Trashy Goods Partner Circular Materials: An Inside Look

We adore working with our partner Circular Materials, a true creative force and “connector” in the sustainability realm, and talking with co-founder/CEO, Karsten Bleymehl, is always educational, enlightening, (and fun!) Recently, we got to chat with him about his business: the importance of partnership and collaboration, why circular economy principles are important, and how choosing the right material can transform a product “from blah to breakthrough.” 

MATERIALS NEVER DIE 

Circular Materials is on a mission to transform the way we manage and perceive waste. Rather than seeing discarded materials as the end of a product's lifecycle, this German-based company champions a future where resources are reused, ensuring that products and materials maintain their highest utility for as long as possible. 

Their innovative approach is deeply rooted in the principles of the circular economy — a regenerative system aimed at minimizing waste and making the most of existing resources. Circular Materials combines cutting-edge technology, deep material science expertise, and a commitment to sustainable design to offer solutions that close the loop. From advanced recycling processes to the reinvention of supply chains, the company partners with industries that don’t just reduce their environmental footprint, but reshape it entirely.  

And the company’s “Materials never die” philosophy is one that’s also right up our street. It’s a call to action for industries, governments, and consumers alike to rethink, redesign, and regenerate the world around us.  

A SIT-DOWN WITH KARSTEN BLEYMEHL OF CIRCULAR MATERIALS 

Can you talk about the importance of partnerships and collaboration in Circular Materials? 

Beside the reduction of waste through reuse and recycling of materials, radical collaboration across the globe is fundamental in driving the transition from a linear to a circular economy. Circular Economy is all about collaborating and managing flows of materials. The end of one product might be the beginning of another one. At Circular Materials, we focus on recycled or renewable resources from any industry. We develop and customize materials and products for our clients in order to decouple economic growth from material use supporting the regeneration of our precious ecosystem. 

Why is it important for brands to unlock their Circular Economy potential? 

Most people and corporations have understood that living on a planet that doesn’t provide ecosystem services anymore is a bad deal. Extended Producer Responsibilities (EPR) is addressed by many European laws since the 1980’s. It's getting more and more relevant for corporations to de-risk their operations and portfolio development to be ahead of regulation like e.g. Scope 3 carbon emissions that they’ll have to pay for in the near future. The right choice of materials can reduce Scope 3 emissions of a company up to 90%. So it’s doing good AND saving future costs. 

What strengths do you bring to your work with brand partners? 

I’ve been professionally selecting materials and technologies for world leading brands since 2005. We support R&D and design departments with our expertise in material selection and strategy planning. The selection of the right material can transform a product from “blah” to “break-through”. We are bringing together the best material producers/processors with the greatest brands to develop product innovations. It’s great to work in those interdisciplinary teams. You learn something new, every day, with each project. I like creating new things that make sense and have a positive impact on people and planet. 

Can you share what it was like to work with Trashy Goods? 

I was super happy when TG called us, asking for a collaboration. As a German-based company, we don’t get calls from the U.S. every day. I liked their drive and the approach of working with recycled materials only…and that they even dedicated their brand name to it. It felt, and obviously is, a great match! TG saw the potential of our proprietary Fibre Pellet technology to support their brand identity and products. The collaboration from product development to serial production was super fast, joyful, and efficient. No compromises on sustainability or quality. It’s been a point of pride that we have been able to move super-fast: from receiving TG´s first designs up until the initial products left the moulds. Plus, we love all the unique product designs!