Life in plastic, un-fantastic! Rethinking Recycling and Circular Economy (ft. Daan Van Kassel, Fund manager at Polestar Capital)

How about doing away with plastic? Drifting in the Central North Pacific Ocean is the “Great Pacific Garbage Patch”, a collection of marine debris with a mass so large it has been ranked as our eighth continent.

Nature is “circular by design” - balanced and sustainable - but our modern lifestyle is simply not.

Beginning with a nostalgic nod to the iconic Lion King, Kokou Agbo-Bloua embarks on an investigative journey into the complexities of recycling and the circular economy. With only 9% of global plastic waste being recycled, tough questions are raised about the efficacy of current recycling practices. Delving deeper, the discussion explores the alarming statistics surrounding waste generation and its staggering environmental impacts.

From the Great Pacific Garbage Patch to the proliferation of e-waste, the narrative paints a vivid picture of the dire need for systemic change. Through expert insights from Daan van Kassel, fund manager at Polestar Capital, listeners gain valuable perspectives on financing innovations and scaling up circular economy initiatives. Key issues such as reducing, reusing, and the necessity for global cooperation are dissected with clarity.

While acknowledging the daunting challenges ahead, the episode remains optimistic, emphasizing the importance of collective action and innovative solutions. Drawing parallels between the circular economy and timeless concepts like the Circle of Life, the hosts challenge listeners to rethink their consumption habits and embrace sustainable practices.

As the conversation concludes, a poignant message resonates: the journey towards a circular economy demands not just systemic shifts, but individual transformation. So, as the episode ends on a hopeful note with Monty Python's "Always Look on the Bright Side of Life," listeners are encouraged to be the change they wish to see in the world.

About this show

Welcome to 2050 Investors your monthly guide to understanding the intricate connections between finance, globalisation, and ESG.

Join host Kokou Agbo-Bloua, Head of Economics, Cross-Asset & Quant Research at Societe Generale, for an investigation of the economic and market megatrends shaping the present and future, and how these trends might influence our progress to meeting 2050’s challenging global sustainability targets.

In each episode, Kokou deep dives into the events impacting the economy, financial markets, the planet, and society. Through a magical blend of personal anecdotes, in-depth research and narratives overlaid with music, sound effects, and pop culture references, there’s certainly something for everyone.

Kokou also interviews industry-leading experts, personalities, entrepreneurs and even Nobel prize winners! You will learn from the best on a wide range of subjects on current affairs, market shifts, and economic developments.

If you like 2050 Investors, please leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Your support will help us spread the word and reach new audiences. If you’re seeking a brief and entertaining overview of market-related topics and their business and societal implications, subscribe now to stay informed!

Previous episodes of 2050 Investors have explored ESG-influenced financial assets, climate change, AI, greenflation, smart cities, globalization, plastic pollution, food, health care, biodiversity, the energy transition, and more.

Credits

Presenter & Writer: Kokou Agbo-Bloua. Editor: Vincent Nickelsen. Production Designer: Emmanuel Minelle, Radio K7 Creative. Executive Producer : Fanny Giniès. Sound Director: Marc Valenduc. Music: Rone. Graphic Design: Cédric Cazaly. 

Whilst the following podcast discusses the financial markets, it does not recommend any particular investment decision. If you are unsure of the merits of any investment decision, please seek professional advice. 

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