The invisible threat of microplastics is one of the biggest environmental challenges of our time. From the clothes we wear to the tires on our cars, tiny plastic particles are constantly being released into the world around us, quietly making their way into our oceans, air, and even our bodies.

Our guest today, Dr. Raffaella Mossotti, is a researcher at CNR-STIIMA in Biella. She contributed to the development of the first international standard to measure microplastic release from textiles, in collaboration with Aquafil.

Together, we’ll trace the threads of microplastics pollution – uncovering how fabrics shed, which processes are the biggest culprits, and how science can help us design it out for good.

The race toward sustainable practices is transforming the textile industry.

But to design for the future, we first need to understand the fibers we work with and the impact they carry.

Today, we are joined by Celine Khawam, textile and fashion historian and educator.

In this episode, Celine takes us through the key features of fibers like wool and nylon, revealing the main environmental trade-offs behind them.

What if nature held the answers to our toughest design challenges? In this episode, we dive into biomimicry with Dr. Dayna Baumeister, co-founder of Biomimicry 3.8 and one of the world’s leading experts in the field. She shares how innovators are turning to nature’s 3.8 billion years of R&D to inspire sustainable, cutting-edge solutions across industries.

Whether you're interested in sustainable design and technology, regenerative innovation, or simply curious about how nature can inspire the future, this conversation offers fresh insight into its genius.

Can business help restore nature, and thrive doing it? As ecosystem services decline, industries are already losing $5 trillion annually. But there's a $10 trillion opportunity ahead. In this episode, we speak with Davide Briganti, Senior Communication & Biodiversity Strategist at 3Bee and XNatura, about how companies can play a leading role in ecosystem restoration through science-backed strategies and tech-driven innovation.

The fashion industry is responsible for around 10% of global carbon emissions – more than aviation and shipping combined. But change is on the horizon. 

In this new episode of "The Future is Circular," we sit down with Katrin Ley, Managing Director at Fashion for Good, to unpack how the organization is uniting brands, innovators, and manufacturers to spark real transformation in the industry.

From accelerating next-gen materials and circular footwear to pioneering research on reducing shedding and improving textile performance, Fashion for Good is promoting regeneration and collaboration as the new standard in fashion. 

Aquaculture faces growing criticism over its role in marine pollution, especially from discarded fishing nets. In this episode, Koen Van Goethem, Chairman of CEN/TC 466 at the European Commission and CEO of  I-Coats NV, joins us to explore the EU’s response, highlight key industry innovations, and discuss what it takes to create a more conscious sector.

Every year, the EU generates 12.6 million tonnes of textile waste – most of which isn’t properly collected and ends up in landfills. How should we handle this waste? With new rules under the EU Waste Framework Directive, producers now bear full responsibility for their products’ lifecycle. Join us as we unpack these changes with Dr. Wolfgang Trunk, Team Leader in Circular Economy at the European Commission.

The Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation is revolutionizing product manufacturing, introducing a new approach that emphasizes creating with reuse in mind. But what does this mean for industries and consumers? In this episode, Carsten Wentink, Policy Officer at DG Environment at the European Commission and a key player in implementing the Regulation, shares exclusive insights on its progress and what industries should expect next. 

Inclusivity and environmental responsibility in design might seem like separate issues, but they can coexist to drive remarkable innovation. In today’s episode, we explore this cutting-edge intersection with Julie Gauthier, Practice Leader, Workplace Interiors, and Associate Principal at Perkins&Will, and Dr. Kati Peditto, Director of Human Experience Research at Perkins&Will, who is leading the firm’s efforts on Neuro-Inclusive Design. Let’s dive in and hear from Julie and Kati!

In this episode, Kay Sargent, Senior Principal and Director of Thought Leadership, Interiors at HOK, will guide us through the foundational principles and different shades of a discipline that has become increasingly vital: inclusive design.

How can we transition to more socially responsible design projects? Let's hear it directly from her.