WAYS - Ecodesign Encounters

Wolfgang Steiner

WAYS – Ecodesign Encounters from the Field Because ecodesign is not a checklist. It’s a journey you take. On WAYS, we meet people who are paving new paths for sustainable products and services. Straight from practice – in walking conversations or studio discussions. We share perspectives on ecodesign in practice, the ESPR regulation, Digital Product Passports, data management, and the circular economy. Because ecodesign creates products and services that are fit for the future. Hosted by Wolfgang Steiner (Ecoviator). New episodes every two weeks. Subscribe & share! ecoviator.com/ways

Afleveringen

  1. Better Materials for Better Products – Efrat Friedland (Materialscout)

    1 DAG GELEDEN

    Better Materials for Better Products – Efrat Friedland (Materialscout)

    WAYS – Ecodesign Encounters from the FieldEpisode #4 – Efrat Friedland (Materialscout) About WAYS WAYS explores real-world experiences at the intersection of eco-design, product sustainability, digital transformation and regulatory readiness (ESPR, Digital Product Passport, data governance and the twin transformation). Who This Episode Is ForRelevant for product designers, product managers, sustainability teams and organisations working on better material choices, circularity and eco-design readiness. About the GuestEfrat Friedland Founder, Materialscout About the HostWolfgang Steiner Founder, Ecoviator https://www.linkedin.com/in/wolfgangsteiner/ https://www.ecoviator.com SummaryIn this episode, Wolfgang speaks with Efrat Friedland, material expert and founder of Materialscout, about the role of materials in sustainable product design. Efrat shares her journey from industrial design into material expertise – shaped by the realisation that the world does not simply need more products, but better decisions on what products are made of. The conversation explores how material choices influence environmental impact, product perception, storytelling and collaboration across design, engineering, procurement and marketing. Through a real-world case with BSH / Bosch Siemens Hausgeräte, Efrat shows how teams can align around better material decisions – and how easily sustainability claims such as “recyclable” can be misunderstood. A key insight: material selection alone does not define sustainability. Materials may represent only one part of a product’s footprint, but they remain a powerful lever when combined with lifecycle thinking, supply chain strategy and portfolio-level decisions. Looking ahead, Efrat calls for reduced material complexity, fewer unnecessary product variants, closed material loops and a shift in mindset: brands should start seeing materials as their own long-term assets. Key Topics• Materials as emotional and strategic product drivers • BSH case: recycled materials in consumer electronics • Recyclable vs. recycled – terminology matters • Limits of material impact in lifecycle assessments • Barriers to adopting new materials • Positive Plastics as a learning tool for designers • Closing material loops and reducing portfolio complexity Action Items• Reduce unnecessary material complexity • Align design, procurement, engineering and marketing early • Think beyond one product: look at the whole portfolio • Prioritise lower material use, not only material substitution • Explore take-back and closed-loop material systems Soundbites• “We don’t need more products – we need better material decisions.” • “Recyclable does not mean recycled.” • “Brands should think of materials as their own assets.” Chapters00:00 Introduction 05:31 From designer to material expert 11:35 BSH material case 17:04 Recyclability claims 20:05 Materials and LCA 22:58 Introducing better materials 28:20 Positive Plastics 31:43 Future material standards 35:50 Making eco-design the norm Content Type: Interview Primary Goal: Education Music Credits: “Lullaby | Hip-Hop Instrumental” by kontraamusic Source: Freesound.org Licensed under Creative Commons CC0

    40 min.
  2. Eco-Design Without Perfect Data – Beth Hadley (WBCSD / PACT)

    19 MRT

    Eco-Design Without Perfect Data – Beth Hadley (WBCSD / PACT)

