About the Guest(s):
Jon Smieja is the Vice President of Circularity at the Trellis Group. With a professional background that includes a PhD in Chemistry, Jon brings a wealth of knowledge in sustainability and circular economy. Since March 2022, he has been a pivotal force at Trellis Group, helping guide corporate practitioners in their fight against climate change. Jon is based in St. Paul, Minnesota, and is recognized for his expertise and thought leadership in developing actionable strategies towards a more sustainable future.
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Episode Summary:
In this engaging episode, Adam Peek converses with Jon Smieja, the Vice President of Circularity at the Trellis Group, about the evolving landscape of sustainability and circular economy. With his deep insights on the subject, Jon delves into the intricacies of the UN plastic treaty negotiations, the challenges posed by varied global standards on sustainability, and the critical role of policy in fostering innovation. The dialogue provides a comprehensive overview of current sustainability practices and policies, emphasizing the need for standardized regulations to enhance global cooperation.
Jon Smieja sheds light on the international efforts to curb plastic pollution, discussing his firsthand experience at recent global meetings in South Korea. He highlights the significant divide between high ambition countries aiming for production caps on plastics and nations focused solely on end-of-life management. As Jon breaks down these complex issues, he reflects on how upcoming policy actions could push for scaling sustainable innovations, ultimately seeking a level playing field for businesses. Echoing the essence of the circular economy, this episode provides insightful perspectives on the progress and ongoing negotiations in the climate change fight.
Key Takeaways:
The disparity between high ambition countries and others on managing plastic pollution is a central issue in global negotiations.
Circular economy initiatives necessitate both upstream production controls and enhanced downstream waste management solutions.
The role of policy as an innovation driver is crucial to scaling sustainable technologies and achieving global environmental goals.
Standardization in sustainability regulations is essential for clarity and effective implementation across nations.
Trellis Group events offer actionable insights for practitioners, facilitating collaboration among key stakeholders in sustainability.
Notable Quotes:
"You are an authority on the circular economy."
"There's too much… and keep it out of the environment."
"Policy can be a driver… then the costs come down."
"I always think of sort of policy and these sort of requirements as the father of innovation."
"We can address the current plastics challenge with waste management alone."
Resources:
Jon Smieja on LinkedIn
Trellis Group: trellis.net
Stay tuned for more episodes filled with enlightening discussions on the latest in sustainability and the circular economy. Listen to the full episode for an in-depth understanding of all topics covered and more inspiring content.
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