Why Isn't the Circular Economy Actually Working?
In this episode of Inconvenient Truths by Granger Reis, host Ben Hewlett, Partner at Granger Reis, sits down with a panel of experts; David Palmer-Jones, Chief Executive of CIRQLR; Tim Robinson, Non-Executive Director of GRS and Doddle; Diane Crowe, Group Sustainability Director of Reconomy; and Jon Fisher, Chief Executive of GRS Group to explore why, despite years of discussion and growing public support, the circular economy remains far from mainstream.
The episode explores:
- Why only a small percentage of the global economy is truly circular
- The role of regulation, leadership, and business incentives
- Why short-term thinking is slowing long-term progress
- Lessons from countries leading the way in circularity
- The challenges facing industries like construction and retail
- How circular thinking can unlock innovation and commercial value
Drawing on real-world examples from around the world, the panel discusses why circular economy initiatives often struggle to scale and why meaningful change requires collaboration between policymakers, businesses, and consumers alike.
So, if the solutions already exist, what is truly preventing us from establishing a circular economy? Tune in for a practical discussion exploring the future of sustainability, circular business frameworks, and how organisations can move beyond positive intentions to generate a lasting impact.
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Inconvenient Truths is designed to challenge conventional thinking and encourage open discussion around the issues shaping complex industries.
If you'd like to share your perspective, suggest a future topic or explore how Granger Reis supports leadership teams navigating change, we'd love to hear from you.
David Palmer-Jones, Chief Executive, CIRQLR
Tim Robinson, Non-Executive Director, GRS, Doddle
Diane Crowe, Group Sustainability Director, Reconomy
Jon Fisher, Chief Executive, GRS Group
What is Inconvenient Truths?
Inconvenient Truths is the podcast from Granger Reis,examining the realities shaping complex industries.
Each episode takes on a different system-level challenge, from circular economy and sustainability, to construction, mining, infrastructure, data centres, and beyond, where ambition routinely collides with operational, financial, political, or human constraints.
This is not a thought leadership series designed to affirm what the market already agrees with, nor is it a catalogue of neat solutions or success stories. Instead, the podcast is built around a central belief: Progress in complex systems does not come from eliminating challenges, but from credible pathways through unavoidable trade-offs.