    WAYS – Ecodesign Encounters from the Field Episode #3 – Beth Hadley (WBCSD / PACT) Über WAYSWAYS beleuchtet reale Erfahrungen an der Schnittstelle von Eco-Design, Produktnachhaltigkeit, digitaler Transformation und regulatorischer Vorbereitung (ESPR, Digitaler Produktpass, Daten-Governance, Twin Transformation). Für wen ist diese Episode relevant• Produktmanager:innen in der nachhaltigen Produktentwicklung • Nachhaltigkeits- und ESG-Verantwortliche • IT- und Datenteams im Kontext von Produkttransparenz • Unternehmen in Vorbereitung auf ESPR & DPP Zum GastBeth Hadley World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) – PACT Hintergrund in Data Science & Software Product Management Zum GastgeberWolfgang Steiner | Founder, Ecoviator LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wolfgangsteiner/ www.ecoviator.com ZusammenfassungIn diesem Walk-and-Talk entlang der Isar spricht Beth Hadley über ihren Weg von Data Science in die Nachhaltigkeit und ihre Arbeit an CO₂-Transparenz in globalen Lieferketten. Im Zentrum stehen die praktischen Herausforderungen von Scope-3-Daten, die Rolle von Standards und der oft zitierte „Standards-Zoo“. Beth bringt eine klare, pragmatische Perspektive ein: Nachhaltigkeitssysteme und Datenreife entwickeln sich iterativ – nicht perfekt von Anfang an. Zentrale Hürden sind fehlende Anreize, mangelnde Zusammenarbeit zwischen Abteilungen und unzureichende Datenqualität. Ihr Ansatz: „Minimum Viable Truth“ – Fokus auf die wichtigsten Impact-Kategorien, statt alles gleichzeitig messen zu wollen. Die Episode zeigt, wie Unternehmen trotz unvollständiger Daten handlungsfähig werden – und warum Entscheidungen wichtiger sind als Perfektion. Zum Abschluss gibt Beth einen Ausblick auf die nächsten fünf Jahre: klarere Standards, integrierte Softwarelösungen und der wachsende Einfluss von KI auf Datenqualität und Entscheidungsfindung. Warum reinhören• Nachhaltigkeit operativ umsetzen – über Abteilungen hinweg • Mit unvollständigen Daten sinnvoll arbeiten • Product-Management-Denken auf Nachhaltigkeit übertragen • Von Reporting zu echten Entscheidungen kommen • Pragmatismus als Schlüssel zur Transformation KeywordsEco-Design, Product Carbon Footprint, Scope 3, Lieferkette, Nachhaltigkeitsdaten, Standards, PACT, WBCSD, Digitaler Produktpass, KI Soundbites• „Wir haben einen Standards-Zoo.“ • „Eine Entscheidung ist besser als keine.“ • „Priorisiere Handeln – nicht Reden.“ • „Perfekte Daten gibt es nicht.“ Kapitel (Auswahl)00:00 Einstieg & Walk 02:26 Beths Weg 10:05 Scope 3 18:13 Minimum Viable Truth 26:51 Von Reporting zu Wirkung 33:39 Blick in die Zukunft Content Type: Interview Primary Goal: Bildung Music Credits: “Lullaby | Hip-Hop Instrumental” by kontraamusic (CC0)

    41 min.
  3. The Data Reality of  Eco-Design – Jahanzeb Tariq (Viessmann)

    5 MRT

    The Data Reality of Eco-Design – Jahanzeb Tariq (Viessmann)

    WAYS – Ecodesign Encounters from the Field Episode #2 – Jahanzeb Tariq (Viessmann Climate Solutions) Why sustainable product design often fails not because of technology – but because the product data simply isn’t there. About WAYS WAYS explores real-world experiences at the intersection of eco-design, product sustainability, digital transformation and regulatory readiness (ESPR, Digital Product Passport, data governance and the twin transformation). Who This Episode Is For Relevant for: • product managers working on sustainable product development • sustainability and ESG leaders in manufacturing • engineers integrating lifecycle thinking into product design • teams preparing for ESPR or the Digital Product Passport About the Guest Jahanzeb Tariq Global Manager Sustainability Innovation Viessmann Climate Solutions LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jahanzebtariq/ Company https://www.viessmann-climatesolutions.com/ About the Host Wolfgang Steiner Founder, Ecoviator LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/wolfgangsteiner/ Ecoviator https://www.ecoviator.com Summary In this conversation with Jahanzeb Tariq, we explore how eco-design becomes operational inside a global manufacturing organisation. JT works at the intersection of engineering, sustainability and business innovation, helping product teams integrate sustainability KPIs into real product decisions. The discussion touches on the practical challenges of introducing lifecycle thinking into complex industrial products. From manually weighing components during early lifecycle assessments to coordinating sustainability, engineering and product teams, the episode illustrates the organisational and data realities behind eco-design. We also discuss product data maturity, system thinking in energy technologies and the growing role of the Digital Product Passport. Why Listen Practical insights on: • translating sustainability goals into product development decisions • using embodied carbon as a design KPI • overcoming data challenges in lifecycle assessments • coordinating cross-functional teams for eco-design • why the future of sustainable product innovation lies in system thinking Keywords Eco-Design, Lifecycle Assessment, Product Sustainability, Sustainability Data, Digital Product Passport, ESPR, Product Development Chapters 00:00 Intros 02:50 JT’s journey into sustainability 04:41 The organisational paradox 06:17 Embodied carbon as KPI 08:01 Aligning teams 11:31 System thinking 15:22 Data challenges in LCAs 20:06 System-agnostic energy solutions 23:23 Breaking silos 24:40 Switching off 26:59 Reflections Content Type: Interview Primary Goal: Education Music Credits “Lullaby | Hip-Hop Instrumental” by kontraamusic Source: Freesound.org Licensed under Creative Commons CC0

