The Future is Circular

Today, sustainability is increasingly measured, verified, labelled, and reported. And yet, it is still widely misrepresented.The world of ESG certifications resembles a crowded map of symbols, standards, and claims – all promising transparency, yet not always speaking the same language.For consumers, this creates confusion about who to trust. For companies, it poses a different challenge: what results to share and how to present them.In this episode, we are joined by Gian Luca Baldo from Life Cycle Engineering, who guides us through the sustainability certification maze – debunking concepts like life cycle assessment, carbon offsetting and carbon neutrality.If sustainability certifications have ever left you with more doubts than clarity, this conversation is for you.

In a world where genuine impact is increasingly hard to distinguish from greenwashing, ESG ratings have become one of the clearest indicators of how seriously a company approaches sustainability. Behind every score lies a complex mix of data, documentation, and long-term commitment that often remains hidden from view.In today’s episode, we’re joined by Giacomo Martino Belluzzo, Group ESG Specialist at Aquafil, who has recently led the company to a Platinum EcoVadis rating, among the global top performers. Together, we will uncover what independent ESG ratings actually measure, why they matter for competitiveness, and how they help strengthen entire value chains − from climate action to supplier due diligence.

The invisible threat of microplastics is one of the biggest environmental challenges of our time. From the clothes we wear to the tires on our cars, tiny plastic particles are constantly being released into the world around us, quietly making their way into our oceans, air, and even our bodies.Our guest today, Dr. Raffaella Mossotti, is a researcher at CNR-STIIMA in Biella. She contributed to the development of the first international standard to measure microplastic release from textiles, in collaboration with Aquafil.Together, we’ll trace the threads of microplastics pollution – uncovering how fabrics shed, which processes are the biggest culprits, and how science can help us design it out for good.

The race toward sustainable practices is transforming the textile industry.But to design for the future, we first need to understand the fibers we work with and the impact they carry.Today, we are joined by Celine Khawam, textile and fashion historian and educator.In this episode, Celine takes us through the key features of fibers like wool and nylon, revealing the main environmental trade-offs behind them.

What if nature held the answers to our toughest design challenges? In this episode, we dive into biomimicry with Dr. Dayna Baumeister, co-founder of Biomimicry 3.8 and one of the world’s leading experts in the field. She shares how innovators are turning to nature’s 3.8 billion years of R&D to inspire sustainable, cutting-edge solutions across industries.Whether you're interested in sustainable design and technology, regenerative innovation, or simply curious about how nature can inspire the future, this conversation offers fresh insight into its genius.

Can business help restore nature, and thrive doing it? As ecosystem services decline, industries are already losing $5 trillion annually. But there's a $10 trillion opportunity ahead. In this episode, we speak with Davide Briganti, Senior Communication & Biodiversity Strategist at 3Bee and XNatura, about how companies can play a leading role in ecosystem restoration through science-backed strategies and tech-driven innovation.

The fashion industry is responsible for around 10% of global carbon emissions – more than aviation and shipping combined. But change is on the horizon. In this new episode of "The Future is Circular," we sit down with Katrin Ley, Managing Director at Fashion for Good, to unpack how the organization is uniting brands, innovators, and manufacturers to spark real transformation in the industry. From accelerating next-gen materials and circular footwear to pioneering research on reducing shedding and improving textile performance, Fashion for Good is promoting regeneration and collaboration as the new standard in fashion. 

Aquaculture faces growing criticism over its role in marine pollution, especially from discarded fishing nets. In this episode, Koen Van Goethem, Chairman of CEN/TC 466 at the European Commission and CEO of  I-Coats NV, joins us to explore the EU’s response, highlight key industry innovations, and discuss what it takes to create a more conscious sector.

Every year, the EU generates 12.6 million tonnes of textile waste – most of which isn’t properly collected and ends up in landfills. How should we handle this waste? With new rules under the EU Waste Framework Directive, producers now bear full responsibility for their products’ lifecycle. Join us as we unpack these changes with Dr. Wolfgang Trunk, Team Leader in Circular Economy at the European Commission.

The Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation is revolutionizing product manufacturing, introducing a new approach that emphasizes creating with reuse in mind. But what does this mean for industries and consumers? In this episode, Carsten Wentink, Policy Officer at DG Environment at the European Commission and a key player in implementing the Regulation, shares exclusive insights on its progress and what industries should expect next. 

Inclusivity and environmental responsibility in design might seem like separate issues, but they can coexist to drive remarkable innovation. In today’s episode, we explore this cutting-edge intersection with Julie Gauthier, Practice Leader, Workplace Interiors, and Associate Principal at Perkins&Will, and Dr. Kati Peditto, Director of Human Experience Research at Perkins&Will, who is leading the firm’s efforts on Neuro-Inclusive Design. Let’s dive in and hear from Julie and Kati!

In this episode, Kay Sargent, Senior Principal and Director of Thought Leadership, Interiors at HOK, will guide us through the foundational principles and different shades of a discipline that has become increasingly vital: inclusive design. How can we transition to more socially responsible design projects? Let's hear it directly from her.

Ever questioned if style and environmental consciousness can coexist harmoniously? Then it’s time to listen to Ludovica Gualtieri, owner and designer of Ludovica Gualtieri Milano – a fashion venture committed to a mindful approach to environmental impact. Through collaborations with organizations such as Healthy Seas and the use of materials like ECONYL® nylon, she creates beautiful and responsible fashion collections.

In this episode, we’ll be taking you into the issue of microplastics. What are they? Why are they so dangerous? Is science making any progress in tackling the problem? Thanks to Tiziano Battistini, Research Development and Innovation Coordinator at Aquafil, we will discover an innovative universal method for the determination of microplastics released from the textile sector.

Episode 8 explores AI's role in enhancing governance and social responsibility, featuring Pasquale Borriello, CEO of Arkage, a post-digital agency. We talk about how AI transcends efficiency to become a force for positive change, promoting corporate sustainability and responsibility.

In this episode, we're taking you into the future of architecture and sustainability with Ron Bakker, founder of PLP Architecture in London. Discover the innovative world behind “The Edge,” Amsterdam's smartest & greenest office.

Uncover the art of sustainability reporting with Maria Giovanna, Chief Communications Officer of Aquafil, as we explore their transition from bureaucratic reporting to an engaging journey marked by transparency and teamwork.

In this episode of 'The Future is Circular,' we sit down with Carlos Aubert, Head of Impact at Karün. Listen to this episode to learn how Karün, an eco-conscious eyewear company nestled in Patagonia, revolutionizes sustainability reports into a marketing powerhouse, where they bridge transparency with consumer engagement and reshape the narrative of sustainable fashion.

In this episode, we tackle the challenge of greenwashing and sustainability in business communication. Join us as we speak with legal experts Federica Furlan and Marina Savio from LCA, a firm specializing in sustainability. Explore the origins of greenwashing, strategies to avoid it, and the importance of credible certifications. Gain practical tips for building trust with communities and effectively reporting sustainable results.

In this episode of The Future is Circular, we interview Annette Timmer, Marketing Director Carpets for Tarkett EMEA. Explore the innovative synergy between marketing and sustainability as Annette shares how she integrates eco-conscious values into her role, paving the way for a greener future.

In the second episode of The Future is Circular, we chat with Massimiliano Lui, purchasing manager at Aquafil, about how to make a supply chain more sustainable. Tune in to hear about the best strategies to make your supply chain greener with a lower impact on the environment.

In the first episode of the show, we talk about how to apply circular business models to make a business more eco-friendly. Our guest this episode is Paolo Pezzin, Raw Material Manager at Napapijri. Tune in to hear his insight tips on how you can take the first steps in transforming your business into a more sustainable company.