Cracking the Code of Circular Economy: 3 Innovators Redefining Waste into Resources and Revenues (#069)

SRI360 | Socially Responsible Investing, ESG, Impact Investing, Sustainable Investing

In this 3-in-1 compilation episode, we're revisiting the world of the circular economy. As our planet faces escalating environmental challenges, these three pioneers are lighting the way for sustainable business practices that promote ecological resilience and economic prosperity. These are the innovators whose approaches are making a real difference:

Ron Gonen, Founder and CEO of Closed Loop Partners

Ron shares how his firm is making a real impact across sectors like consumer goods, food, and technology. By tackling supply chain bottlenecks, building recycling infrastructure, and leading projects like the $150 million bottle-to-bottle recycling facility in California, Closed Loop Partners is driving meaningful change. Their efforts have diverted 2.3 million tons of waste from landfills and prevented 5.3 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions. Ron’s work shows that aligning environmental goals with strong economic outcomes isn’t just achievable – it’s the way forward.

Full episode

Lucy Mortimer, Co-Founder of Archipelago Ventures

Lucy is intensely focused on advancing technologies that address material circularity, especially aimed at reducing plastic waste. Through Archipelago Ventures, Lucy is driving strategic investments into startups that are leading the way in recycling and reducing environmental footprints. This effort is fast-tracking our transition to a circular economy, showing that it's absolutely possible to combine strong environmental improvements with solid economic returns.

Full episode

Karla Mora, Founder and Managing Partner, Alante Capital

Karla is driving transformation in the apparel industry, a massive $3 trillion market primed for innovation. Through Alante Capital, she invests in startups that lead the way in circular and low-carbon solutions. Her strategic focus is reshaping how clothing is produced and consumed, offering a blueprint for sustainable practices in other consumer industries as well. Karla's journey into this space was driven by her ambition to effect systemic change within such a significant economic sector.

Full episode

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About the SRI 360° Podcast: The SRI 360° Podcast is focused exclusively on sustainable & responsible investing.

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Key Takeaways:

• Intro (00:00)
• Ron Gonen - Closed Loop Partners overview (03:43)
• Investment strategy, impact measurement & reporting (11:49)
• Innovation center and industry challenges (23:32)
• Lucy Mortimer - introduction to Archipelago (30:26)
• Circular economy and plastics recycling (44:28)
• AI’s impact on waste management (55:46)
• Archipelago's theory of change and investment strategy (01:03:13)
• Karla Mora - introduction to Alante Capital (01:09:57)
• Circular economy in the apparel space (01:17:43)
• Alante's theory of change (01:24:50)
• 3 key dimensions of impact and investment strategy (01:28:22)
• Investment structure and returns (01:42:25)