EP 45: Peter Evans & Rich Bulger on AI, Resale, Digital Passports & 2026 Circular Market Trends

In this episode of All Things Circular, hosts Peter Evans and Rich Bulger reflect on the major circular economy trends shaping 2025 and the innovations poised to accelerate change in 2026. From the rapid growth of resale marketplaces to the emergence of circular fintech and digital product passports, they explore how technology, data, and shifting business models are transforming the economics of ownership and asset recovery.Peter and Rich dive into how brands like Peloton and IKEA are embracing secondary markets not as threats, but as strategic opportunities to extend product lifecycles, increase customer engagement, and unlock new revenue streams. They introduce the concept of the “circularity delta,” a powerful metric that helps organizations measure the gap between the purchase cost of an asset and the value recovered at resale, revealing how companies can reduce losses and improve financial and environmental performance.The conversation also highlights how advancements in AI, computer vision, and digital marketplaces are making resale faster, more accessible, and more profitable for both businesses and consumers. With platforms enabling instant product identification and valuation, companies and individuals alike are gaining unprecedented visibility into the hidden value of their assets.Looking ahead, Peter shares insights on emerging innovations, including circular fintech solutions that enable secondary market financing and digital product passports that improve transparency, traceability, and trust throughout the product lifecycle.By the end of this episode, listeners will gain a deeper understanding of how circular economy strategies, resale ecosystems, and emerging technologies are reshaping supply chains, strengthening financial outcomes, and accelerating the transition to a more sustainable and efficient global economy.Visit our website to learn more:https://allthingscircular.comConnect with Peter:https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-c-evans-phd-217b8/Connect with Rich:https://www.linkedin.com/in/rich-bulger/SUBSCRIBE AND FOLLOW ALONG!Our podcast focuses mostly on: Circular Economy, Sustainable Living, Sustainability, Eco-Friendly, Recycling, Zero Waste, Environmentalism, Green Economy, Climate Change, Business Sustainability, Waste Management, Renewable Resources, Eco-Innovation, Supply Chain, Business, Circularity, Environmental Impact, Life Cycle Assessment, Upcycling, Downcycling, Closed Loop System, Sustainable Practices, Resource Recovery, Circular Strategies, Podcast, Alternative Materials, Reverse Logistics, ITAD, Lifecycle Services, Product Sourcing, and more!