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Special Collections:
The Circular Economy

The Circular Economy
How do you convince your organisation to engage with the circular economy?

Universities often teach subjects in isolation. Imagine the effort Fiona Charnley of Exeter University put into developing a cross-campus MSc on the circular economy. Similarly, consider the challenge Chris Grantham, a lead designer at IDEO, faced in convincing colleagues about a new, circular approach to product design.

Charnley and Grantham will share how they achieved these remarkable changes. They will discuss who they needed to persuade and their strategies. Learn valuable lessons from those who have successfully driven institutional change.

How to link up the bio-economy

Bio-based waste streams, including food waste and industrial by-products, present a global challenge. In Scotland, the Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Centre (IBioIC) addresses this by connecting businesses with academics to transform these waste materials into valuable revenue streams.

IBioIC identifies this as a potential £900 million industry. They facilitate collaborations among their 130 Scottish members, exemplified by CuanTec, which developed a shellfish-derived shrink-wrap alternative.

Policy and finance to scale the circular economy in Latin America

Transitioning to a circular economy requires systemic change. Uruguay's experience shows that private sector will alone is insufficient; a robust policy framework, backed by strong government and public institutional support, is essential for this shift.

This live conversation will explore how to foster the necessary collaboration for national policy reform, secure funding for pioneering circular innovations, and effectively persuade policymakers and businesses about the circular economy's future.

REUSE - how to rethink and innovate plastic packaging

Converting 20% of global disposable plastic packaging into reuse models presents a USD10 billion business opportunity. This benefits customers and is vital for eliminating plastic pollution. All stakeholders must collaborate to create new consumption, production, and distribution models, tackling the plastics waste crisis at its source.

This DIF session will delve into the Ellen MacArthur Foundation's new book, 'Reuse: Rethinking packaging.' We will showcase diverse reuse models beyond traditional shopping bags, discuss their benefits, and feature conversations with three innovators implementing groundbreaking reuse solutions.

How Open Source is changing the rules of design

Technology like 3D printers and CNC routers enables localized mass production. Instead of shipping goods globally, blueprints can be transferred, allowing items to be produced locally using local materials. While this promise isn't new, it's not yet widespread. What will it take to significantly shift towards this local manufacturing model?

UK-based Open Desk is at the forefront of this movement. Discover insights from their years of experience designing workplace furniture, collaborating with a community of designers and makers, and integrating augmented reality into their work.

How we got started with a circular business

Join this live show to explore two innovative circular economy businesses. Sofa for Life offers a comfortable, modular sofa designed for easy transport and relocation. Omocom specializes in micro-insurance, crucial for peer-to-peer transactions within circular business models.

Discover the inspiration behind these ideas and how they were brought to life. Tune in to learn more!

How training policymakers can transform your city

Convincing colleagues and policymakers about new ideas, particularly environmental initiatives, without them feeling burdened is a common challenge. Luigi Acquaviva, working with Italian regional and city policymakers, has developed strategies to implement environmental concepts effectively.

Similarly, Cheryl McCulloch successfully engaged Glasgow businesses and policymakers on the circular economy in Scotland. Her team's "circular city scan" shifted perspectives towards collaborative new approaches. Join this conversation to learn from Luigi and Cheryl's valuable experiences.

Three stories: How we apply circular design

Waste and pollution are direct results of design choices. This session will feature inspiring leaders who are already transforming the system through circular design principles.

Join Seetal Solanki (Ma-tt-er founder, author of *Why Materials Matter*), Kamonnart Ong (Moreloop co-founder, fashion designer), and RSA Student Design Award winners Maire Kane and Hannah Grogan, who developed a reusable medical device. These innovators are leading the way in sustainable design.

Be part of this essential transformation. Don't miss out.

Biochar: Using fire to cool the earth

The International Biochar Initiative (IBI) proposes converting organic waste—from food, gardening, and even sewage—into biochar through baking. This toxic-free, multi-purpose material positively impacts the planet, leading Project Drawdown to rank it among the top 100 ideas for reversing climate change.

This session will explore the science and technology behind biochar, along with the IBI's strategies for communicating its benefits globally.

Unlocking urban innovation in Ghana's scrapyards

Technology from the Global North frequently generates waste problems in the Global South. DK Osseo-Asare recognized an opportunity to transform this challenge into a significant benefit for young people in Ghana.

His work, detailed in a globally acclaimed TED talk, focuses on upskilling Ghanaian youth, fostering entrepreneurial opportunities, and eliminating waste streams. This innovative model, exemplified by Agbogbloshie, has garnered international attention.

Join our live discussion to delve deeper into Agbogbloshie's impact and its potential for replication.

Circular Economy in Cities

Cities are vital for advancing the circular economy, unlocking economic, environmental, and social benefits, especially as two-thirds of the global population will live in urban centers by 2050. Currently, cities face challenges from a "take-make-waste" linear economy. A circular economy offers a critical opportunity to rethink resource use and ensure long-term urban prosperity.

The "Circular Economy in Cities" project focuses on urban systems like buildings, mobility, and products, guiding city governments on implementing circular principles and policies. The Ellen MacArthur Foundation, a UK charity, is a global leader accelerating this transition.

Learn more about our work at ellenmacarthurfoundation.org and subscribe to our channel: YouTube.

