The Circular Coffee Break

Podcast with Michael Hanf
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The Circular Coffee Break dives into the world of sustainability and circular economy with thought leaders, innovators, and changemakers. Hosted by Michael, each episode unpacks real-world challenges, breakthrough solutions, and inspiring stories from diverse industries. From cutting-edge innovations to practical advice, this podcast offers fresh perspectives to spark ideas and drive action toward a circular future. Tune in biweekly for engaging conversations and insights that matter. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. A short Update on the Circular Coffee Break

    12/29/2025 · BONUS

    A short Update on the Circular Coffee Break

    This short episode shares an update on the future of The Circular Coffee Break. Host Michael Hanf explains the decision to bring the podcast to a close in February 2026, what listeners can expect from the remaining episodes, and what will happen to the existing archive. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    3 min
  2. Christmas Special

    12/23/2025

    Christmas Special

    In this Christmas special of the Circular Coffee Break, Michael Hanf explores what the holiday season looks like through the lens of circularity. From gift wrapping and waste, to circular design and community traditions, the episode reflects on how small, thoughtful choices can reduce pressure and add meaning to Christmas. Featuring short perspectives from TOMRA, Circular&Co, and WWF Germany, this episode shows how circular practices often emerge naturally during the holidays, not out of obligation, but from a desire for simplicity, connection, and care. Wishing you a thoughtful and circular Christmas. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    10 min
  3. #72 - Venturing to Accelerate Circular Innovation

    12/10/2025

    #72 - Venturing to Accelerate Circular Innovation

    In this episode of the Circular Coffee Break, Michael Hanf speaks with Costas Papaikonomou, co-founder of Una Terra, a 200-million-euro early growth venture capital fund investing in solutions that accelerate the shift to a more circular and regenerative economy. Costas brings more than twenty-five years of experience in engineering, manufacturing, innovation consulting, and entrepreneurship. He has helped global consumer goods companies turn creative thinking into real products that work at scale. Today he applies the same hands-on mindset to impact investing. The conversation explores what it truly takes to finance the transition to a circular world. Costas explains why circular innovation is still grounded in the physical realities of making things and why the fundamentals of commercial adoption determine whether impact can grow. He outlines why desirability always comes before impact and why technologies must fit into existing manufacturing systems if they are going to scale. A good idea is not enough. It must be something that large companies can buy, produce, and integrate with as little disruption as possible. Michael and Costas dive into the long sales and adoption cycles that challenge early stage circular ventures. They discuss why many startups struggle to cross the gap between promising technology and successful industrial integration, and how investors can support them in staying flexible, reducing unnecessary capital expenditure, and using existing manufacturing capacity instead of building from scratch. A key theme is the critical role of technical sales and customer fit. Costas shares how circular startups often underestimate the number of stakeholders involved in making a material or product switch inside a large organization. Success requires engaging procurement, R&D, product design, logistics, and innovation teams. It also requires being able to tell the difference between customers who are serious about adopting a solution and those who are engaged in what he calls pilot washing. He explains how simple signals can help startups protect their time and focus their efforts on real opportunities. Looking ahead, Costas sees strong momentum for circular investment. Environmental pressure, new regulation, concerns around human health, and the need for supply chain resilience are creating a perfect storm that will push industries to rethink how materials are produced, used, and reused. He argues that circularity is not only an environmental requirement. It is also a strategic and commercial one that will shape Europe’s competitiveness in the decades to come. The episode closes with an optimistic but grounded reflection. The circular transition is a century scale journey. It requires investors and innovators who understand the realities of physical products, industrial systems, and commercial adoption. Una Terra aims to be part of this shift by backing companies that combine strong impact potential with practical pathways to market. Tune in to learn how capital can become a catalyst for systemic change, what it takes to scale circular solutions, and how the next generation of ventures can reshape the material basis of our economy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    31 min
  4. #71 - CCB on the Road: Slush 2025 Special

