Policy Meets Practice: Scaling Circularity Through Regulation

In this episode of Plastic Climate Future, we speak with Olivier Van Volden, a leading expert in plastics regulation and circular policy across Belgium and the EU. With a PhD in polymer science and a career spanning sustainable logistics, packaging legislation, and industry advocacy, Olivier shares how regulation can both enable and challenge the transition toward circularity.

This episode also marks a milestone for our team: for the first time, Pedro Guincho steps behind the microphone to lead the discussion.

Together, they explore what it takes to align EU legislation with on-the-ground innovation — and why the path to a circular future remains full of roadblocks.

What we explore:

How the EU’s Green Deal and packaging rules are influencing innovation

Why complexity and uncertainty are holding back circular scale-up

The risk of losing industrial leadership to other global regions

What a more effective, purpose-driven regulatory framework could look like

🎧 Listen to the full episode on Spotify or Apple Podcasts!