Inconvenient Truths: Progress Comes with Trade-offs

Circularity is widely accepted. So why is only around 7% of the global economy actually circular?

Businesses increasingly recognise the commercial, environmental and strategic value of circular economy principles. Yet despite widespread agreement, progress remains slow. 

In this first episode of Inconvenient Truths, Granger Reis brings together senior leaders from across infrastructure, construction, sustainability and resource management to explore why. 

Rather than discussing whether circularity matters, this conversation asks a more difficult question:
If the case for circularity is so compelling, what is still preventing organisations from embracing it at scale?

Featured guests
 

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, Group Strategy Director of GRS; 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:

Our panel examines the realities that sit behind the headlines, including:

• 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.

Key takeaways

Circularity isn't failing because of a lack of ambition.

Most organisations understand why circularity matters. The challenge is embedding it into commercial models built around speed, volume and short-term performance.

Resilience may prove a stronger driver than sustainability.

Resource security, geopolitical instability and fragile supply chains are increasingly making circularity an economic necessity rather than simply an environmental ambition.

The incentives remain misaligned.

Many organisations are rewarded for selling more products rather than recovering more materials. Until commercial incentives change, progress will remain limited.

Leadership matters.

Waiting for regulation is unlikely to create meaningful change. Organisations prepared to redesign systems, rethink supply chains and invest early are more likely to build long-term competitive advantage.

Watch on Youtube, or listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

About 'Inconvenient Truths'

Inconvenient Truths is a Granger Reis podcast series exploring what happens when leadership ambition meets operational reality across complex industries.

Each episode brings together experienced leaders to examine the difficult decisions, competing priorities and trade-offs shaping the future of infrastructure, industry and the built environment.

No simple answers. No recycled talking points. Just honest conversations about the realities of progress.