Circular Colorado, which designed and runs the Circular Economy Development Center (CEDC), presented at Circularity 2025, the leading circular economy conference that took place April 29 to May 1 at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver. With more than 1,500 professionals from across industries in attendance, the event focused on forging a just, resilient, and regenerative economy — and we were right at the heart of the conversation.
A Proven Model for Circular Success
The Circular Colorado team led the session titled “Lessons from Colorado: A Proven Model for Advancing the Circular Economy.” The interactive session unpacked how Colorado is turning bold circularity ambitions into tangible outcomes. The session explored how a neutral, central organization can drive cross-sector collaboration and help businesses move from strategy to execution.
Key takeaways from the session included:
- Real-world project highlights
- Frameworks for implementing circular solutions
- Replicable models for other states and regions
Featured Leaders
The session brought together a panel of sustainability champions and innovators who are shaping the future of circularity in Colorado and beyond:
– Laurie Johnson, Founder & CEO, Circular Colorado
– Eric Davis, CEO, Pretred
– Anirban Ghosh, Senior Manager, Saint-Gobain
– Anita Schwartz, President, Circularity Consulting Inc./Pyxera Global
– Peter Whitcomb, CEO, Tersus Solutions
– Alice Havill, Founding Partner, Fractal Climate
– Margery Brown, COO, Circular Colorado
– Adam Hill, CEO, Direct Polymers
– Mitch Best, Managing Partner, Brave Industries
– Jeff Stalter, Program Manager, Colorado Circular Communities
Showcasing the Model: From Idea to Implementation
The session featured the step-by-step Circular Model Guide that outlines the phases of building a successful circular initiative — from Discover to Define & Plan, then Activate and Launch. The roadmap has already helped organizations transition from strategic intentions to practical results, thanks to the support and structure provided by the CEDC.
Spotlight on Circular Projects
Attendees got a closer look at groundbreaking circular projects, including:
- Saint-Gobain’s closed-loop materials system, addressing on-the-ground execution for shingles and siding.
- Pretred’s recycled rubber barriers, the first major initiative funded through the Colorado Circular Communities Enterprise (C3).
- Pyxera’s E-Waste Loop and innovation hub, tackling electronics recovery.
- Tersus Solution’s textile recommerce technologies, creating circular lifecycles for garments.
Circular Solution Pitch & Vetting
To round out the session, speakers served as a vetting panel for a new rPET pellet plant proposal in Colorado. The goal was to demonstrate the CEDC’s role in evaluating, validating, and supporting scalable circular ventures through real-time feedback and collaboration.
13 wise remarks overheard at Circularity 25
“If you want manufacturing in your state, what better way to start than with feedstock that’s already available in your state?”
— Alice Havill, founding partner, Fractal Climate