How can design help tackle the global e-waste challenge?

In this episode, Katie Morgenroth, Head of Sustainable Design at Google, explains how her team works across hardware products like Pixel, Nest, and Fitbit to reduce environmental impact. She shares Google's approach to using recycled materials in metals and textiles, extending software support to make devices last longer, and developing 100% plastic-free packaging.

Katie describes the collaborative work with engineers, materials scientists, and supply chain teams needed to redesign products for repairability and durability, and emphasizes the value of sharing design guides and learnings openly. She also talks about using storytelling and exhibitions to make circular design visible, and why embracing “progress over perfection” is essential for industry-wide change.

This episode is part of the Circular Design Summit series, a Circularity.fm series in collaboration with the German Design Council.

People Katie Morgenroth, Head of Sustainable Design at Google https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiemorgenroth/

Chapters 00:00 Intro 01:19 Katie's Background and Google's Design Philosophy 05:58 Sustainable Design Practices at Google 06:49 Case Studies: Google Home Mini and Pixel Phones 08:48 Innovations in Materials and Packaging 12:39 Focus on Repair and Durability 14:44 Plastic-Free Packaging Initiative 19:00 Future Goals and Net Zero Emissions by 2030 22:36 Collaborative Workshops and Industry Insights

About Google is a leading American technology company renowned for its dominance in internet search, online advertising, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence. Founded in 1998, Google has grown into one of the world’s most influential and valuable brands, serving billions of users with products like Search, Gmail, YouTube, and Android.

As a subsidiary of Alphabet Inc. since 2015, Google continues to expand its reach across digital services and platforms. In addition to its software and internet services, Google has made substantial investments in hardware, producing devices such as Pixel smartphones, smart speakers, and wearables, establishing a multibillion-dollar hardware business in recent years.

Further Links https://www.german-design-council.de/aktivitaeten/circular-design-summit One-page Summary Sign-up for the Circularity.fm Newsletter and get a summary with the take-aways of this episode. Register here: https://circularity.fm/earth-compatible-by-katie-morgenroth-from-google-circular-design-summit-2025/