Coffee Chats - Circular Economy and Industrial Symbiosis: From Efficiency to Opportunity

Coffee Chats is a monthly virtual series hosted by Economic Alliance Snohomish County that connects the public and local businesses to critical discussions shaping Snohomish County’s economy. 

Join Economic Alliance Snohomish County (EASC) for Circular Economy and Industrial Symbiosis: From Efficiency to Opportunity, part of our Coffee Chats series in partnership with 425 Business, on Tuesday, August 11 from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. via Zoom.

As supply chains, resource costs, and sustainability expectations continue to evolve, businesses across industries are exploring circular economy strategies and industrial symbiosis as practical approaches to improving efficiency, reducing waste, and unlocking new economic opportunities. This timely conversation will examine how connecting material, energy, and resource flows across sectors can strengthen regional competitiveness while creating operational and business value.

The program will begin with a featured presentation from Kyle Gitchell, Circular Economy Development Director with the Washington State Department of Commerce, who leads the state's circular economy initiatives. Kyle will provide an overview of Washington's emerging circular economy strategy, the role of industrial symbiosis in driving business innovation, and opportunities for employers to improve resource efficiency, strengthen supply chains, and enhance long-term competitiveness.

Kyle will then be joined by a panel of regional experts, including Bryce Hesterman, Senior Consultant and Director of Business Development for NextCycle Washington, Joel Lippold, Director of Composites at the Composite Recycling Technology Center (CRTC), and a representative from the Center for Sustainable Infrastructure (CSI). Together, they'll explore how businesses are putting circular economy principles into practice through innovative material reuse, cross-sector partnerships, technical assistance, and real-world solutions that strengthen both business performance and regional economic resilience.

Through this conversation, attendees will gain insight into how cross-sector collaboration can transform operational efficiency into innovation, resilience, and long-term economic opportunity for regional industry. Panelists will share practical examples of industrial symbiosis in action, discuss strategies for identifying shared-value opportunities, and highlight how organizations can strengthen supply chain resilience while supporting sustainable economic growth.

This session is ideal for manufacturers, industry leaders, sustainability professionals, economic development partners, utilities, workforce organizations, and community stakeholders interested in advancing business resilience and regional competitiveness through circular economy strategies.

Free to attend | Registration required to receive Zoom link

Interested in Sponsoring Coffee Chats?

Sponsoring Coffee Chats offers visibility among business leaders, community members, and industry experts, positioning your company as a leader in addressing key local issues. It provides a platform to engage with a diverse audience, enhance brand recognition, and contribute to meaningful discussions that impact the economy. Click here to learn more!