Cradle to Cradle – the principle of closed-loop material cycles
In contrast to the throwaway mentality, the Cradle-to-Cradle principle offers an approach to a consistent circular economy.
‘Cradle to Cradle’ translates as ‘from cradle to cradle’ – that is, from origin to origin. The Cradle-to-Cradle principle describes the design of products and materials with the aim of returning them to biological and technical cycles after use.
In 2002, the German chemist Michael Braungart, together with the American architect William McDonough, developed the vision of the perfect cycle. They took their inspiration from nature – because nature 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 currently live in the midst of a ‘throwaway society’ that produces a significant amount of waste, from fast food to fast fashion. This cycle is also known as the ‘cradle-to-grave’ cycle.
Items that are still in working order end up in the bin, and future generations will continue to have to grapple with the problem of waste. It is not only a matter of slowing down, but of creating closed-loop systems. The aim is not only to prioritise a product’s primary determination, but to incorporate possibilities for reusing raw materials right from the development stage.
Biological and technical cycle
The Cradle-to-Cradle principle distinguishes between two self-contained cycles: the biological cycle and the technical cycle. The resources from both cycles are returned to their respective cycles after use.
The biological cycle
Consumer goods are designed from the outset to be reusable within the biological cycle. These can be compostable products made from organic material, such as compostable T-shirts, cosmetic products or packaging. Trigema, for example, offers a compostable T-shirt.
The technical cycle
In the case of technical consumer goods, the focus is on the recovery of ‘technical nutrients’. Through chemical or mechanical processes, consumer goods can be reused in a meaningful way. The enterprise Steelcase, for example, offers the ‘Think’ office chair, the fabric of which is 100 per cent compostable. The remaining parts can be recycled.
The importance of wood in the cradle-to-cradle principle
As wood is a natural material, it can be returned to the biological cycle. Even entire houses made of wood are no longer a rarity. The producer Thoma, for example, offers ‘Holz100 Häuser’, which are free from glue, metal or chemicals and thus rely completely on wood.
Wood is not only used in the construction of houses, but also in fittings such as windows and doors. The wooden door is a classic in PRÜM’s diverse offer. In its door production, PRÜM focuses not only on the responsible sourcing of wood (Chain of Custody certifications from FSC® and PEFC) but also on the efficient use of the raw material, for example through optimisation of manufacturing processes and production that is as error-free as possible.
PRÜM products are tested for harmful substances
Another centre of gravity for PRÜM in 2020 was the successful completion of eco-INSTITUT certification. For over 30 years, the eco-INSTITUT has been one of Germany’s most experienced laboratories for indoor air analysis. Products are tested for emissions, odour and constituents. An eco-certificate is only awarded to producers who regularly undergo strict controls regarding emissions and constituents that pose a health risk. The results showed virtually no emissions or aggressive substances. The German quality seal is regarded as a mark of the best possible protection for health.
Energy and resource efficiency at PRÜM
Using energy efficiently, thereby saving precious resources and reducing costs, is a key objective for the door manufacturers PRÜM. With this objective in mind, we consistently and continuously drive forward our energy-saving initiatives.
PRÜM’s energy management team works day in, day out to analyse energy and resource efficiency holistically and to consider it at every stage of the process. For example, energy is saved – and CO₂ emissions reduced – through process optimisation (operations, production, logistics), improvements to machines and technologies, energy-efficiency restorations, and the use of renewable energy via our own biomass cogeneration plant.
PRÜM is certified to the ISO 50001 energy management system. Ongoing energy audits ensure that the progress made to date is not lost but is further built upon.
Creative ideas for the cradle-to-cradle principle
PRÜM is in good company here, as more and more companies are implementing measures to use materials in a way that conserves resources. The pioneers of the cradle-to-cradle principle are calling on us to continue investing all our creativity in innovative developments of the principle. So that the vision of a waste-free economy, in which materials are permanently integrated into natural cycles, does not remain a vision, but becomes the new reality.
Further links
https://reset.org/wissen/cradle-cradle-recycling-rund-gemacht
Frequently Asked Questions
What does ‘Cradle to Cradle’ mean?
Cradle to Cradle (C2C) is a design principle that involves developing products in such a way that, once they have been used, all materials can be fully returned to biological or technical cycles – without any loss of quality. The aim: no waste, only nutrients.
What does ‘Cradle to Cradle’ mean in German?
Cradle to Cradle literally means ‘from cradle to cradle’. The principle describes a closed-loop system: raw materials are not consumed, but are fully recycled after their useful life – in contrast to ‘Cradle to Grave’, where materials are ultimately disposed of.
What is the difference between ‘Cradle to Cradle’ and ‘Cradle to Grave’?
‘Cradle to Grave’ describes the traditional linear life cycle: a product is produced, used and then disposed of (in a landfill or by incineration). ‘Cradle to Cradle’, on the other hand, closes the loop: after use, materials are reused as raw materials for new products.
What cycles does the Cradle to Cradle principle distinguish between?
Cradle to Cradle distinguishes between two cycles: (1) Biological cycle: Organic materials (e.g. natural fibres, wood) are composted after use and return to nature as nutrients. (2) Technical cycle: Technical materials (e.g. metals, plastics) are recycled to the same standard of quality and processed into new products.
What is the ‘cradle-to-grave’ principle?
The ‘cradle-to-grave’ principle describes the linear life cycle of a product: raw material extraction → production → use → disposal. The end result is waste. The principle is considered outdated, as it results in the permanent destruction of resources. It stands in contrast to the ‘cradle-to-cradle’ approach.
How is Cradle to Cradle certification achieved?
Cradle to Cradle Certified® certification is awarded by the Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute. It assesses products across five categories: material health, reusability, renewable energy & CO₂, water management and social equity. There are five certification levels: Basic, Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum.
How does Arbonia apply the Cradle to Cradle principle in its door production?
Arbonia aims to close material loops in door production: through the use of wood, a renewable raw material sourced from responsibly managed forests (Chain of Custody certification from FSC® and PEFC), reducing aggressive substances in paints and surfaces, and the development of removable products that can be dismantled and, at the end of their life, sorted by material type and recycled.