet, Pint!

Season 10 Celebration

 HappyPorch Radio is 10 seasons old and we're celebrating in person with People, Planet, Pint!

Welcome back to HappyPorch Radio: the circular economy technology podcast!

In this special episode our host Barry O’Kane is joined by Charlotte Morley, CEO of thelittleloop, and Ryan Atkins, CEO of Supercycle, to discuss the ripple effects of - ongoing and very fluid - changes to US tariffs and De Minimis import rules on the circular economy in the UK, EU, and US. 

The conversation, which originated from a passionate exchange on LinkedIn, explores both the opportunities and challenges these potential policy changes present for circularity-focused businesses. The discussion ranges widely from there, covering everything from policy to the importance of smaller, ethical brands to circularity.

We discussed how reduced ease of importing low-cost new goods could boost demand for resale and second-hand markets, potentially benefiting the circular economy. While acknowledging the long-term benefits, our guests explained that many small ethical and sustainable brands are already overwhelmed by rising costs, market saturation from fast-fashion giants like Shein and Temu, and how, potentially, additional pressure from tariffs could undermine the "feedstock" of quality products essential for a thriving circular economy.

Both guests stress the importance of empathy and support for brands navigating these tough times. They discuss how circularity enablers like their own companies must make circular business models (like takeback and resale programs) as frictionless and financially viable as possible. They also touch on the slow progress of legislation and the need for government mandates and funding to truly shift the industry toward reuse, not just recycling.

The conversation concludes with a call to action for both policy involvement and practical support to ensure circularity is not just a long-term goal, but a near-term strategic advantage for businesses.

Tune in to learn about how there is, despite current difficulties, a sense of cautious optimism: more brands are beginning to prioritise circularity, although slowly.

This podcast is brought to you by HappyPorch. We specialise in technology and software development for Circular Economy minded purpose-driven businesses.

Our podcast focuses mostly on: Circular Economy, Digital Enablers, Technology, Software, Circular Solutions, Fashion & Textiles, Circular Strategies, Digital, Reuse, Circular Design, Circularity, Systems Thinking, Economics, Data, Platforms, Degrowth, Policy & Regulation, Collaboration, Materials, Supply Chain, Biological Cycles, Materials, Food Waste, Biomimicry, Construction, Modular Design, Culture & Language, Zero Waste, Digital Passports, Life Cycle Assessment, Recycling, Reverse Logistics, Materials, Sharing Economy, Manufacturing, Efficiency, Environmental Impact and much more!

Mentioned in this episode:

Season 10 Celebration

 HappyPorch Radio is 10 seasons old and we're celebrating in person with People, Planet, Pint!

Season 10 Celebration

 HappyPorch Radio is 10 seasons old and we're celebrating in person with People, Planet, Pint!

Welcome back to HappyPorch Radio: the circular economy technology podcast! 

In our first episode of the new season, we sit down with Danai Osmond, founder of Refulfil, a rental commerce and operations consultancy. Danai shares his unique journey—from serving as an army officer to working as a data analyst at Bloomberg, and then joining the net-zero laundry startup Oxwash, where he tackled the challenges of scaling a 24/7 operation.

Danai also discusses his transition into his current work exploring different rental business models, including event-based rentals, subscription models, and membership-based systems. Along the way, he shares lessons about operational efficiency, profitability, and maximising inventory utility while keeping customer trust and convenience at the core.

This conversation weaves together personal reflection, hard-earned operational insights, and broader thinking about systems change, emotional courage, and the real-world application of circular principles.

This podcast is brought to you by HappyPorch. We specialise in technology and software development for Circular Economy minded purpose-driven businesses.

Our podcast focuses mostly on: Circular Economy, Digital Enablers, Technology, Software, Circular Solutions, Fashion & Textiles, Circular Strategies, Digital, Reuse, Circular Design, Circularity, Systems Thinking, Economics, Data, Platforms, Degrowth, Policy & Regulation, Collaboration, Materials, Supply Chain, Biological Cycles, Materials, Food Waste, Biomimicry, Construction, Modular Design, Culture & Language, Zero Waste, Digital Passports, Life Cycle Assessment, Recycling, Reverse Logistics, Materials, Sharing Economy, Manufacturing, Efficiency, Environmental Impact and much more!

Mentioned in this episode:

Season 10 Celebration

 HappyPorch Radio is 10 seasons old and we're celebrating in person with People, Planet, Pint!

Season 10 Celebration

 HappyPorch Radio is 10 seasons old and we're celebrating in person with People, Planet, Pint!

Welcome back to HappyPorch Radio: the circular economy technology podcast! 

We are back with a very exciting new season where our host Barry O’Kane will be joined by two new co-hosts, each bringing unique perspectives and expertise. Jo Weston is a brand builder helping sustainable and circular businesses. Tandi Tuakli is working in fashion and technology and also helping brands create circular business models.

This season the focus is on Rental business models & Rental as an approach to circularity. A major theme will be the role of enablers — from tech platforms to logistics providers — that make rental systems viable. We will be talking to various guests and experts on the following topics:

• Defining Rental, leasing, and subscription-based business models in the circular economy.
• How Rental can range from short-term rentals to long-term product servitisation.
• Where are we seeing rental success? (product types, geographies, established products/sectors vs newer approaches, B2C vs B2B)
• Exploring tech and logistical infrastructure necessary for scaling rental businesses. 
• What are the challenges?
• What are the future opportunities?
• And much more!

Stay tuned, the first episode is coming out soon!

This podcast is brought to you by HappyPorch. We specialise in technology and software development for Circular Economy minded purpose-driven businesses.

Mentioned in this episode:

Season 10 Celebration

 HappyPorch Radio is 10 seasons old and we're celebrating in person with People, Planet, Pint!

Season 10 Celebration

 HappyPorch Radio is 10 seasons old and we're celebrating in person with People, Planet, Pint!

Welcome back to HappyPorch Radio! 

We are delighted to share our special episode which is part of Podcasthon - the world’s largest podcast charity initiative that brings together podcasters in over 45 countries and over 1650 podcasts to raise awareness globally for charitable causes. Each participating podcast is dedicating an episode to a cause that truly matters to them, and for us, the choice was clear—the vital role that charities and social enterprises play in the circular economy. 

In this episode, we had the pleasure of speaking with Michael Cook, CEO of Circular Communities Scotland, an organisation that represents a dynamic network of more than 260 charities and social enterprises dedicated to advancing the circular economy across Scotland. 

Michael shared invaluable insights into how Circular Communities Scotland supports third-sector organisations in achieving their circularity goals, from facilitating collaboration to advocating for policies that enable sustainable change. He also talked about some of the member organisations, their fascinating projects and initiatives that range from reuse and repair programs to innovative ways of reducing waste and extending the life of products and materials. Michael highlighted the strong connection between environmental and social benefits in the circular economy, explaining how it creates jobs, supports marginalised groups, and helps break down employment barriers.

Tune in to learn more about the challenges and opportunities of embedding circular practices into communities across Scotland and how community-led initiatives are creating a more resilient and environmentally responsible society!

Mentioned in this episode:

Season 10 Celebration

 HappyPorch Radio is 10 seasons old and we're celebrating in person with People, Planet, Pint!

Season 10 Celebration

 HappyPorch Radio is 10 seasons old and we're celebrating in person with People, Planet, Pint!