From tires and textiles to plastics and wood, Circular Colorado is helping the state reimagine waste as a valuable resource—laying the foundation for a more resilient circular economy.
A recent article from The Colorado Sun spotlighted Blazin’ Joe, a startup that transforms coffee waste into firestarter bricks and the winner of the NextCycle Colorado 2025 pitch competition. Blazin’ Joe exemplifies the kind of ingenuity that’s flourishing in Colorado’s new circular landscape—one where waste is seen not as a problem but as an opportunity.
According to Laurie Johnson, the CEO and founder of Circular Colorado, “Colorado has become this hot spot, which is great … We went from being at the tail end of recycling and sustainability, so it’s really fun to watch Colorado become a leader in circularity.”
It’s a transformation made possible by a combination of forward-thinking policies and on-the-ground action.
Circular Colorado is leading this action through innovative solutions and programs like the Circular Economy Development Center (CEDC). The center’s mission is to accelerate circular economy solutions by facilitating connections between manufacturers, processors and recyclers and providing technical assistance and guidance throughout their business lifecycle.
Additionally, Colorado’s recent packaging producer responsibility law and other programs have also helped to create a fertile environment for circular businesses. But Johnson is clear: policy alone isn’t enough.
“We need to expand end markets in Colorado,” she explains. Without viable outlets for recycled or repurposed materials, even the most ambitious diversion goals can fall flat. That’s where Circular Colorado steps in—facilitating relationships, driving investment, and building the infrastructure needed to make circularity work at scale.
“We are out here to take action and get things done … We really are the boots on the ground to connect the players within the circular ecosystem.”
While startups like Blazin’ Joe and SURPStone, the winner of the People’s Choice Award at the NextCycle Colorado 2025 pitch competition represent the creative energy of Colorado’s circular entrepreneurs, organizations like Circular Colorado ensure that these ideas can succeed within a broader system—one that’s aligned, equipped, and ready to grow.
In Laurie Johnson’s words: “We’re helping to create the conditions where circular business models can succeed—not just in niche markets, but across Colorado’s economy.”