Executive Certificate in Circular Economy Supply Chain
Published on June 28, 2025
About this Podcast
HOST: Welcome to our podcast, today I'm thrilled to be talking with an expert in sustainable supply chain management. Can you briefly introduce yourself and your connection to the Circular Economy Supply Chain? GUEST: Hello, I'm Jane, a sustainability consultant with over 15 years of experience in helping businesses transition towards circular economy models. I've contributed to the development of the Executive Certificate in Circular Economy Supply Chain course and I'm excited to share some insights with your listeners. HOST: That's fantastic, Jane! The course seems to cover various strategic skills related to sustainable procurement, waste reduction, and closed-loop systems. In your experience, what are some of the most critical aspects of implementing a circular supply chain? GUEST: A successful circular supply chain requires a shift in mindset from linear "take-make-waste" thinking to a holistic view of resources. It's essential to focus on designing products for longevity, ease of repair, and recyclability. Additionally, fostering strong collaboration between all supply chain stakeholders is vital to ensure smooth transitions between product use and reuse phases. HOST: I see, and as industries evolve, what current trends do you think will significantly impact the field of circular economy supply chains? GUEST: Digitalization is playing a significant role in advancing circular economy practices. For instance, the implementation of IoT devices, AI, and machine learning can help monitor and optimize resource efficiency, while blockchain technology can enhance transparency and traceability in material flow. Furthermore, regulatory pressures and customer expectations for sustainable business practices will continue to drive the adoption of circular supply chains. HOST: Those are fascinating trends, Jane. Now, transitioning to learning and teaching this subject, what challenges have you encountered or observed in this area? GUEST: One of the main challenges is breaking ingrained linear thinking patterns and overcoming resistance to change. Another hurdle is the lack of standardized metrics and frameworks for measuring the effectiveness of circular supply chains. This makes it difficult for professionals to assess their progress and for educators to evaluate student learning outcomes. HOST: Indeed, addressing those challenges requires a comprehensive and well-designed course, like the one you've contributed to. As we look to the future, what do you envision for the evolution of circular economy supply chains? GUEST: I anticipate that circular economy principles will become an integral part of core business strategies across industries. This shift will create new opportunities for innovative circular business models, such as product-as-a-service, and drive the development of novel materials and technologies designed for circularity. It's an exciting time to be involved in this field! HOST: Absolutely, Jane! Thank you so much for sharing your insights and experiences with our audience today. We're confident that the Executive Certificate in Circular Economy Supply Chain course will empower many professionals to make a real difference in their industries. GUEST: My pleasure, thank you for having me. I hope your listeners find the course as engaging and inspiring as I have.
