SUBSTANCE Podcast – Plastics Part 2

Plastics are everywhere – but can they ever be truly sustainable? In this episode, host Joe Hanson asks how plastics fit into a circular economy – a system designed to minimize waste and maximize resource efficiency. From the familiar mantra of reduce, reuse, recycle to innovative strategies that go far beyond recycling, this conversation dives into what it takes to create a sustainable future for plastics and how waste can become a resource. Talke Schaffrannek, Director of Circular Economy at BASF, emphasizes her role in driving BASF’s transformation toward circular solutions, leveraging the company’s innovative power and responsibility to change processes and resource intake. Jabir Karat, founder of the recycling enterprise Green Worms in India, describes how he saw plastic waste as both a problem and an opportunity to create employment and reduce poverty whilst reducing waste. His efforts highlight the urgent need for infrastructure and innovative solutions to prevent valuable resources from ending up in landfills. At BASF Karat found an experienced partner for recycling shoe material. Discover why circularity is more than recycling and how innovative solutions can shape a greener and better future. More information: https://www.basf.com/global/en/media/magazine/creatingchemistrystories/podcasts#link-1953229599 https://www.basf.com/global/en/media/magazine/creatingchemistrystories/2025/basf-circular-economy https://www.basf.com/global/en/who-we-are/sustainability/our-contributions-to-enabling-the-green-transformation/circular-economy