In this episode, Sarah sits down with Paul from Materia Environment to explore innovative solutions to the global plastic waste crisis. With a mission to give industrial plastic waste a second life, Materia Environment transforms discarded materials into valuable secondary products used in industries like automotive, horticulture, manufacturing and even playground equipment. Paul shares his journey from corporate communications to the sustainability sector, highlighting how his team’s work is helping large manufacturers embrace a circular economy.

The conversation delves into:

• Plastic Waste Challenges: Why Ireland struggles with recycling rates and how contamination and mixed polymers hinder progress.

• Recycling Innovations: Materia Environment’s efforts to work with manufacturers, creating cleaner waste streams and promoting traceability in recycled materials.

• Circular Economy Solutions: From reimagining single-use plastic trays to future possibilities for recycling complex packaging like blister packs.

Paul and Sarah discuss the broader implications of plastic alternatives, the need for consumer demand for recycled products, and how industries can align with sustainability goals while maintaining safety and functionality.

Paul leaves us with his Top 3 Tips for Climate Action:

1. Improve efforts to recycle domestic plastic waste effectively.

2. Advocate for and purchase products made from recycled plastic.

3. Support businesses and manufacturers prioritising recycled materials in their operations.

Tune in to learn how small shifts in consumer behaviour and innovative industry practices can help close the loop on plastic waste.

In this inspiring episode, Sarah sits down with Agnese from CIRCULÉIRE to explore how the circular economy is transforming business and the planet. Agnese shares her passion for demystifying risk and enabling businesses to adopt innovative, sustainable practices that keep materials in use longer and reduce waste.

What You’ll Learn:

• The Power of Circular Networks: Discover how the CIRCULÉIRE brings together over 50 diverse companies, from plastics to textiles, to co-create impactful solutions.

• Creative Circular Practices: Learn about ingenious examples like remanufacturing unused cigarettes into eyewear frames and refurbishing furniture using dead stock fabric.

• Overcoming Barriers to Circularity: Agnese shares insights on tackling the initial cost challenges and scaling circular innovations for businesses of all sizes.

The conversation also delves into the role of the Irish government in promoting circularity, the importance of sustainable materials, and the connection between circular business models and climate action.

Agnese’s Top 3 Tips for Climate Action:

• 1. Think Before You Buy: Reflect on whether you truly need a product before purchasing.

  2. Support Circular Businesses: Choose companies that prioritise reuse, repurposing, and sustainable design.

  3. Advocate for Change: Encourage businesses and policymakers to adopt circular practices.

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  About Agnese:

  Agnese Metitieri joined IMR Sustainable Manufacturing team as Circular Economy Innovation Lead and is now the Circular Economy Ventures Lead. In the context of CIRCULÉIRE, the first cross-sectoral industry-led innovation network dedicated to accelerating the net-zero carbon circular economy in Ireland, she is scoping, designing, delivering for CIRCULEIRE’s CE accelerator - from recruitment of ventures to preparation and delivery of webinars, workshops and clinics and post-activity reporting and everything in between.

  Her role encompasses the provision of advisory support and mentorship to ventures/start-ups and SMEs seeking to scale circular business models or pilot circular innovation - ranging but not limited to input into investor pitch packs, investor readiness, strategy and market placement and communication of circular value proposition. With an academic background in Energy Engineering, she has gained knowledge and expertise in sustainability, circular economy and climate impact, alongside becoming highly skilled in coaching, mentoring and storytelling. Agnese worked for many years as an international freelance consultant moved by a deep commitment to the shift to a more sustainable, just and prosperous future for all."

• This episode is packed with practical advice and inspiring stories to help you rethink waste and embrace the future of sustainability!

  Linkedin Profile: https://ie.linkedin.com/in/agnesemetitieri

  IMR website: Irish Manufacturing Research - Demystify, Derisk and Deliver

  CIRCULÉIRE website: Homepage | CIRCULÉIRE

  
  

Join Sarah as she chats with Johnny Meehan, a Blanchardstown native with a fascinating journey from corporate supply chains to championing sustainability. With a background spanning law, business, and the food industry, Johnny brings a unique perspective on how personal choices and community-driven action can create global impact.

What You’ll Discover:

• From Factory Floors to Farms: Johnny’s career evolution—from Intel to Cadbury’s and Tony’s Chocolonely—revealed the hidden stories behind food supply chains, sparking his passion for sustainability.

• The Power of Local and Global Action: How diversifying Irish farming, fixing food systems, and engaging communities can lead to healthier lives and a greener planet.

• Corporate Accountability and Climate Change: Johnny unpacks the sobering truth about corporate pollution and the role of transparency in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) ratings.

Johnny’s insights highlight how businesses can deliver profit while protecting the planet, the importance of fostering local integration, and the need to mentor younger generations for sustainable change.

Johnny’s Top 3 Climate Action Tips:

1. Seek Inspiration: Learn from environmental icons like Mary Robinson and David Attenborough.

2. Engage Your Community: Collaborate with younger generations and neighbours to foster change.

3. Track Small Wins: Adopt the 1% better rule—small, consistent steps add up to significant impact.

Dive into Johnny’s story to find inspiration for your own sustainable journey.

Connect with Johnny Meehan on linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnnymeehan/