Harald Friedl has spent his life answering one question: How can we create a world that actually works for everyone? From politics to business, from NGOs to leading global movements—his journey has been anything but ordinary. But through it all, one thing became clear: we’re climbing the wrong mountain.

For decades, we’ve been told that more consumption, more production, and more profit is the only way forward. But what if the entire system is broken? What if we’re heading towards a future where resources run dry, inequality deepens, and businesses collapse under their own weight?

Harald believes the answer lies in the Circular Economy—a system that stops waste before it starts, values collaboration over competition, and redefines prosperity beyond GDP. His mission? To inspire 111 million people to rethink the way we live, work, and consume.

In this episode, we break down:
🔥 Why 90% of deforestation is linked to our economic system
🚨 Why "greenwashing" is a massive threat to real progress
🌍 How we can move from awareness to real action—today
💡 The single biggest mindset shift we need for change

This conversation isn’t just about theory—it’s about real, tangible solutions. Harald doesn’t just talk about the future. He’s building it.

🔊 Listen now & rethink everything you know about the economy.

The design industry has long adhered to a “replace rather than repair” mentality, leading to 10 million tons of discarded furniture annually in Europe, with 90% ending up in landfills. In this episode we dive into the possibilities of circular design with Sabrina van Dongen, Managing Director of Furnify, a company dedicated to redefining interior design through circularity.

Founded by D/DOCK, Furnify transforms discarded materials into functional and aesthetic interiors, challenging the norms of linear consumption. In this episode of Circular Pioneers, Sabrina takes us behind the scenes of circular design, sharing insights into Furnify’s journey, the challenges of changing consumer behaviour, and the power of rethinking waste.

Why This Episode Matters: Circularity in design is not only an environmental necessity but also a creative challenge. Sabrina's leadership at Furnify highlights the potential for second-life furniture to disrupt traditional design practices without compromising on quality or aesthetics. As the conversation around sustainability grows, this episode serves as a powerful reminder of the responsibility—and opportunity—designers have to shape a greener future.

Key Highlights:

Reimagining Interiors with Circularity: Discover how Furnify integrates second-life materials to create interiors that are both sustainable and visually stunning.

The Story of DB55: Learn how this Amsterdam venue became a living example of circular design, showcasing the beauty and potential of reuse.

Overcoming Industry Challenges: Sabrina delves into the hurdles Furnify faces, from logistical barriers to shifting mind-sets, and how they tackle them head-on.

Changing the Narrative Around Consumption: Understand how storytelling and emotional connection can redefine how we value and care for materials.

The Role of Collaboration: Sabrina discusses the importance of partnerships and transparency in accelerating the adoption of circular design practices.

Conclusion: Sabrina van Dongen’s work at Furnify is a testament to the transformative power of design in creating a circular economy. By challenging conventional practices and emphasizing collaboration, Furnify is proving that sustainability and style can coexist. For designers, architects, and anyone interested in the future of interiors, this episode offers invaluable insights into how we can rethink waste and make circularity the norm.

Relevant Links: Sabrina van Dongen on LinkedIn: Sabrina's LinkedIn Furnify: Furnify Website D/DOCK: D/DOCK Website

In the upcoming episode of Circular Pioneers, Sabrina van Dongen, Managing Director of Furnify, shares how her team transforms discarded materials into stunning interiors. Stay tuned to learn more how Furnify challenges the 'throwaway' culture, redefines waste, and paves the way for a sustainable future in design.