New Year, New Episode – But First, Let’s Rewind. . . . – - (2025)
We’re kicking off 2026 with something different: a raw, reflective conversation about the episodes that changed how we think about circularity.
Three people. Three generations. Three completely different favorite episodes:
Katarina (our brilliant marketing lead, now finally on mic) chose Voices of the Ocean — where individual action becomes global data. Ocean Conservancy proved that beach cleanups aren’t symbolic — they’re strategic.
John picked Chemical Recycling Europe and Antero’s Legacy — long-term vision over short-term ROI. Antero’s story showed us that innovation is built by people, not just technology.
Mat went with BASF’s Mass Balance and WILDPLASTIC’s Ground Game — the two sides of circularity that can’t exist without each other. BASF showed us industrial transformation isn’t greenwashing when it’s certified, audited, and scaled, while WILDPLASTIC reminded us that humility + commitment > flashy headlines.
And yes, we end by singing our jingle. Badly. You’re welcome.
Looking ahead to 2026:We’re doubling down. More episodes. Tighter focus. One red thread: circularity in action.We’re diving into:
Plastics & health – the risks we can’t ignore
Bio-based innovation – beyond the hype
Systemic change – from waste collectors to chemical giants
This isn’t just a podcast. It’s a platform for the innovators, engineers, founders, and policymakers who refuse to wait for perfect solutions when practical ones exist today. We’re here to amplify the voices shaping a circular future.
Listen now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!
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New Year, New Episode – But First, Let’s Rewind. . . . – - (2025)
We’re kicking off 2026 with something different: a raw, reflective conversation about the episodes that changed how we think about circularity.
Three people. Three generations. Three completely different favorite episodes:
Katarina (our brilliant marketing lead, now finally on mic) chose Voices of the Ocean — where individual action becomes global data. Ocean Conservancy proved that beach cleanups aren’t symbolic — they’re strategic.
John picked Chemical Recycling Europe and Antero’s Legacy — long-term vision over short-term ROI. Antero’s story showed us that innovation is built by people, not just technology.
Mat went with BASF’s Mass Balance and WILDPLASTIC’s Ground Game — the two sides of circularity that can’t exist without each other. BASF showed us industrial transformation isn’t greenwashing when it’s certified, audited, and scaled, while WILDPLASTIC reminded us that humility + commitment > flashy headlines.
And yes, we end by singing our jingle. Badly. You’re welcome.
Looking ahead to 2026:We’re doubling down. More episodes. Tighter focus. One red thread: circularity in action.We’re diving into:
Plastics & health – the risks we can’t ignore
Bio-based innovation – beyond the hype
Systemic change – from waste collectors to chemical giants
This isn’t just a podcast. It’s a platform for the innovators, engineers, founders, and policymakers who refuse to wait for perfect solutions when practical ones exist today. We’re here to amplify the voices shaping a circular future.
Listen now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!
Policy Meets Practice: Scaling Circularity Through Regulation
Plastic. Climate. Future.
49 minutes 54 seconds
5 months ago
Policy Meets Practice: Scaling Circularity Through Regulation
In this episode of Plastic Climate Future, we speak with Olivier Van Volden, a leading expert in plastics regulation and circular policy across Belgium and the EU. With a PhD in polymer science and a career spanning sustainable logistics, packaging legislation, and industry advocacy, Olivier shares how regulation can both enable and challenge the transition toward circularity.
This episode also marks a milestone for our team: for the first time, Pedro Guincho steps behind the microphone to lead the discussion.
Together, they explore what it takes to align EU legislation with on-the-ground innovation — and why the path to a circular future remains full of roadblocks.
What we explore:
How the EU’s Green Deal and packaging rules are influencing innovation
Why complexity and uncertainty are holding back circular scale-up
The risk of losing industrial leadership to other global regions
What a more effective, purpose-driven regulatory framework could look like
Listen to the full episode on Spotify or Apple Podcasts!
Plastic. Climate. Future.
New Year, New Episode – But First, Let’s Rewind. . . . – - (2025)
We’re kicking off 2026 with something different: a raw, reflective conversation about the episodes that changed how we think about circularity.
Three people. Three generations. Three completely different favorite episodes:
Katarina (our brilliant marketing lead, now finally on mic) chose Voices of the Ocean — where individual action becomes global data. Ocean Conservancy proved that beach cleanups aren’t symbolic — they’re strategic.
John picked Chemical Recycling Europe and Antero’s Legacy — long-term vision over short-term ROI. Antero’s story showed us that innovation is built by people, not just technology.
Mat went with BASF’s Mass Balance and WILDPLASTIC’s Ground Game — the two sides of circularity that can’t exist without each other. BASF showed us industrial transformation isn’t greenwashing when it’s certified, audited, and scaled, while WILDPLASTIC reminded us that humility + commitment > flashy headlines.
And yes, we end by singing our jingle. Badly. You’re welcome.
Looking ahead to 2026:We’re doubling down. More episodes. Tighter focus. One red thread: circularity in action.We’re diving into:
Plastics & health – the risks we can’t ignore
Bio-based innovation – beyond the hype
Systemic change – from waste collectors to chemical giants
This isn’t just a podcast. It’s a platform for the innovators, engineers, founders, and policymakers who refuse to wait for perfect solutions when practical ones exist today. We’re here to amplify the voices shaping a circular future.
Listen now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!
