The Circular Future - Advancing Business Circularity

Quantum Lifecycle Partners

Welcome to the Circular Future – a podcast that facetimes you with the challenges of e-waste and its impact on the world. Join Stephanie McLarty, Head of Sustainability at Quantum Lifecycle Partners, as she interviews industry thinktanks who share their insights on the trends in reuse and recycling of technology. This podcast is for you if you are responsible for managing your company’s electronics or are simply curious about all things e-waste, sustainability, carbon emissions, data security and more. Each episode finishes with actionable advice for business managers and leaders to do their part in helping build a circular future.

  1. JAN 29

    58. Small Business, Big Impact: Why SMEs are the Secret to a Circular Economy

    Send us a text In this episode, Stephanie McLarty interviews Matthew Lynch, a representative from Green Economy Canada (GEC), discussing the organization's mission to accelerate Canada's transition to a net-zero future. Matthew outlines three key aspects of GEC: its focus on helping businesses reduce greenhouse gas emissions, its specialization in supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and its ambitious goal of mobilizing 10,000 businesses by 2028. The conversation highlights the unique position of SMEs in adopting circular economy practices, emphasizing their inherent innovation, flexibility, and community ties that make them well-suited for sustainable practices. As the discussion progresses, Matthew shares practical insights into why SMEs should embrace circularity, including cost savings and new business opportunities. He provides examples of successful Canadian businesses like Flashfood and Loop Mission that have turned waste into valuable products. The episode concludes with advice for SMEs on overcoming challenges in implementing circularity, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, starting small, and leveraging existing resources. Matthew also promotes GEC's upcoming Climate Action Bootcamp, aimed at supporting businesses in their sustainability journeys. Takeaways Green Economy Canada aims to support 10,000 businesses by 2028.SMEs are well-positioned to adopt circular business models due to their innovation and flexibility.Waste can be reframed as a resource, leading to cost savings for SMEs.Collaboration with suppliers and customers can unlock new sustainability ideas.Practical insights are crucial for implementing sustainability in real-world scenarios. Thanks for tuning in to The Circular Future. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen. Interested in joining us as a guest? Reach out to Sanjay Trivedi at strivedi@quantumlifecycle.com. Listen to more episodes at https://quantumlifecycle.com/podcast, and stay connected with us on LinkedIn.

    30 min

  2. JAN 15

    Beyond the Hype: 3D Printing, Waste Management, and the Path to Circularity

    Send us a text In this episode of The Circular Future, host Steph McLarty sits down with Steve Cory, President of Objex Unlimited, to peel back the layers of the 3D printing industry. While often hailed as a miracle of modern manufacturing, Steve provides a candid look at the environmental realities of additive manufacturing—from the significant waste generated by failed prints and support materials to the "nasty" resins and chemicals that require rigorous safety and disposal protocols.  The conversation explores how 3D printing truly enables circularity through rapid prototyping, weight reduction in aerospace, and the specialized repair of obsolete machinery. Steve also shares why he chose to partner with Quantum Lifecycle Partners to responsibly recycle industrial-scale printers, ensuring that complex electronics and heavy machinery stay out of landfills. Whether you're a business leader or a tech enthusiast, this episode offers a practical guide on when to use 3D printing, how to vet a provider's environmental practices, and why "doing your research" means more than just asking an AI.  Thanks for tuning in to The Circular Future. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen. Interested in joining us as a guest? Reach out to Sanjay Trivedi at strivedi@quantumlifecycle.com. Listen to more episodes at https://quantumlifecycle.com/podcast, and stay connected with us on LinkedIn.

