SUSTAINX: Leaders in Sustainability – Details, episodes & analysis

Circular product design is the key to moving sustainability beyond greenwashing to achieve true environmental impact.

In this episode, host Sven Steinert sits down with Dr. Jan Christoph von der Lancken, Managing Director at EPEA GmbH, to explore the revolutionary "Cradle to Cradle" framework, and how it is transforming circular product design. Dr. Jan Christoph von der Lancken highlights the critical shift from waste to nutrient-based thinking and offers actionable insights for companies aiming to achieve genuine sustainability.

You'll learn:

1. The foundational principles of the "Cradle to Cradle" concept
2. Key steps to initiate circular product design in your organisation
3. How the chemical perspective can transform product specifications for sustainability
4. The importance of designing products for service rather than mere longevity
5. Real-world examples of companies successfully implementing circular design strategies

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Get in touch with Dr. Jan Christoph van der Lancken on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-jan-von-der-lancken-6302451b3/

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Details about EPEA GmbH:
Website: https://www.epea.com
Industry: Business Consulting and Services
Company size: 51-200 employees
Founded: 1987

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About the host Sven Steinert:
Sven Steinert is the CEO of SUSTAINX | The Sustainability Leaders Community, and Partner and Sustainability Lead at H&Z Management Consulting. To Sven, sustainability is not just a buzzword – it’s about making real changes for a sustainable future. His goal is to help companies reduce their environmental footprint and embrace circularity. Sven is passionate about ice hockey, and exploring new cultures to enrich his understanding of the world and diverse ways of life.

Get in touch with Sven Steinert on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/svensteinert/

Want to connect with like-minded sustainability professionals in a collaborative space? Join our online community at sustainx.bettermode.io.

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The SUSTAINX: Leaders in Sustainability Podcast is powered by H&Z Management Consulting in collaboration with SAWOO. 

Unlock the secrets of turning sustainability from a regulatory necessity into a business edge.

In the first episode of SUSTAINX: Leaders in Sustainability, host Sven Steinert is joined by Vanessa Seipp, Sustainability & Governance Expert Strategic Procurement at Siemens Healthineers. Vanessa shares insights on how to integrate sustainability into procurement processes, the real challenges of implementation, and why cross-functional collaboration is vital for driving sustainability forward.


You'll learn:

1. How to integrate sustainability into procurement to meet environmental and social standards.
2. Strategies for promoting sustainability across an organisation.

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Get in touch with Vanessa Seipp on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessa-seipp-28a578127/

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Details about Siemens Healthineers:
Website: https://siemens-healthineers.com
Industry: Hospitals and Health Care
Size: 10,001+ employees

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About the host Sven Steinert:
Sven Steinert is the CEO of SUSTAINX | The Sustainability Leaders Community, and Partner and Sustainability Lead at H&Z Management Consulting. To Sven, sustainability is not just a buzzword – it’s about making real changes for a sustainable future. His goal is to help companies reduce their environmental footprint and embrace circularity. Sven is passionate about ice hockey, and exploring new cultures to enrich his understanding of the world and diverse ways of life.

Get in touch with Sven Steinert on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/svensteinert/

Want to connect with like-minded sustainability professionals in a collaborative space? Join our online community at sustainx.bettermode.io.

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The SUSTAINX: Leaders in Sustainability Podcast is powered by H&Z Management Consulting in collaboration with SAWOO. 

Forget about ticking boxes. Sustainability is now the driving force behind successful, future-ready companies.

In this episode, Sven Steinert talks to Change and Transformation Director Carolle Müller (Ex Merck) to explore the critical role sustainability plays in modern business strategy. Carolle explains why sustainability is not just a compliance topic, but the key to future-proof transformation and long-term success, impacting everything from profitability to talent acquisition. Drawing from her vast experience, she offers insights on driving sustainable change in corporate culture and embedding sustainability at every level of business operations.

You'll learn:

1. Why a corporate sustainability culture must address environmental, social and economic factors to be truly effective
2. How leadership can fully integrate sustainability into every aspect of business strategy
3. Why businesses must move beyond compliance to stay competitive
4. How the role of sustainability managers will transform across organisations
5. Why sustainability will soon define business viability, influencing profitability and the ability to attract top talent 

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Get in touch with Carolle Müller on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolle-müller/

View Carolle Müller's freelancer profile on https://www.sustypeople.com/, a platform connecting sustainability professionals with organisations seeking expert talent.

