Plastic. Climate. Future. enables engagement among industry members, climate activists, innovators, and the rest of world (the general public) to ultimately achieve positive changes related to plastic and the climate. In their podcast, Mat & John host guests from these groups of stakeholders and talk about their views, activities and opinions to foster trustful communication and learn from each other. Check out more at www.plasticclimatefuture.com
What started as an effort to create a better alternative to conventional plastic straws led to something nobody expected. In this episode, we speak with Brad Laporte and Michael Winters from WinCup, the team behind PHADE®—a PHA-based material designed to biodegrade in environments where conventional plastics persist. Along the way, they discovered an entirely unexpected application: helping researchers restore coral reefs by protecting young corals during their most vulnerable stage. Together, we discuss: - How bacteria can produce the next generation of plastics - Why they chose PHA over paper straws - The surprising connection between biodegradable plastics and coral restoration - What it takes to bring a new material from the lab to billions of products - Why science, certification, and performance matter in building trust This is a fascinating conversation about material innovation, unexpected discoveries, and how one idea can solve problems far beyond its original purpose. 🎧 Listen now on Spotify or Apple Podcasts!
Circular plastics have moved beyond pilot projects. Today, companies are investing in mechanical recycling, chemical recycling, renewable feedstocks, and even CO₂-based materials. But are these solutions ready to scale—and what will it take to make them mainstream? In this episode, we sit down with Stephan Roest, Head of Circular Economy Business Development at Borouge International. Having spent many years at Borealis, Stephan brings a unique perspective on how the plastics industry is evolving—from linear production towards truly circular value chains. Together, we discuss: What it takes to scale circular plastics The roles of mechanical and chemical recycling Renewable and alternative carbon feedstocks Why collaboration across the value chain is essential How regulation, innovation, and market demand are shaping the industry's future This is an insightful conversation about the opportunities (and the challenges) of making circular plastics part of the mainstream. 🎧 Listen now on Spotify or Apple Podcasts!
In this episode, we speak with Neil Morris , founder of Kelpi , about how seaweed-based materials could help reshape the future of packaging — and what it really takes to move beyond fossil-based plastics. We discuss: Why seaweed is attracting attention as a renewable feedstock The challenge of scaling sustainable packaging solutions How brands are approaching next-generation materials The realities behind replacing conventional plastics Why infrastructure, economics, and regulation matter as much as innovation What makes this conversation especially interesting is that it moves beyond hype. Neil shares the practical realities of building a materials startup in one of the world’s most challenging industries — packaging. At Plastic Climate Future , we believe serious conversations about plastics, climate, circularity, and innovation need nuance, not slogans. 🎧 Listen now on Spotify or Apple Podcasts!
What if the problem isn’t that we’re failing to recycle, but that the system itself is working against it? In this episode, we speak with Joan Marc Simon , founder of Zero Waste Europe and one of the leading voices shaping circular economy policy across the EU. With decades of experience bridging grassroots action and European regulation, he brings a sharp and often uncomfortable perspective on what’s really happening behind the scenes of plastic recycling. Note: This conversation was recorded prior to recent developments in the Middle East impacting global oil and plastics markets. From oversupply and global market dynamics to policy design and economic realities, this conversation challenges some of the most widely held assumptions about circularity. 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘄𝗲 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗲: Why plastic recycling in Europe is struggling — despite ambitious targets How global oversupply is undermining local circular systems The role of policy, economics, and unintended consequences Whether we need to rethink not just recycling, but plastic production itself A thought-provoking conversation that goes beyond the surface — and asks whether we’re solving the right problem at all. 🎧 Listen now on Spotify or Apple Podcasts!
What if the future of plastics doesn’t start in a lab, but in a design studio? In this episode of Plastic. Climate. Future., we speak with Beat Karrer, founder of FluidSolids , who took an unconventional path from industrial design into material innovation — developing high-performance materials made entirely from waste streams. From corn cobs to coffee waste, his work challenges a fundamental assumption: that plastics must come from fossil resources. We explore: How waste streams can become high-performance material feedstock Why design thinking is a powerful (and often overlooked) driver of material innovation What it takes to scale new materials — from pilot to industrial production Why circularity depends on systems, not just materials A refreshing and grounded perspective on what it really takes to rethink plastics, not just replace them. 🎧 Listen now on Spotify or Apple Podcasts!
Circularity isn’t just about materials. It’s about energy. In this episode of Plastic. Climate. Future. , we speak with Constantine Lau from Schneider Electric , who is leading electrification strategies for some of the world’s most energy-intensive industries. With decades of experience across oil, gas, and chemicals, Constantine shares why the shift from managing molecules to managing electrons may be one of the most underestimated levers for circular transformation. We explore: Why electrification is central to scaling circular systems How digitalization and energy management reshape industrial operations The connection between decarbonization and circularity Why ROI and regulatory clarity must align for real impact A strategic, forward-looking conversation about how energy systems and circular systems are more connected than we often think. 🎧 Listen now on Spotify or Apple Podcasts!