    11/26/2025

    #71 - CCB on the Road: Slush 2025 Special

    In this special Circular Coffee Break episode recorded live at Slush 2025 in Helsinki, host Michael Hanf explores how circular innovation is moving from vision to implementation across Europe. While circularity was not a headline theme this year, it was noticeably more present, reflected in the founders shaping new solutions in energy storage, materials, electronics, chemistry, agriculture, and even space. Across seven conversations, listeners hear directly from the innovators building practical, scalable circular models. From second-life batteries and plastic-free hemp materials to circular smartphones, regenerative filters made from human hair, bio-based polyols, recyclable paper coatings, and responsible satellite end-of-life systems, each founder shares how circularity is becoming an operational advantage, not an afterthought. If you want a concise, real-world snapshot of where circular innovation stands today, this episode offers a grounded look at the ideas gaining momentum and reshaping industries. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    31 min
  5. #70 - CCB on the Road: Circular Valley Forum 2025

    11/19/2025

    #70 - CCB on the Road: Circular Valley Forum 2025

    Circularity is accelerating, and the 2025 Circular Valley Forum in Wuppertal offered a vivid snapshot of how fast the transition is unfolding. The event brought together leaders from industry, science, public institutions, startups and civil society. The atmosphere was buzzing with energy, ideas and a shared determination to turn circular concepts into real action. In this special episode of the Circular Coffee Break Podcast, we bring together conversations from across the Forum to explore what circularity looks like in practice today. Each voice offers a different window into the transition, and together they reveal how interconnected and dynamic this field has become. We begin with Tim Janßen of the Cradle to Cradle NGO, who reflects on how circularity has evolved over the past decade and why the social and ecological foundations of the movement matter more than ever. From there we turn to science and applied research with Prof. Dr. Manfred Renner of Fraunhofer UMSICHT, who discusses how breakthrough technologies move from lab to real-world implementation. The industry perspective comes from Rolf Bayersdörfer of Henkel Consumer Brands, Adrian Blum of Evonik, and Björn Hoffmann of BASF. They explore how large companies navigate complex supply chains, develop circular raw materials, scale circular business models and build partnerships that make change possible. We then move into systems thinking with Inge Neven, CEO of VITO, who explains how real scale demonstrators and mini factories help bridge the gap between research and industry. Steffen Knodt, representing the German Aerospace Centre and the UN Ocean Decade, expands the conversation to ocean health and global material flows, showing how circularity and planetary boundaries are closely linked. Several startup founders share how circularity is becoming an engine of innovation. Marc Diefenbach of rhinopaq introduces reusable solutions for B2B packaging. Felix May of recarbished explains how new ownership models can secure valuable materials at the end of vehicle lifecycles. Peter Johnson of LightEd offers a powerful story about turning waste into solar solutions for off-grid communities in Nigeria and Rwanda, highlighting the social dimension of circularity. We close with a cultural perspective from Carsten Cramer of Borussia Dortmund, who reflects on how football can make sustainability and circularity accessible to millions of fans. Across all conversations, a few themes stand out. Circularity is no longer a concept. It is becoming a strategic necessity across industries. Progress depends on collaboration across borders and systems. Innovation must be demonstrated at scale, not only discussed in theory. And culture, storytelling and public engagement are essential for driving societal adoption. This episode offers a panoramic view of circularity at a moment of real momentum. It highlights the people, ideas and partnerships pushing the movement forward and invites listeners to reflect on what it will take to accelerate the transition even further. Listen in and join the conversation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    57 min
  6. #69 - The Future of Play: Designing for a Circular World

    11/12/2025

    #69 - The Future of Play: Designing for a Circular World

    In this episode of The Circular Coffee Break, host Michael Hanf speaks with Kate Reimann, Founder and CEO of Rogue Wave Toys, about how a single day at the beach led to a breakthrough in sustainable design. When a wave swept her children’s plastic toys out to sea, Kate decided to rethink what play could look like in a world drowning in plastic. The result was Rogue Wave Toys, a company creating durable, compostable beach toys made from biopolymers, plastics made from plants instead of petroleum. Together, Michael and Kate discuss: 🔸 The long road from an idea to a viable circular product 🔸 How compostable biopolymers work and why they matter 🔸 The hidden challenges of consumer education and pricing in sustainability 🔸 The importance of storytelling and authenticity in building awareness 🔸 How circular design can reshape industries far beyond toys Kate also shares lessons learned from building a mission-driven company, the importance of persistence, and her vision for scaling sustainable materials across industries, from beach toys to everyday products. As she puts it, “If we want a different future, we have to be brave enough to build it — even if that starts with something as small as a beach toy.” 🎧 Listen to The Future of Play: Designing for a Circular World Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    33 min
  7. #68 - Sustainable from grapes to glass!

