The Human Side of Circular Economy – Mihaela Stefanescu (UNFCCC)

WAYS – Ecodesign Encounters from the Field



Episode #6 – The Human Side of Circular Economy – Mihaela
Stefanescu (UNFCCC)


About WAYS


WAYS explores real-world experiences at the intersection of
ecodesign, circular economy, product sustainability and the
systems that help make sustainable transformation possible.



Who This Episode Is For


Relevant for sustainability professionals, policy makers, product
teams, circular economy practitioners and anyone interested in
the connection between climate action and product design.



About the Guest


Mihaela Stefanescu


Circular Economy and Climate Governance Expert | UNFCCC Roster of
Experts | Senior Counselor to the Romanian Ministry of
Environment, Waters and Forests
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mihaela-stefanescu-9b76702/



About the Host


Wolfgang Steiner


Founder & Owner, Ecoviator


https://www.linkedin.com/in/wolfgangsteiner/


https://www.ecoviator.com


Summary


In this episode, Wolfgang speaks with Mihaela Stefanescu about
the relationship between circular economy, climate policy and
product design.


Mihaela shares insights from her work on circular economy policy
and as a nominated expert on the United Nations Framework
Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) roster of experts
supporting technical reviews under the Paris Agreement.


Together they explore why circularity is essential for achieving
climate goals, why waste is often the result of design decisions
made long before a product reaches consumers, and why
repairability, transparency and material choices play a crucial
role in creating more sustainable systems.


The conversation also highlights a theme often overlooked in
technical discussions: circular economy is not only a challenge
of technology and regulation, but also one of governance,
education, trust and human behaviour.


Topics Discussed


• Circular economy and climate action


• The role of the UNFCCC and Paris Agreement


• Why waste is often a design problem


• Repairability and product longevity


• Material choices and product sustainability


• Transparency and Digital Product Passports


• Building trust across countries and value chains


• The human side of circular economy


Presented by Ecoviator


Your Journey Companion for the Twin Transformation of Products


https://www.ecoviator.com


Music Credits:
“Lullaby | Hip-Hop Instrumental” by kontraamusic
Source: Freesound.org
Licensed under Creative Commons CC0