Circular Plastic Podcast

Along came polystyrene – but then what happened?

Topsoe A/S — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 00:50:15 -0700

Polystyrene has a bad reputation when it comes to recyclability. But is that really fair? In this episode, we are joined by Justin Riney, Commercial Sustainability Manager at INEOS Styrolution, who’ll help us unpack the realities and reputation of a material that sparks some of the strongest opinions in the industry.

Turning polyolefin waste into high-value feedstock

Topsoe A/S — Wed, 25 Feb 2026 05:24:46 -0800

In this episode, we explore a technology pathway that aims to solve one of the toughest challenges in plastics: converting polyolefin waste into high-value feedstock. To guide us through it, our guest is Eric Appelman from Aduro Clean Technologies.

Whither Canada?

Topsoe A/S — Wed, 28 Jan 2026 23:54:00 -0800

Canada is reshaping its plastics system through policy, collaboration, and innovation. Christa Seaman, Vice President of Plastics at the Chemistry Industry Association of Canada, and Meg O’Shea, Director of Strategic Initiatives at the Canada Plastics Pact, join us to share perspectives from across the value chain, and discuss what the latest data reveals about Canada’s true recycling performance.

Recycling single-use medical devices: Injecting hope into circular plastic

Topsoe A/S — Tue, 04 Nov 2025 04:03:43 -0800

Is it possible to recycle single-use medical devices? Niels Otterstrøm, Project Director and head of the ReMed programme in Novo Nordisk, and Thomas Mørch from NG Nordic, share insights gained from five years of collaboration between Novo Nordisk and NG Nordics.

What role do institutional investors play in shaping circular plastics?

Topsoe A/S — Wed, 21 May 2025 23:59:04 -0700

Jan-Willem Muller, Co-Founder & Managing Partner of Infinity Recycling discusses how their €175 million fund supports innovative technologies tackling plastic waste and helping finance the entrepreneurs and companies working to close the loop in plastic.

How circular business models can drive real-world impact

Topsoe A/S — Wed, 23 Apr 2025 23:36:09 -0700

Circular business models are essential in tackling plastic waste, shifting the focus from single-use consumption to reusable systems that drive both economic and environmental benefits. But what does that look like in action? Enter the Aarhus case: a large-scale reuse initiative involving the city of Aarhus, TOMRA, Plastic Change, and BCG. Together, they have developed a system to collect, clean, and redistribute reusable cups—one of the biggest pilots of its kind globally.

Unlocking the Circular Economy: Insights from Eastman

Topsoe A/S — Tue, 22 Oct 2024 01:29:37 -0700

Inari Seppä, leader of circular advocacy at Eastman Chemical Company, shares Eastman's journey towards sustainability. Discover their innovative carbon and polyester renewal technologies (which convert plastic waste into valuable resources at a molecular level), strategic investments, and ambitious goals for carbon neutrality by 2050.

Pyrolysis and chemical recycling with the BlueAlp CEO

Topsoe A/S — Thu, 03 Oct 2024 05:55:54 -0700

Valentijn De Neve, CEO of BlueAlp, shares insights on advanced pyrolysis technology, sustainable solutions, regulation, and key industry partnerships. BlueAlp is a trailblazer in the industry, known for its advanced technology and innovative approach. Valentijn will elaborate on BlueAlp’s business model, including their licensing and engineering procurement and key partnerships with major players.

Locking down certification standards and implementation

Topsoe A/S — Tue, 10 Sep 2024 23:41:47 -0700

This episode focuses on the ever-evolving landscape of certification systems, a critical component in ensuring the sustainability and traceability of circular plastics. Jan Henke, Director of ISCC System, and Nicola Noponen, who was working as a Standards Director at RSB at the time of the recording, will take us through the intricacies of certification status rules, various certification schemes, and their real-world applications.

Which future recycling methods will drive a circular plastic economy?

Topsoe A/S — Mon, 18 Sep 2023 03:51:20 -0700

To deliver on the goals for the circular plastic economy, we need research to discover new technologies and processes for the effective recycling of plastic waste. This episode brings you a glimpse of the potential future methods for utilizing plastic waste as a resource. Our guest, Kevin Van Geem, shares his and his teams’ latest research on how to make the plastic industry more sustainable. He will cover the usage of steam crackers and pyrolysis, and their discovered challenges associated with using pyrolysis oil instead of e.g., virgin naphtha as steam cracker feedstock.

Closing the loop on food-grade recycled polypropylene

Topsoe A/S — Fri, 18 Aug 2023 06:07:50 -0700

This episode discloses how mechanical recycling creates a circular pathway for polypropylene back to food-grade applications. Joined by Edward Kosior, Managing Director of Nextek Limited and the NEXTLOOPP project, we uncover the history of mechanical recycling and its breakthrough ways for sorting and decontaminating post-consumer plastic waste.

Legislation – a driving force in plastic recycling

Topsoe A/S — Thu, 06 Jul 2023 05:39:42 -0700

Legislation is a necessary driver of a circular plastic economy. So, in this episode Milica Folić and guest Sylvan Verdier break down the current legislation on recycled plastic. Europe is frontrunner on plastic recycling and regulation, so the legislation in the EU serves as the starting point for their conversation. Describing the key regulations already in place or being discussed, Milica and Sylvain cover the “full circle” from plastic waste and back to plastic.

The plastic industry up close! Trends, opportunities, and barriers for the sustainable transition

Topsoe A/S — Mon, 12 Jun 2023 07:51:41 -0700

In this episode, Milica Folić talks to Christof Witte, Partner at McKinsey & Company, about opportunities and barriers for a transition into a more sustainable industry. We take a closer look at the plastic industry today and the trends within plastic types and feedstocks.

Which issues are driving the shift to circular plastic?

Topsoe A/S — Thu, 25 May 2023 06:23:28 -0700

Plastic is a brilliant material. Many products can’t be produced without it. For that reason, plastic is not going anywhere anytime soon. Instead, we need to pave the way for a more sustainable production of plastic. In the first episode of the new podcast, Milica Folić and Mikala Grubb from Topsoe, discuss the issues driving the changes to circular plastic. Our aim is to show you the map of the territory, so you can find the best direction for your business.