    10/29/2025

    #68 - Sustainable from grapes to glass!

    In this episode of The Circular Coffee Break, host Michael Hanf sits down with Allison Jordan, Executive Director of the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance (CSWA) and Vice President of Environmental Affairs at the Wine Institute. For more than two decades, Allison has helped turn California into a global model for sustainable winegrowing. Today, over 2,600 vineyards and wineries, representing more than 90 percent of the state’s wine production, are certified sustainable. But behind those numbers lies a story about collaboration, resilience, and rethinking how a centuries-old industry can thrive in a changing world. Together, Michael and Allison explore what it takes to make sustainability work from grapes to glass, and why wine is a powerful lens for understanding the balance between environmental, social, and economic success. Tune in to learn about: How the California wine industry built one of the world’s leading sustainability programsThe challenges and trade-offs wineries face in balancing profit, people, and planetHow climate change is transforming vineyards and shaping new farming practicesThe growing importance of global standards and certification in wine exportsWhy “regenerative” isn’t a trend but an evolution of sustainable practicesHow digital tools and transparency are changing how wineries communicate with consumers From droughts and wildfires to shifting consumer expectations, California’s wine industry is confronting the realities of climate change head-on. The CSWA’s Climate Action Toolkit now helps vineyards measure and reduce emissions, adapt to extreme weather, and find win-win solutions that protect both business and biodiversity. Allison also shares insights from her experience as a restaurant owner, offering a practical perspective on sustainability from the other side of the wine glass. Her message is clear: whether you are a grower, a producer, or a consumer, sustainability is a shared journey that depends on collaboration, innovation, and long-term thinking. As she puts it, “Sustainability in wine is about much more than protecting the environment. It’s about producing high-quality wine, enriching the lives of employees and neighbors, and safeguarding family farms and vibrant businesses for generations to come.” Join the conversation to discover how California is cultivating the future of sustainable wine and what the rest of the world can learn from its success. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    34 min
  8. #67 - CCB on the Road: Nothing Wasted - Biomethane and Europe's Circular Future

    10/22/2025

    #67 - CCB on the Road: Nothing Wasted - Biomethane and Europe's Circular Future

    Recorded live at the European Biogas Conference during European Biomethane Week 2025, this special episode of The Circular Coffee Break explores how biogas and biomethane are driving Europe’s transition to a truly circular economy. Biomethane connects energy, waste management, and nutrient recovery — turning residues into clean energy and valuable resources. In this episode, policymakers, researchers, financiers, and innovators share how Europe can scale biomethane to strengthen competitiveness, resilience, and climate neutrality. Featuring insights from: Daniel Mes (European Commission) on how biomethane fits into Europe’s competitiveness and clean industrial strategy.Mats Eklund (Linköping University) on the science of circular systems and industrial symbiosis.Oriol Bellot Miana (European Investment Bank) on the role of finance as an enabler of circular infrastructure.Simon Ford (Celtic Bioenergy) on expanding the feedstock base with advanced pre-treatment technologies.Mia Shaw (RAFT Energy / Real Zero) on maximizing efficiency and accelerating the energy transition.Louise Parlons Bentata (Bluemethane) on capturing residual methane and closing the final loop.Piero Gattoni (Consorzio Italiano Biogas / European Biogas Association) on circularity in agriculture and Italy’s leadership in biomethane production.Together, their stories show how biomethane is not just another renewable fuel, but a circular connector — linking energy, waste, and nutrient recovery in a single, regenerative system. From expanding feedstocks to optimizing processes and recovering every last molecule of methane, the sector is redefining what sustainable growth can look like. 🎧 Tune in to learn how biomethane is helping Europe accelerate its transition to a circular economy, where nothing is wasted and everything has value. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 1m
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About

The Circular Coffee Break dives into the world of sustainability and circular economy with thought leaders, innovators, and changemakers. Hosted by Michael, each episode unpacks real-world challenges, breakthrough solutions, and inspiring stories from diverse industries. From cutting-edge innovations to practical advice, this podcast offers fresh perspectives to spark ideas and drive action toward a circular future. Tune in biweekly for engaging conversations and insights that matter. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    Podcast with Michael Hanf
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    86
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Podcast with Michael Hanf
  • Show Website
    The Circular Coffee Break