What if the breakthrough in plastic recycling doesn’t come from higher temperatures or bigger reactors — but from biology? In this episode of Plastic. Climate. Future., we speak with Oliver Borek from Entzimatiko , a company developing a novel enzymatic technology that goes beyond conventional chemical recycling. Their approach combines enzyme engineering, nano-encapsulation, and oxidation in a single-step process — operating at ambient conditions and targeting even the toughest materials, including polyolefins. We explore: Why polyolefins have long been considered “uncrackable” — and what may be changing How enzymatic machinery differs from pyrolysis and hydrothermal methods What low-temperature, solvent-free processing could mean for cost and scalability Why competitiveness with fossil equivalents is critical for real impact The roadmap to commercial scale by 2030 A fascinating conversation about science, risk, and what it takes to move breakthrough technology from lab to market. If circularity is to scale, innovation must go beyond incremental change. This episode dives into what that could look like. 🎧 Listen now on Spotify or Apple Podcasts!
We’re kicking off the next series of Plastic. Climate. Future. —𝐓𝐨𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐬 𝐚 𝐂𝐢𝐫𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐫 𝐅𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 — a 12-month journey exploring the innovations, systems, and people shaping a circular plastics economy. 𝐄𝐩𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐝𝐞 𝟏: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝘂𝘇𝘇𝗹𝗲: 𝗪𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗗𝗶𝗴𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗧𝘄𝗶𝗻𝘀 𝗕𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗨𝘀 𝗖𝗹𝗼𝘀𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗼 𝗖𝗶𝗿𝗰𝘂𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆? We kick things off by tackling a major roadblock on the path to circularity: packaging systems that lack transparency, traceability, and integration. Our guests — Valeria Masci and Ignacio Fernández-Pacheco Ruiz from the MAGNO project — share how advanced modeling and data tools are helping map packaging flows, identify inefficiencies, and design solutions that actually work at scale. 𝗪𝗲 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗲: Why packaging data is fragmented — and how digital twins could help What it takes to trace, model, and redesign circular flows How collaboration across brands, suppliers, and policymakers is both the challenge and the opportunity A forward-looking start to a year of ideas that move us from ambition to action.
New Year, New Episode – But First, Let’s Rewind. 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰. 𝗖𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗲. 𝗙𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲. – 𝙔𝙚𝙖𝙧-𝙀𝙣𝙙 𝙍𝙚𝙘𝙖𝙥 𝙀𝙥𝙞𝙨𝙤𝙙𝙚 (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!
What began as a curious design experiment has grown into a pioneering materials company, one that’s rethinking circularity, material value, and how we deal with overlooked waste streams. In this episode, we speak with Zsofia Kollar , founder of Human Material Loop , a startup turning human hair waste into high-performance textile fibers for the interior and design industries. From salon floors to acoustic panels, Zsofia shares how their material innovation — Adara fiber — is entering the market with a low-carbon footprint, strong performance, and zero microplastics. 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘄𝗲 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗲: -How creative design thinking can unlock new material value - Why human hair is a clean, untapped feedstock for textiles - How Adara compares to wool and polyester in real LCA numbers 🎧 Listen now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!
What if plastic could be made — not from fossil fuels — but from forestry residues? In this episode of Plastic Climate Future , we speak with Fredrik Malmfors , CEO of Lignin Industries , about how this abundant, underused natural material is being transformed into a scalable alternative to traditional plastics. With roots in consulting and food supply chains, Fredrik shares his personal journey to biopolymers — and how lignin-based materials can deliver performance, circularity, and value, from trucks to e-commerce packaging. Why tune in: - What makes lignin a game-changer in the bioplastics landscape - How Lignin Industries is building scalable, recyclable solutions - What’s next for bio-based plastics and policy support in Europe
In this episode, we speak with Ved Krishna , the visionary behind Pakka , a company creating compostable food packaging from sugarcane waste — and aiming to scale regenerative packaging across the food industry. With deep roots in India and global ambitions, Ved shares how Pakka is building local supply chains, designing for true end-of-use, and why they’ve chosen to stay laser-focused on just one thing: food packaging. What we explore: - What regenerative packaging means in practice - Why scalability and pricing still challenge bio-based solutions - How values, design, and market pressure intersect in packaging A refreshing, candid, and at times radical take on what it really takes to change the system — and why it’s worth doing.
