Circularity only works if it pays | Big Bag Recovery’s Stephen Richards

What does it really take to make circular economy systems work at scale — beyond the theory and good intentions? In this episode of The Sustainable Transformation Podcast, Kiarne Treacy sits down with Stephen Richards, Founder and Managing Director of Big Bag Recovery, to unpack the hard, practical work behind building circular infrastructure in Australia. Stephen shares how Big Bag Recovery began in Far North Queensland solving fertiliser bag waste, why circular systems must be commercially viable to survive, and what happens when businesses are willing to pay to solve their own waste problems. The conversation covers traceability, funding realities, why collaboration across competitors is essential, and how Big Bag Recovery built technology from day one to prove outcomes and build trust. They also dig into what went wrong with REDcycle, why single-polymer systems matter, how recycled materials can be turned back into required products, and why environmental sustainability only works when commercial sustainability comes first. This is a practical, no-nonsense look at what real circularity actually requires.   You’ll hear and learn: Why circular economy systems must be commercially viable to last How industry-wide collaboration enables circular solutions competitors can’t build alone Why traceability and data are critical for trust, reporting and scale What went wrong with multi-polymer recycling systems like REDcycle How circularity works best when recycled materials replace required products, not novelty items   This episode is a must-listen for sustainability leaders, packaging and procurement teams, and anyone trying to make circular economy solutions work commercially, at scale and in the real world.   MENTIONS: Circular Communities Australia Australia Post APCO Product Stewardship reMADE in Australia Big Bag Recovery brand involved Australian Government Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water’s advice on taking responsibility for our packaging   LINKS: Learn more about SustainabilityTracker.com Learn more about The Sustainable Transformation Podcast Follow The Sustainable Choice Group on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok Follow Nova Podcasts on Instagram for videos from the podcast and behind-the-scenes content – @novapodcastsofficial   CREDITS: Host: Kiarne Treacy Guest: Stephen Richards Guest Company: Big Bag Recovery Find more great podcasts like this at novapodcasts.com.au Nova Entertainment acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land on which we produced this podcast, the Wurundjeri People of the Kulin Nation. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy informationSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.