If we really want to achieve resource efficiency, meaning reducing resource consumption and minimizing waste, we need to design for reuse from the outset, i.e. we need a better developed infrastructure for resource collection, sorting, and processing.
Folkert Schultz, Vice-Chairman of the Board at Fressnapf Holding SE
1. Why does the topic of the Circular Economy have to be on the agenda of every company? Why is it worthwhile?
Torsten Toeller: Our company vision is ‘Happier Pets. Happier People’ – today and in the future. As a founder and entrepreneur, I have always thought long-term. The protection of our environment is the basis for the unique relationship between pets and pet parents, which we work for everyday. As we depend on our environment’s limited resources, I believe it is our responsibility to preserve them for the next generations.
The circular economy helps us to save these natural resources. This is a task that I believe we share across industries and societies. The severe scarcity of several resources, which we have already faced in the last years, should be an important warning for us as a society. We need to rethink the way our consumption works.
2. What are the biggest challenges?
Folkert Schultz: Closing loops is a mission, which requires all value chain actors to collaborate and contribute – including consumers and civil society, governments, and firms.
To succeed, various challenges need to be managed together. If we really want to achieve resource efficiency, meaning reducing resource consumption and minimizing waste, we need to design for reuse from the outset, i.e. we need a better developed infrastructure for resource collection, sorting, and processing. And there needs to be sufficient demand for recycled materials to stimulate the market. That means we must support economic incentives such as taxes, subsidies, and legal exemptions to promote the circular economy. Last but not least, we need better education and awareness around the benefits of a circular economy.
3. How would you convince people who are still critical towards the topic?
TT: Without natural resources, there is no future – careful circulating means preserving it and achieving a better lifestyle.
4. A thought-leader, book, or podcast you would recommend?
FS: Luckily, the topic has gained much public attention, i.e. there are several great thought-leaders around. I particularly like to listen to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation funded Circular Economy Show Podcast. It teaches me a lot from a holistic understanding, is short and presents many great thought-leaders.
5. What are the key requirements for the circular economy to succeed and eventually become standard?
TT: The key requirement is without any doubt public cooperation. A circular economy means creating completely new business models together. This can only succeed if all stakeholders across the lifecycle of products or services contribute. It begins with innovative circular solutions. New technologies and business models that promote the circular economy are crucial, and we need a supportive legal framework that can support innovative implementation in a test and learn environment instead of long weary administrative processes. Monitoring and reporting progress toward the circular economy helps us track goals and identify areas for improvement. Success on all levels is all that counts. 😉
ABOUT
CIRCULAZE, an initiative launched by business network CURAZE, was started to connect pioneers in sustainable business management and thought leaders to form a network together with the most relevant start- and scale-ups in the field of the Circular Economy. The goal of the community is to establish a powerful ecosystem, to exchange good practices, and inspire each other on the path to even more sustainable companies. Our motto: Can't Do It Alone.
CIRCULAZE is made possible through the friendly support of our amazing co-host dfv Mediengruppe and partners DB Cargo, ODDO BHF, Otto Krahn New Business, Knauf, Capgemini Invent, 4P Capital, Jokey, SBC Hamburg, Payback, Fressnapf, von Beust & Partner, and adelphi.
Learn more about CIRCULAZE here.