In this episode of Plastic Climate Future , we speak with Valentijn de Neve, CEO of BlueAlp and President of Chemical Recycling Europe, ahead of the 𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝘆𝗰𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗘𝘂𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝘂𝗺 (𝗖𝗥𝗘𝗙 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱) — taking place 16 September in Brussels, with a networking reception on the evening of 15 September. 𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 — 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗵𝘆 𝗖𝗥𝗘𝗙 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗯𝗲 𝗼𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗮𝗿? This episode unpacks why the upcoming forum isn’t just another industry meetup — it’s a strategic moment for anyone serious about the future of circular plastics in Europe: What sets CREF 2025 apart — and why it comes at a critical time How regulation, innovation, and demand are aligning to drive real change What to expect — and why it’s worth being in the room Register now: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/chemical-recycling-europe-forum-2025-tickets-1362718530809?aff=oddtdtcreator
In this episode of Plastic Climate Future , we speak with Dr. Christine Bunte, Managing Director of Plastics Europe, about what it really means to make plastics circular — and why achieving it is far more complex than simply recycling more. Christine brings a unique perspective, blending a background in polymer chemistry with years in public affairs, now representing Europe’s plastics producers at the center of policy and industry change. What we explore: Why “well-made” packaging can be more sustainable than we think The role of chemical and mechanical recycling in scaling circularity How cost, innovation, and regulation intersect — and where the bottlenecks are Why making circularity attractive to consumers is just as critical as policy targets 🎧 Listen to the full episode on Spotify or Apple Podcasts!
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!
What if every bottle cap, cigarette butt, or food wrapper washed up on a beach was more than just waste? What if it represented a data point, a story, and a call to action? In this episode of Plastic Climate Future , we speak with Sarah Weller from Ocean Conservancy , whose work transforms global beach cleanups into one of the world’s most extensive sources of data on ocean pollution. From her early experiences diving in the Bahamas to leading the International Coastal Cleanup, Sarah shares how community-driven action, digital tools, and science communication are reshaping the movement toward a cleaner and more resilient ocean. What we explore: How 40 years of trash data is influencing policy and global awareness Why citizen science is essential to driving systemic change—not just removing litter How the Clean Swell app is turning everyday actions into measurable impact The shift from counting what we find to changing what gets made This episode is for anyone who believes the ocean deserves better—and that small, collective actions can create meaningful change. 🎧 Listen to the full episode on Spotify or Apple Podcasts!
At just 30 years old, Antero Ahvenainen was trusted to lead the most critical technology project in his company — a polyethylene innovation that would eventually power some of the largest polymer plants in the world. He didn’t have formal training in plastics. What he had was curiosity, courage, and a team with the right attitude. The result? A process that helped shape the future of the global polyolefins industry. Together with John, who knows Antero from 𝘣𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘢𝘺 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘶𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘣𝘶𝘪𝘭𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘴𝘵𝘶𝘧𝘧, they remember the old days, laugh about old times, and reflect on what it took to bring big ideas to life — sauna breaks and all. This 𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗲𝗽𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗱𝗲 is a tribute — to Antero’s career, his leadership, his legacy, and the spirit of innovation he inspired in those around him. It’s not just about plastics. It’s about people. 🎧 Listen to the full episode on Spotify or Apple Podcasts!
In this episode of Plastic Climate Future , BASF experts Dr. Ivana Krkljuš, Dr. Christian Krueger, and Prof. Peter Saling discuss the future of sustainable chemistry through the lens of bio-attributed products , mass balance , and industrial decarbonization . Drawing from their recently published book chapter , the conversation unpacks the science, standards, and strategies driving BASF’s climate-focused transformation. Key Highlights: 𝗕𝗶𝗼-𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗯𝘂𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁𝘀: Understanding their role and significance in reducing carbon footprints. 𝗠𝗮𝘀𝘀 𝗯𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲: Demystifying the concept and its importance beyond just "creative accounting." 𝗗𝗲𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗯𝗼𝗻𝗶𝘇𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗶𝗻𝗱𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘆: Practical strategies and innovations making a real impact. 🎧 Listen to the full episode on Spotify or Apple Podcasts!
In the second episode of the podcast series Plastic. Climate. Future: A Journey into Circular Solutions for a Sustainable World , Christian Sigmund discusses WildPlastic’s mission and its innovative approach to transforming plastic waste into sustainable packaging solutions. He also reflects on the pivotal moment that redirected his career towards addressing the global plastic crisis. Key Highlights: 𝗦𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 & 𝗴𝗹𝗼𝗯𝗮𝗹 𝘄𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 – Turning plastic waste into packaging while collecting it worldwide to fight pollution. 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗲𝘅𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁 – Focusing on linking existing systems to make recycling more efficient and effective. 𝗔 𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴-𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗺 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 – Vision to be part of the solution for decades, working tirelessly to address the global plastic problem. 🎧 Listen to the full episode on Spotify or Apple Podcasts!
In the first episode of this new podcast series: Plastic. Climate. Future.: A Journey into Circular Solutions for a Sustainable World. , we are joined by Christian Goldhahn, a material scientist at ON Running, to explore how circularity is reshaping the sportswear industry. Key Highlights: • Bio-Based Materials in Performance Gear : Christian explains how renewable materials are redefining performance without compromising on quality. • Closed-Loop Systems for Sustainability : Discover ON Running’s innovations in creating fully recyclable sportswear. • Scaling Circular Design : Learn about the challenges of making circular systems economically viable in the competitive sportswear market. Christian shares how ON Running is raising the bar for sustainability while maintaining exceptional athletic performance—setting an example for other industries driven by innovation. 🎧 Listen to the full episode on Spotify or Apple Podcasts!