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About the host Sven Steinert:
Sven Steinert is the CEO of SUSTAINX | The Sustainability Leaders Community, and Partner and Sustainability Lead at H&Z Management Consulting. To Sven, sustainability is not just a buzzword – it’s about making real changes for a sustainable future. His goal is to help companies reduce their environmental footprint and embrace circularity. Sven is passionate about ice hockey, and exploring new cultures to enrich his understanding of the world and diverse ways of life.

Get in touch with Sven Steinert on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/svensteinert/

Want to connect with like-minded sustainability professionals in a collaborative space? Join our online community at sustainx.bettermode.io.

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The SUSTAINX: Leaders in Sustainability Podcast is powered by H&Z Management Consulting in collaboration with SAWOO. 

ALDI SOUTH Group has set ambitious sustainability goals, but how do they bring suppliers along for the journey? Get inside their game-changing tactics.

In this episode, host Sven Steinert talks with Sandra Körger, Director of International Sustainability at ALDI SOUTH Group, about the retailer’s ambitious global sustainability strategy. Sandra explains how ALDI SOUTH Group is embedding sustainability across the business, from working closely with suppliers to turning sustainability reporting into a foundation for meaningful progress. Discover how this global leader is making sustainability affordable and accessible on a massive scale.


You'll learn:

1. The six key dimensions of ALDI SOUTH Group’s global sustainability strategy
2. How ALDI SOUTH Group collaborates with suppliers to embed sustainability throughout their supply chain
3. The strategic role of sustainability reporting as a baseline for driving change
4. ALDI SOUTH Group’s approach to human rights and environmental impact in their supply chains
5. The biggest challenges in scaling sustainable practices and how ALDI SOUTH Group is tackling them

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Get in touch with Sandra Körger on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandra-koerger/

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Details about ALDI SOUTH Group:
Website: https://aldi-sued-holding-careers.com/
Industry: Retail
Company size: 1,001-5,000 employees

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About the host Sven Steinert:
Sven Steinert is the CEO of SUSTAINX | The Sustainability Leaders Community, and Partner and Sustainability Lead at H&Z Management Consulting. To Sven, sustainability is not just a buzzword – it’s about making real changes for a sustainable future. His goal is to help companies reduce their environmental footprint and embrace circularity. Sven is passionate about ice hockey, and exploring new cultures to enrich his understanding of the world and diverse ways of life.

Get in touch with Sven Steinert on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/svensteinert/

Want to connect with like-minded sustainability professionals in a collaborative space? Join our online community at sustainx.bettermode.io.

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The SUSTAINX: Leaders in Sustainability Podcast is powered by H&Z Management Consulting in collaboration with SAWOO. 

Discover how Viessmann Climate Solutions is leveraging circular design and bold strategies to lead the global market in net zero innovation.

In this episode, Sven Steinert talks with Jahanzeb Tariq, Global Manager of Product Sustainability and Circularity at Viessmann Climate Solutions. Jahanzeb explains how Viessmann, now part of Carrier Global, is driving decarbonisation with unique circular design strategies that adapt across continents. He also highlights the global challenges of climate change, from floods in Pakistan to navigating diverse sustainability regulations—all while staying focused on achieving net zero.


You'll learn:

1. What net zero means in industrial solutions and how Viessmann Climate Solutions' approach stands out globally
2. The company's strategies for decarbonising their diverse product portfolio
3. How circular product design is reshaping the company's product development process
4. The impact of climate change on developing regions
5. How the company is navigating a corporate merger without losing sight of its sustainability goals

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Get in touch with Jahanzeb Tariq on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jahanzebtariq/

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Details about Viessmann Climate Solutions:
Website: https://www.viessmann-climatesolutions.com
Industry: Industrial Machinery Manufacturing
Company size: 10,001+ employees
Headquarters: Allendorf, Hesse
Founded: 1917

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About the host Sven Steinert:
Sven Steinert is the CEO of SUSTAINX | The Sustainability Leaders Community, and Partner and Sustainability Lead at H&Z Management Consulting. To Sven, sustainability is not just a buzzword – it’s about making real changes for a sustainable future. His goal is to help companies reduce their environmental footprint and embrace circularity. Sven is passionate about ice hockey, and exploring new cultures to enrich his understanding of the world and diverse ways of life.

Get in touch with Sven Steinert on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/svensteinert/

Want to connect with like-minded sustainability professionals in a collaborative space? Join our online community at sustainx.bettermode.io.