    33 min

  3. 12/18/2025

    56. The Circular Economy: Year in Review

    Send us a text In this episode, Stephanie McLarty reflects on the major themes of the circular economy in 2025, highlighting the challenges and breakthroughs in e-waste management, circular value creation, the Right to Repair movement, collaboration, digital product passports, compliance with new regulations, and the need for a fundamental rethinking of business practices to embrace circular principles.    Takeaways  2025 has seen significant shifts in the circular economy. Circular value creation maximizes resource value throughout a product's life cycle. Collaboration is essential for circular transformation. Collaboration is essential for circular transformation.   Thanks for tuning in to The Circular Future. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on our Podcasts, or wherever you listen.    Interested in joining us as a guest? Reach out to Sanjay Trivedi at strivedi@quantumlifecycle.com    Thanks for tuning in to The Circular Future. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen. Interested in joining us as a guest? Reach out to Sanjay Trivedi at strivedi@quantumlifecycle.com. Listen to more episodes at https://quantumlifecycle.com/podcast, and stay connected with us on LinkedIn.

    14 min

  4. 12/04/2025

    55. Turning Old Tech into New Impact

    Send us a text What if your junk drawer is quietly holding cash, critical minerals, and a few nagging data risks? We sit down with Stephanie McLarty, Head of Sustainability at Quantum Lifecycle Partners, to map a simple, secure path from clutter to circularity. From reducing impulse upgrades to choosing certified recycling, this conversation turns good intentions into easy wins you can apply today.    We dig into the environmental stakes—toxins in landfills, lithium-linked fire risks, and the high emissions cost of new manufacturing—and show how reuse and responsible recycling conserve resources while supporting digital equity. Stephanie explains why only 22% of electronics get formally recycled, how “electronic hibernation” traps value in closets, and which habits actually cut your bill: shutting laptops down, flipping power bars off, and stretching refresh cycles. For anyone nervous about privacy, she breaks down DIY wiping versus certified data sanitization, the R2v3 standard, and what to expect from trusted providers so your information stays yours.    If budget matters, you’ll learn how refurbished devices deliver like-new performance at 30–70% less, what warranties and certifications to look for, and when it makes sense to repair instead of replace. We wrap with a practical toolkit: inventory your tech, flag data-bearing devices, use verified dropoffs, and set a clear cutoff for “just-in-case” backups. Small moves add up fast when they’re convenient, safe, and aligned with how nature works—no waste, just value in the right place.    If this helped you take one step toward a cleaner tech life, follow the show, share it with a friend who hoards cables, and leave a quick review to tell us which device you’re retiring first.  Thanks for tuning in to The Circular Future. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen. Interested in joining us as a guest? Reach out to Sanjay Trivedi at strivedi@quantumlifecycle.com. Listen to more episodes at https://quantumlifecycle.com/podcast, and stay connected with us on LinkedIn.

    25 min

  5. 11/24/2025

    54. Stories of Circular Business Transformation

    Send us a text We explore how circular thinking creates real business value, from lower costs and resilient supply chains to new product lines and revenue. Andrew Telfer shares practical case studies and simple steps any company can take to move from linear to circular. • industrial symbiosis turning outputs into inputs • upcycling examples from juice pulp to ginger beer • traditional manufacturing reusing offcuts for new lines • circularity linked to climate action and net zero • reduce, reuse, recycle as an operational playbook • frontline insights to locate and fix waste • shorter supply chains improving resilience • product-as-a-service and subscription tools • collaboration across sectors to unlock value Thanks for tuning in to The Circular Future. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen. Interested in joining us as a guest? Reach out to Sanjay Trivedi at strivedi@quantumlifecycle.com. Listen to more episodes at https://quantumlifecycle.com/podcast, and stay connected with us on LinkedIn.

