In this episode, we’re joined by Tracy Sutton, Founder & Director of Root, who has spent over 24 years helping businesses reduce their environmental impact through circular economy strategies, sustainable design and packaging innovation.
We chat about the reality of circularity—what works, what doesn’t and what’s needed to move forward. Tracy shares firsthand insights from working with global brands like Diageo, Unilever and Costa, highlighting the biggest barriers to implementing circular systems and what businesses need to do to make circularity truly scalable.
📌 In This Episode:
- What sustainability and circularity really mean—and why they’re often misunderstood
- Why circular business models fail (and how to fix them)
- The role of materials, products, and business models in circularity—what should we prioritise?
- How to accelerate systemic change in businesses and policymaking
- Tracy’s biggest lessons from 24 years in the industry
🎧 Listen now:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7b99AYUkQbak6kh3stEezC?si=0d5e1dd4908a481f
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/millennials-gone-circular/id1793906665
📌 Resources Mentioned in the Episode:
- Learn more about Tracy’s work at Root
- Ellen MacArthur Foundation – Circular Economy Resources
- UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- Circularity Gap Report 2024 – Circle Economy:
- What is Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)?
- The Blue Planet Effect
📚 Book Recommendation: Cradle to Cradle by William McDonough & Michael Braungart
📢 Want to Take Action? Here’s How!
- Ask yourself: How circular is your lifestyle or business?
- Support businesses using circular economy principles—look for repairable, refillable, and durable products.
- Push for Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)—advocate for businesses to take responsibility for their waste.
- Start the conversation! Share your thoughts on circularity and sustainability with us.
💬 What’s the biggest challenge you see in adopting circular practices? Drop us a comment!
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📩 Join our LinkedIn & Facebook Communities: Millennials Gone Circular