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The SUSTAINX: Leaders in Sustainability Podcast is powered by H&Z Management Consulting in collaboration with SAWOO. 

How do we build a future where sustainability isn’t just a goal but the foundation of better business?

In this episode, host Sven Steinert welcomes Frank Jensen, owner and third-generation leader at Søren Jensen, a pioneering building engineering consultancy at the forefront of regenerative construction. Frank, who recently co-founded the Aarhus Centre for Regenerative Building with Aarhus University and Aarhus School of Architecture, shares his vision for a regenerative future where businesses operate within planetary boundaries, while actively contributing to environmental and societal wellbeing.


You'll learn:
1. How sustainability can drive better business outcomes
2. Why questioning outdated norms and rethinking what’s necessary is vital for innovation
3. The power of proactive design over reactive solutions
4. What makes visionary leadership essential for meaningful change
5. How long-term thinking can create a thriving, sustainable future

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Get in touch with Frank Jensen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frank-jensen-77094a/

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Details about Søren Jensen:
Website: https://www.sj.dk/
Industry: Civil Engineering
Company size: 51-200 employees
Headquarters: Aarhus, Denmark
Founded: 1945

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About the host Sven Steinert:
Sven Steinert is the CEO of SUSTAINX | The Sustainability Leaders Community, and Partner and Sustainability Lead at H&Z Management Consulting. To Sven, sustainability is not just a buzzword – it’s about making real changes for a sustainable future. His goal is to help companies reduce their environmental footprint and embrace circularity. Sven is passionate about ice hockey, and exploring new cultures to enrich his understanding of the world and diverse ways of life.

Get in touch with Sven Steinert on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/svensteinert/

Want to connect with like-minded sustainability professionals in a collaborative space? Join our online community at sustainx.bettermode.io.

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The SUSTAINX: Leaders in Sustainability Podcast is powered by H&Z Management Consulting in collaboration with SAWOO. 

Is your sustainability strategy truly integrated into your business DNA?

In this episode, host Sven Steinert talks to Susanne Horn, Director of Corporate Development at DEHN SE, about embedding sustainability into corporate strategy. Susanne shares how DEHN SE drives innovation by reducing material use, co-developing digital product passports, and collaborating with suppliers and industry peers. Learn how these actions are seamlessly integrated into the company’s operations and how DEHN SE turns regulatory requirements into opportunities for groundbreaking solutions.

You'll learn:

1. How embedding sustainability into corporate strategy creates lasting impact.
2. Why partnerships with suppliers, customers, and industry peers drive innovation.
3. How sustainability influences customer decisions and builds market advantage.
4. Why regulations are just the starting point for meaningful sustainability efforts.

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Get in touch with Susanne Horn on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susanne-horn-58b176108/

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Details about DEHN SE:
Website: https://www.dehn.de
Industry: Appliances, Electrical, and Electronics Manufacturing
Company size: 1,001-5,000 employees
Founded: 1910

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About the host Sven Steinert:
Sven Steinert is the CEO of SUSTAINX | The Sustainability Leaders Community, and Partner and Sustainability Lead at H&Z Management Consulting. To Sven, sustainability is not just a buzzword – it’s about making real changes for a sustainable future. His goal is to help companies reduce their environmental footprint and embrace circularity. Sven is passionate about ice hockey, and exploring new cultures to enrich his understanding of the world and diverse ways of life.

Get in touch with Sven Steinert on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/svensteinert/

Want to connect with like-minded sustainability professionals in a collaborative space? Join our online community at sustainx.bettermode.io.

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The SUSTAINX: Leaders in Sustainability Podcast is powered by H&Z Management Consulting in collaboration with SAWOO. 

Transformative change needs diverse voices. Discover how Dr. Saskia Juretzek is empowering women to shape the future of sustainability.

In this episode, Sven Steinert welcomes Dr. Saskia Juretzek, Advisory Council Member at Futurewoman and author of "Nachhaltige Karriere: Mit dem richtigen Job die Welt verändern." They discuss the pivotal role of women in driving sustainability, Dr. Juretzek’s transition from management consulting to sustainability leadership, and the mission behind Futurewoman. Explore what it takes to thrive as a sustainability manager, the skills needed to make an impact, and why inclusive leadership is key to accelerating progress.