    33 min

  6. 11/07/2025

    53. Season 3: Circularity in Action

    Send us a text The conversation you’ve been asking for is finally here: fewer slogans, more results. We’re kicking off season three by sharpening our promise—spotlighting real stories of business circularity that cut waste, save money, and build resilient operations across North America. We trace how listener questions evolved from “What are carbon credits?” to “How did they actually do that?” and explain why the centre of gravity has moved from ESG buzz to measurable circular outcomes. Along the way, we unpack the role AI now plays in the loop—forecasting returns, improving grading, streamlining reverse logistics—and where human know‑how still drives the toughest wins. You’ll hear how brands navigated reuse at scale, launched packaging innovations, and partnered with vendors to extend product life without sacrificing quality or compliance. This season brings clearer structure and higher utility: two episodes per month in an eight‑month run, tighter segments for easier listening, and case studies that answer three practical questions—what was achieved, how it happened, and what you can copy tomorrow. We’re expanding our scope beyond Canada to reflect a North American audience and the cross‑border realities of electronics lifecycle management, recycling infrastructure, and policy. If your team has a circular success—from take‑back to refurbishment to materials recovery—we want to surface it so others can learn and build on it. Join us as we advance business circularity with stories that travel and tactics that pay off. Subscribe, share with a colleague who owns sustainability or operations, and leave a review to help more practitioners find these lessons. Have a circular win to feature? Pitch it at quantumlifecycle.com/podcast. Thanks for tuning in to The Circular Future. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen. Interested in joining us as a guest? Reach out to Sanjay Trivedi at strivedi@quantumlifecycle.com. Listen to more episodes at https://quantumlifecycle.com/podcast, and stay connected with us on LinkedIn.

    8 min

  7. 06/19/2025

    52. The role of AI in Sustainable Transport

    Send us a text In this episode, Stephanie McLarty speaks with Rich Savoie, CEO of Adiona Tech, about the importance of sustainable logistics and the role of AI in optimizing transport emissions. They discuss a circular pilot project in Australia focused on recycling champagne corks and the challenges faced in the logistics of recycling. Rich shares insights on the significance of commercial transport emissions, the lessons learned from the pilot, and how AI can help improve supply chain efficiency. The conversation emphasizes the need for businesses to engage CFOs in sustainability initiatives and the urgency of taking action towards greener logistics. Takeaways Transport emissions are often overlooked but critical to address.Commercial transport contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions.Setting clear KPIs is essential for measuring success in sustainability projects.AI can optimize logistics and address driver shortages.Engaging CFOs is crucial for the success of sustainability initiatives.Understanding the entire value chain is key to effective circular projects. Thanks for tuning in to The Circular Future. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen. Interested in joining us as a guest? Reach out to Sanjay Trivedi at strivedi@quantumlifecycle.com. Listen to more episodes at https://quantumlifecycle.com/podcast, and stay connected with us on LinkedIn.

    40 min

  8. 06/05/2025

    51. Sustainable Procurement: A Net Zero Strategy

    Send us a text In this conversation, Stephanie McLarty and Bob Willard delve into the concept of sustainable procurement, exploring its definition, importance, and implementation strategies. Bob shares his extensive experience in sustainability and emphasizes the need for organizations to engage suppliers in their sustainability goals. The discussion covers various aspects of sustainable procurement, including the significance of circularity, the tools available for implementation, and the innovative 'signal, prefer, require' framework. Bob also provides practical advice for organizations looking to adopt sustainable practices, highlighting the interconnectedness of sustainability and business success. Takeaways Sustainable procurement is about getting best value for money.Companies must engage suppliers to meet sustainability goals.Sustainable procurement can lead to cost savings.Tools and resources are available to aid sustainable procurement.Circularity is essential for reducing carbon footprints.Meeting organizational priorities is key to promoting sustainability.Sustainability initiatives can enhance business resilience.Connecting sustainability to existing goals is crucial for success. Thanks for tuning in to The Circular Future. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen. Interested in joining us as a guest? Reach out to Sanjay Trivedi at strivedi@quantumlifecycle.com. Listen to more episodes at https://quantumlifecycle.com/podcast, and stay connected with us on LinkedIn.

    42 min
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About

Welcome to the Circular Future – a podcast that facetimes you with the challenges of e-waste and its impact on the world. Join Stephanie McLarty, Head of Sustainability at Quantum Lifecycle Partners, as she interviews industry thinktanks who share their insights on the trends in reuse and recycling of technology. This podcast is for you if you are responsible for managing your company’s electronics or are simply curious about all things e-waste, sustainability, carbon emissions, data security and more. Each episode finishes with actionable advice for business managers and leaders to do their part in helping build a circular future.

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