Cradle to cradle - the perfect cycle
From a throwaway mentality to a sustainable mindset: the cradle-to-cradle principle offers a sustainable approach for a consistent circular economy.
"Cradle to cradle" means "from the cradle to the cradle" - in other words, from origin to origin. The cradle-to-cradle principle stands for a consistent and waste-free circular economy in which raw materials can be reused - without harming the environment.
In 2002, German chemist Michael Braungart developed the vision of the perfect cycle together with US architect William McDonough. They orientated themselves on nature - because it leaves no waste behind in its biological cycles.
Cradle-to-cradle vs. cradle-to-grave
Unfortunately, our society has developed in exactly the opposite direction. We are currently living in a "throwaway society" that produces a lot of waste between fast food and fast fashion. This cycle is also known as "cradle-to-grave", which translates as "from the cradle to the grave".
Items that are still in working order end up in the rubbish and future generations will continue to have to deal with the problem of waste. The aim is not just to shift down a gear, but to create a continuous cycle for sustainable production. The aim is not only to prioritise the initial purpose of a product, but also to incorporate possibilities for the reuse of raw materials right from the development stage.
Biological and technical cycle
The cradle-to-cradle principle distinguishes between two closed cycles: the biological cycle and the technical cycle. The resources of both cycles are returned to the respective cycle after use.
The biological cycle
Consumer goods are designed from the outset to be reusable in the biological cycle. These can be compostable products made from organic material, such as compostable T-shirts, cosmetic products or packaging. The company Trigema for example, has a compostable T-shirt in its range.
The technical cycle of sustainability
Technical consumer goods are all about the recovery of "technical nutrients". Chemical or mechanical processes can be used to reuse consumer goods. The company Steelcase for example, offers the "Think" office chair, whose fabric is 100% compostable. The remaining components can be recycled.
What role does wood play in the cradle-to-cradle principle?
As wood is a natural material, it can be returned to the biological cycle - completely. Even entire houses made of wood are no longer a rarity. The manufacturer Thoma, for example, offers the "Holz100 houses", which are free from toxic building chemicals and are completely geared towards sustainability(https://www.thoma.at/holzhaus/holz100/).
Wood is not only used in the construction of houses, but also for fittings such as windows and doors. The wooden door is a classic in PRÜM's diverse range. In door production, PRÜM favours the conscious use of natural resources. Sustainable energy policy is also of central importance at PRÜM. Reducing energy consumption is an important part of the company's policy.
We are eco-certified
Another focus at PRÜM in 2020: the successful completion of eco-certification. For over 30 years, eco-INSTITUT has been one of the most experienced laboratories for indoor analyses in Germany. Products are tested for product emissions, odour and ingredients. An eco certificate is only awarded to manufacturers who regularly undergo strict controls and whose products are low in emissions. PRÜM now bears the eco certificate. The results showed hardly any emissions and pollutants. The German seal of quality is a sign of the best possible health protection.
Energy and resource efficiency at PRÜM
Using energy efficiently and thus saving valuable resources and expenditure is a central goal of the door manufacturer PRÜM. With this goal in mind, we consistently and continuously drive the energy-saving process forward.
PRÜM's energy management team works every day to analyse energy and resource efficiency holistically and take it into account at every step of the process.
PRÜM is certified in accordance with the ISO 50001 energy management system. Ongoing energy audits ensure that the level achieved to date does not fall, but is further improved. An additional positive effect of saving energy is the reduction of CO².
Creative ideas for more sustainability
PRÜM is in good company here, as more and more companies are becoming more sustainable. The inventors of the cradle-to-cradle principle are calling on us to continue to invest all our creativity in innovative developments of the principle. So that the vision of a waste-free economy, in which all materials are permanently integrated into natural cycles, does not remain a vision, but represents the new reality.
Further links
https://reset.org/wissen/cradle-cradle-recycling-rund-gemacht
