Recalibrating Our Economic Compass: Embracing Circularity for a Healthy Planet

Originally aired January 23, 2024

Co-hosted with Routledge, this conversation brings together three pioneers of the circular economy to discuss a fundamental reimagining of how we design, produce, use, and dispose of goods — and what it means for the future of business, governance, and our relationship to the planet.

The discussion explores the three core principles of circularity — reducing material throughput, closing loops, and regenerating natural systems — and how leading organizations are putting them into practice through new business models, product lifecycle responsibility, and systemic economic change.

Speakers

Walter Stahel

Pioneer of the Circular Economy; Founder, Product Life Institute

Walter Stahel is widely credited with coining the term “circular economy” in the 1970s and is the founder of the Product Life Institute. His prolific work — including The Circular Economy: A User’s Guide — laid the conceptual foundation for transitioning from the linear “take-make-dispose” model to one centered on resource optimization, regeneration, and value preservation.

Sabine Oberhuber

Co-Founder, Turntoo; Co-Author, Material Matters

Sabine Oberhuber is an economist who co-founded Turntoo with Thomas Rau — one of the first companies in the world focused on the transition to a circular economy. She co-authored Material Matters: Developing Business for a Circular Economy and assists corporate clients and public institutions in developing circular business models and management strategies.

Thomas Rau

Architect, Entrepreneur & Thought Leader on Circular Economy; Co-Founder, Turntoo

Thomas Rau is an architect, entrepreneur, and leading voice on sustainability and the circular economy. Named Dutch Architect of the Year in 2013 and winner of the ARC13 Oeuvre Award, he is co-founder of Turntoo and co-author of Material Matters. His internationally delivered lectures, TED talks, and publications have shaped the global conversation on circular design and economic transformation.

Edward Saltzberg

Executive Director, Security & Sustainability Forum

Ed Saltzberg is the Executive Director of the Security and Sustainability Forum, where he leads conversations with global leaders on the intersection of environmental sustainability, security, and long-term resilience.