Innovation was one of the key themes at the Circular EconomyCircular EconomyA systems solution framework that tackles global challenges like climate change, biodiversity loss, waste, and pollution. It is based on three principles, driven by design: eliminate waste and pollution, circulate products and materials (at their highest value), and regenerate nature. Cafe by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, a circular economy demonstration space at the New York Times Climate Hub, held alongside COP26.
The Foundation’s Ella Hedley hosted an innovation session showing how disruptive start-ups around the world are demonstrating viable circular economy business models, with guests including Morgan Stanley’s Audrey Choi, Sellalong’s John Atcheson, Sojo’s Josephine Philips, Infinited Fiber Company’s Petri Alava, and Zalando’s Laura Coppen.
Josephine Phillips explained how start-ups bring a fresh perspective, with change on their agenda from the outset, and can then collaborate with brands to scale their solutions and reach millions of customers.
Zalando’s Laura Coppen, agreeing it was important for brands to use their size and scale to support innovative start-ups, said working with emerging talent was key to Zalando’s strategy. She said the shift from a linear to a circular economy was essential for the future of the business, and all businesses.
In order to meet global challenges, Morgan Stanley CSO Audrey Choi said finance had a vital role to play.