You'll learn:

1. The role of women in driving transformative change in sustainability
2. The essential skills for aspiring sustainability managers
3. How Futurewoman creates visibility and opportunities for women leaders
4. Why taking courageous steps can lead to a rewarding career in sustainability
5. The impact of a strong network in overcoming industry challenges

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Get in touch with Dr. Saskia Juretzek on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saskiajuretzek/

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Details about Futurewoman:
Website: https://www.futurewoman.de/
Industry: Public Relations and Communications Services
Company size: 2-10 employees
Headquarters: Munich, Bavaria (relocating to Cologne in the near future)
Founded: 2020

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About the host Sven Steinert:
Sven Steinert is the CEO of SUSTAINX | The Sustainability Leaders Community, and Partner and Sustainability Lead at H&Z Management Consulting. To Sven, sustainability is not just a buzzword – it’s about making real changes for a sustainable future. His goal is to help companies reduce their environmental footprint and embrace circularity. Sven is passionate about ice hockey, and exploring new cultures to enrich his understanding of the world and diverse ways of life.

Get in touch with Sven Steinert on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/svensteinert/

Want to connect with like-minded sustainability professionals in a collaborative space? Join our online community at sustainx.bettermode.io.

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The SUSTAINX: Leaders in Sustainability Podcast is powered by H&Z Management Consulting in collaboration with SAWOO. 

Discover how Bayer Crop Science is driving a new era in global agriculture with innovative sustainability strategies and strong partnerships.

Join host Sven Steinert as he sits down with Tomás Zaborowski, Global Head of Sustainability Excellence at Bayer Crop Science. Tomás explains the company's comprehensive approach to revolutionising agriculture through regenerative practices and advanced technology. From securing leadership buy-in to building impactful partnerships with farmers, he breaks down the strategic pillars that support sustainable transformation.


You'll learn:

1. How to gain management support for sustainability initiatives
2. Effective strategies for collaborating with suppliers and stakeholders
3. Must-have skills for sustainability leaders
4. The evolving role of AI in sustainability strategies
5. Practical examples of overcoming challenges in large-scale sustainability projects

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Get in touch with Tomás Zaborowski on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomaszabo/

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Details about Bayer Crop Science:
Website: https://www.bayer.com/
Industry: Chemical Manufacturing
Company size: 10,001+ employees
Headquarters: Leverkusen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany

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About the host Sven Steinert:
Sven Steinert is the CEO of SUSTAINX | The Sustainability Leaders Community, and Partner and Sustainability Lead at H&Z Management Consulting. To Sven, sustainability is not just a buzzword – it’s about making real changes for a sustainable future. His goal is to help companies reduce their environmental footprint and embrace circularity. Sven is passionate about ice hockey, and exploring new cultures to enrich his understanding of the world and diverse ways of life.

Get in touch with Sven Steinert on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/svensteinert/

Want to connect with like-minded sustainability professionals in a collaborative space? Join our online community at sustainx.bettermode.io.

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The SUSTAINX: Leaders in Sustainability Podcast is powered by H&Z Management Consulting in collaboration with SAWOO. 

Can sports drive the next wave of sustainability transformation?

In this episode, host Sven Steinert welcomes Max Sorst, Senior Director of Sustainability at SPORTFIVE, to uncover how sports can catalyse sustainability efforts worldwide. Max shares his journey of building a sustainability function from scratch at SPORTFIVE, tackling the industry's inherent challenges and leveraging sports’ emotional appeal to promote meaningful change.


You'll learn:

1. How SPORTFIVE built a sustainability function from scratch
2. Why leadership support is key to sustainability success
3. The role of partnerships in delivering real sustainability impact
4. Why diversity, equity, and inclusion in sports are critical for accelerating sustainability efforts
5. The future role of sports in shaping global sustainability conversations

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Get in touch with Max Sorst on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/max-sorst-817539ab/

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About the host Sven Steinert:
Sven Steinert is the CEO of SUSTAINX | The Sustainability Leaders Community, and Partner and Sustainability Lead at H&Z Management Consulting. To Sven, sustainability is not just a buzzword – it’s about making real changes for a sustainable future. His goal is to help companies reduce their environmental footprint and embrace circularity. Sven is passionate about ice hockey, and exploring new cultures to enrich his understanding of the world and diverse ways of life.

Get in touch with Sven Steinert on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/svensteinert/

Want to connect with like-minded sustainability professionals in a collaborative space? Join our online community at sustainx.bettermode.io.

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The SUSTAINX: Leaders in Sustainability Podcast is powered by H&Z Management Consulting in collaboration with SAWOO.