Episode 8 - Janez Potočnik

Iain and Wayne talk to Janez Potočnik, Co-Chair of UNEP’s International Resource Panel, partner at Systemiq and former EU Commissioner for the Environment. They discuss the evolution and significance of the circular economy, particularly in the context of COP 31. Janez shares his journey as a former EU commissioner and his role in promoting circular economy principles. The discussion highlights the need for a global perspective on resource management, the impact of material consumption on climate change, and the importance of integrating demand-side solutions into environmental policies. They discuss the urgent need to decouple well-being from economic growth, emphasizing that true progress should focus on societal health rather than mere GDP. They explore the circular economy as a viable solution to achieve this decoupling, while addressing the challenges of implementation and the necessity for a shift in governance and market measures. Janez also highlights the importance of demand-side measures and the ethical implications of resource use, ultimately advocating for a holistic approach to sustainability that prioritises human needs and environmental integrity. The International Resource Panel Report: https://www.unep.org/en/publications/... Please like, subscribe and comment. Email us at Unfolding@unfoldcc.com To reference this podcast: Hubbard, W. and Gulland, I. (2026) 'Unfolding: A Circular Economy Podcast Episode 8 Janez Potočnik." [Podcast]. Available at: [ / @unfoldingcircular ] (Accessed: dd mon yyyy). Chapters 00:00 Intro 02:54 Intro to Janez 04:55 Janez talks about his background 06:11 It’s the economy stupid 06:36 Genesis of the first Circular Economy Package 09:43 How the EU Circular Economy packaged helped wider policy makers 11:40 Global circular economy 13:29 The material impacts of electrification 16.44 Systemic rebound effect – if you’re only going to watch one chapter watch this one 23:53 IRP 2024 Outlook report 26:05 Global equality 29:35 How can we make money out of circular economy? 37:37 Integrating material and circular economy policy at COP31 38:32 Consumption? 47:58 Optimism, geo-politics, and circularity 54:17 Janez’s final message for COP31 55:11 Iain and Wayne decompress 56:30 The switch from fossil to materials (metals and minerals) based economy – where are all these materials coming from? 1:02:11 The circular economy manifesto? 1:03:49 Tending the garden – getting the incentives right to support circularity 1:04:59 Financing the circular economy