Make Fashion Circular - Jeans Redesign

Meet the people balancing nature and business

Watch the third part of our 'Meet the Redesigners' film series, showcasing the circular economy in action. Discover innovative projects like mimicking nature's cycles on a buffalo farm and growing greens under London's tube lines, featuring work from the Ooho team.

The Ellen MacArthur Foundation, a UK charity founded by Ellen MacArthur in 2010, accelerates the transition to a circular economy. Explore a new section of our website, launching Thursday, July 18th, at ellenmacarthurfoundation.org. Follow our work and engage with us on social media.

Meet the people designing out waste

Discover the circular economy in action, from 100% recyclable carpets to seaweed-based plastic packaging. Watch "Meet the Redesigners" Part Two to see these innovations. The Ellen MacArthur Foundation, a UK charity launched in 2010 by Ellen MacArthur, leads the global transition to a circular economy.

A new section of their website launches Thursday, July 18th. Explore their work and connect with them online at [ellenmacarthurfoundation.org](https://www.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org). You can also subscribe to their [YouTube channel](https://www.youtube.com/user/made2bemadeagain) for more content.

The circular economy

The Ellen MacArthur Foundation has launched a three-part video series exploring the circular economy's impact on businesses, people, and society, featuring innovative examples. This UK charity, founded in 2010, is a global thought leader accelerating the transition to a circular economy.

A new website section will be available from Thursday, July 18th. Discover more at ellenmacarthurfoundation.org. You can also subscribe to their YouTube channel here and connect via Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Medium.

Meet the people rethinking ownership

Our "Meet the Redesigners" film series showcases the circular economy in action, featuring modular headphones, a clothing rental platform, and H&M's new business models. A new section of our website, [www.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org](http://www.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org), launches July 18th.

The Ellen MacArthur Foundation, a UK charity founded in 2010, is a global thought leader accelerating the transition to a circular economy. We work across business, learning, and communications, supported by key philanthropic and knowledge partners.

Thank you for watching. Subscribe to our channel here: [https://www.youtube.com/user/made2bemadeagain](https://www.youtube.com/user/made2bemadeagain). Find out more about our work and follow us on social media via our website: [https://www.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org](https://www.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org).

The circular economy

The Ellen MacArthur Foundation launches a three-part video series exploring the circular economy's meaning for businesses, people, and society, highlighting innovative examples. A new section of their website, ellenmacarthurfoundation.org, will be available from Thursday, July 18th. The Foundation, a UK charity established in 2010 by Ellen MacArthur, accelerates the transition to a circular economy, positioning it on the agenda of global decision-makers.

Engage further by subscribing to their YouTube channel, sharing feedback, and following them on social media: Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Medium.

Circular Economy in Cities

Cities are crucial for advancing the circular economy, unlocking economic, environmental, and social benefits. By 2050, most people will live in cities, which currently consume vast resources, generating significant waste and emissions under a linear "take-make-waste" system. A circular economy offers a vital path to rethink resource use, supporting city priorities and prosperity.

The "Circular Economy in Cities" project explores opportunities in urban systems (buildings, mobility, products), guiding city governments on transition strategies and policy.

The Ellen MacArthur Foundation, a UK charity, leads global efforts to accelerate this transition. Learn more on our website. Subscribe to our YouTube channel. Follow us: Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Medium.

What does the circular economy look like for cars? | Summit 2019

Hugo Spowers, founder of Riversimple, dramatically shifted from F1 to create a 100% circular car. This hydrogen fuel cell vehicle features modular design and is offered via a performance contract, not outright sale. The Foundation's Colin Webster discussed the Rasa model with Spowers at Summit 2019.

The Ellen MacArthur Foundation, a UK charity launched in 2010 by sailor Ellen MacArthur, accelerates the transition to a circular economy. As a global thought leader, it influences business, government, and academia through its work in business, learning, insight, and communications. Discover more about their initiatives at ellenmacarthurfoundation.org.

What does the circular economy look like for headphones? | Summit 2019

Designers Tom Leenders and Dorus Galama founded Gerrard Street to combat the 15 million kg of headphones discarded annually. Their startup, with the ambition to become the world's leading circular economy audio brand, offers modular, durable headphones exclusively through a service contract. They showcased their innovative design live at Summit 2019.

The Ellen MacArthur Foundation, a UK charity launched in 2010 by world record-breaking sailor Ellen MacArthur, accelerates the transition to a circular economy. As a global thought leader, the Foundation places the circular economy on the agenda of decision-makers across business, government, and academia. Learn more about their work and the circular economy at the Ellen MacArthur Foundation website.

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— Dr. Elena Rivera
Environmental Scientist and Advocate
 

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The Thinking Game | Full documentary | Tribeca Film Festival official selection

“The Thinking Game” is the inside story of DeepMind's groundbreaking AI research, culminating in the Nobel Prize-winning AlphaFold breakthrough. Filmed over five years by the award-winning team behind "AlphaGo," this documentary explores co-founder Demis Hassabis's lifelong pursuit of artificial general intelligence and the rigorous scientific journey from mastering strategy games to solving the 50-year-old protein folding problem.

Following its world premiere at the Tribeca Festival, "The Thinking Game" is now available to watch for free. For those interested in hosting a screening for a classroom, community, or workplace, visit: rocofilms.com/films/the-thinking-game/.

 

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The Thinking Game | Full documentary | Tribeca Film Festival official selection