    28 min.
  4. Welcome to WAYS - Intro to Ecodesign Encounters

    TRAILER VAN AFLEVERING 4

    Welcome to WAYS - Intro to Ecodesign Encounters

    About WAYS – Ecodesign Encounters from the FieldThe podcast explores real-world experiences and insights at the intersection of eco design, product sustainability, digital transformation and regulatory readiness (ESPR, Digital Product Passport, data governance, Twin Transformation). About the HostWolfgang Steiner Founder, Ecoviator LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wolfgangsteiner/ Ecoviator: https://www.ecoviator.com Episode SummaryIn this teaser episode, Wolfgang Steiner provides an overview of the themes explored in the WAYS podcast. He discusses the challenges and opportunities in eco design and reflects on how organisations can integrate environmental considerations into their processes. Wolfgang shares personal experiences and insights gained from conversations with experts and practitioners in the field. KeywordsEco design, sustainability, product development, environmental technology, product transparency, digital transformation Key Topics• Introduction to the podcast themes • The importance of eco design and product transparency • Challenges and opportunities in product development • Personal experiences and insights from Wolfgang Steiner Key Frameworks• Digital Product Passports • Transparency in product development Action Points• Reflect on how transparency can be integrated into your product development processes • Identify opportunities to strengthen environmental considerations within your organisation Soundbites “New requirements and expectations around product sustainability and transparency.” “Why not share these valuable conversations?” Chapters00:00 Introduction to eco design and personal background 01:28 The importance of eco design and product transparency 02:26 Personal experiences and conversations with experts 03:25 Future perspectives for eco design Content Type: Intro Trailer Primary Goal: Introduction and generating interest Music Credits“Lullaby | Hip-Hop Instrumental” by kontraamusic Source: Freesound.org Licensed under Creative Commons CC0 (public domain)

    4 min.
  5. Making Eco-Design Measureable – Lina Kindermann (Greensysco)

    20 FEB

    Making Eco-Design Measureable – Lina Kindermann (Greensysco)

    Über WAYS – Ecodesign Encounters from the Field Der Podcast beleuchtet reale Erfahrungen und Erkenntnisse an der Schnittstelle von Eco-Design, Produktnachhaltigkeit, digitaler Transformation und regulatorischer Vorbereitung (ESPR, Digitaler Produktpass, Daten-Governance, Twin Transformation). Zum Gast Lina Kindermann Founder & Owner, Greensysco LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/lina-kindermann-796700216/ Company https://www.greensysco.de/ ⸻ Zum Gastgeber Wolfgang Steiner Founder, Ecoviator LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/wolfgangsteiner/ Ecoviator https://www.ecoviator.com Zusammenfassung In diesem Gespräch mit Lina Kindermann erkunden wir die Welt des Eco-Designs, ihre persönliche Reise in die Umwelttechnik und die Herausforderungen bei der Integration nachhaltiger Praktiken in der Produktentwicklung. Erfahren Sie, wie Unternehmen ökologische Aspekte effektiv in ihre Prozesse einbinden können. Keywords Eco-Design, Nachhaltigkeit, Produktentwicklung, Umwelttechnik, Lifecycle Assessments, Circular Economy, Green Innovation, Unternehmensstrategie Key Topics Persönlicher Werdegang und Motivation von Lina Kindermann Grundlagen und Definitionen von Eco-Design Integration von Umweltaspekten in die Produktentwicklung Herausforderungen bei der Umsetzung nachhaltiger Produkte Zukünftige Entwicklungen und regulatorische Anforderungen Key Frameworks 10 Rs der Circular Economy Lifecycle Assessment (LCA) Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) Action Items Beginne mit einer Bestandsaufnahme der Umwelt-KPIs in deinem ProduktportfolioSetze klare Umweltziele und KPIs für Eco-Design-ProjekteIntegriere Daten- und Tool-Management in den EntwicklungsprozessSchaffe eine Unternehmenskultur, die Eco-Design als Chance sieht Soundbites "Am Anfang steht nicht so etwas wie Recyclingfähigkeit erhöhen.""Für die Produktentwicklung wird es relevanter durch mehr Transparenz.""Einfach anfangen und die Lücken in Daten schließen." Kapitel 00:00 Einführung in Eco-Design und persönliche Hintergründe08:28 Definition und Bedeutung von Eco-Design15:46 Entscheidungen im Produktentstehungsprozess24:36 Regulatorische Anforderungen und deren Einfluss auf die Produktentwicklung26:46 Daten und Transparenz im Eco-Design30:35 Herausforderungen bei der Implementierung von Eco-Design35:18 Lifecycle Assessments und ihre Bedeutung39:50 Zukunftsvisionen für Eco-Design in Unternehmen45:49 Praktische Tipps für Produktmanager47:33 Nachhaltige Produkte und persönliche Favoriten50:21 Abschluss - Tschüss, Servus & Auf Wiederhören! Content Type: Interview Primary Goal: Bildung Music Credits: “Lullaby | Hip-Hop Instrumental” by kontraamusic Source: Freesound.org Licensed under Creative Commons CC0 (public domain)

