July 17, 2025

The Circular Shift Panel Discussion | Circular Design Summit 2025

32 minutes

This episode is a recorded panel session from the Circular Design Summit 2025 explores how design can accelerate the shift toward a circular economy by rethinking roles, materials, and systems. Moderated by Karel J. Golta, the conversation brings together perspectives from Kathie Morgenroth (Google), Steffen Erath (Hansgrohe), and Markus Kühlert (Wuppertal Institute).

The panelists discuss the need for transdisciplinary collaboration, integration of compliance into early-stage design, and redefining what it means to be a designer in the context of sustainability. From hardware-software integration to product-as-a-service models, the discussion highlights how circularity requires embedding longevity, repairability, and desirability into the entire product experience.

This episode is part of the Circular Design Summit series, a Circularity.fm series in collaboration with the German Design Council.

People

Katie Morgenroth, Head of Sustainable Design at Google

https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiemorgenroth/

Steffen Erath Head of Innovation and Sustainability at Hansgrohe

https://www.linkedin.com/in/steffen-erath/

Markus Kühlert Co-Head Production and Consumption Systems at Wuppertal Institute

https://www.linkedin.com/in/markus-k%C3%BChlert-83812115b/

Karel J. Golta Founder and Managing Director at Indeed Innovation

https://www.linkedin.com/in/karelgolta/

About

The Circular Design Summit is a leading industry event dedicated to advancing the circular economy through the power of design. It brings together decision-makers, creatives, and innovators from business, industry, and design who share a common goal: shaping an economy where long-term success goes hand in hand with ecological sustainability. The summit explores how design strategies can drive this transformation and empowers participants to become active contributors to a more sustainable future.

Through an engaging mix of keynotes, masterclasses, and panel discussions, the program focuses on core themes such as Circular Business, Circular Design, Closing the Loop, the EU Ecodesign Directive, and the impact of digital technologies and policy. Hosted in collaboration with a network of over 330 member companies from the design-oriented economy, the Circular Design Summit fosters cross-industry exchange and positions design as a strategic tool for innovation, growth, and sustainable change.

Further Links

https://www.german-design-council.de/aktivitaeten/circular-design-summit

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