The ‘cradle to cradle’ approach is based on design principles that envision a waste-free economy in which companies no longer use materials harmful to human health and the environment. Instead, all components of products should be healthy and reusable.
The concept implies beneficial design, quality and innovation, enabling “...safe and potentially infinite circulation of materials and nutrients in cycles” (EPEA, 2021). The goal is not only to minimize negative impact but, at the same time, to leave a positive ecological footprint.
The approach differentiates between a biological cycle and a technical cycle.
The oragnisation Cradle2Cradle NGO promotes and establishes the concept in our society by connecting relevant players.
BIOLOGICAL CYCLE
In the biological cycle, consumables such as fibre, biodegradable packaging or cleaning agents are used until safely returned to the biosphere. After their use, they undergo a process of biodegradation - turning into compost or other materials that can be used for new products.
TECHNICAL CYCLE
In the technical cycle, consumer goods like electronic items are circulating. Already optimized during the phase of design and manufacturing, these products are, from the beginning, constructed as material resources for use in a new product. In other words, the components of a product can be sorted, and the material can be reintroduced to the cycle of another product.
The approach promotes renewable energy sources, supports cultural, social, biological and conceptual diversity, and prioritizes context-specific solutions.
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