    51 min.
  6. Willkommen zu WAYS - Intro zu den Ecodesign Encounters

    TRAILER VAN AFLEVERING 2

    Willkommen zu WAYS - Intro zu den Ecodesign Encounters

    Über WAYS – Ecodesign Encounters from the Field Der Podcast beleuchtet reale Erfahrungen und Erkenntnisse an der Schnittstelle von Eco-Design, Produktnachhaltigkeit, digitaler Transformation und regulatorischer Vorbereitung (ESPR, Digitaler Produktpass, Daten-Governance, Twin Transformation).Zum Gastgeber Wolfgang Steiner Founder, Ecoviator LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wolfgangsteiner/Ecoviator: https://www.ecoviator.com Zusammenfassung In dieser Teaser-Episode gibt Wolfgang Steiner einen Einblick in die Themen, die im Podcast WAYS behandelt werden. Er spricht über die Herausforderungen und Chancen im Bereich Eco-Design und wie Unternehmen ökologische Aspekte in ihre Prozesse integrieren können. Wolfgang teilt seine Erfahrungen und die wertvollen Gespräche, die er mit Experten und Praktikern geführt hat.Keywords Eco-Design, Nachhaltigkeit, Produktentwicklung, Umwelttechnik, Produkttransparenz, Digitale TransformationKey TopicsEinführung in die Themen des PodcastsBedeutung von Eco-Design und ProdukttransparenzHerausforderungen und Chancen in der ProduktentwicklungPersönliche Erfahrungen und Erkenntnisse von Wolfgang SteinerKey FrameworksDigitale ProduktpässeTransparenz in der ProduktentwicklungAction ItemsÜberlege, wie du Transparenz in deine Produktentwicklungsprozesse integrieren kannstSuche nach Möglichkeiten, um ökologische Aspekte in deinem Unternehmen zu fördernSoundbites"Neue Anforderungen und Erwartungen rund um Produktnachhaltigkeit und Transparenz.""Warum nicht diese wertvollen Gespräche teilen?" Kapitel 00:00 Einführung in Eco-Design und persönliche Hintergründe 01:28 Bedeutung von Eco-Design und Produkttransparenz 02:26 Persönliche Erfahrungen und Gespräche mit Experten 03:25 Zukunftsvisionen für Eco-DesignContent Type: Intro Trailer Primary Goal: Einführung und Interesse wecken Music Credits: “Lullaby | Hip-Hop Instrumental” by kontraamusic Source: Freesound.org Licensed under Creative Commons CC0 (public domain)

    4 min.

Trailers

Info

WAYS – Ecodesign Encounters from the Field Because ecodesign is not a checklist. It’s a journey you take. On WAYS, we meet people who are paving new paths for sustainable products and services. Straight from practice – in walking conversations or studio discussions. We share perspectives on ecodesign in practice, the ESPR regulation, Digital Product Passports, data management, and the circular economy. Because ecodesign creates products and services that are fit for the future. Hosted by Wolfgang Steiner (Ecoviator). New episodes every two weeks. Subscribe & share! ecoviator.com/ways