What is "cradle to cradle" design and how does it relate to zerowaste?

"Cradle to cradle" design is a sustainable design approach that focuses on zero waste and efficient use of natural resources. The concept is that products do not end their life cycle by being thrown away or recycled, but are transformed into materials that can be recycled in nature.

The principles of "cradle to cradle" design require that products are designed with environmental impacts and social needs in mind. The aim is that products not only produce less waste, but also have a positive impact on the environment and people's lives.

Cradle to cradle design is linked to the zerowaste movement, which also seeks to minimise waste. The aim of zerowaste is to minimise waste and maximise the reuse or recyclability of products. However, cradle to cradle design goes further and seeks to ensure that products are not only recyclable, but are made from materials that can be recycled in nature.

In "cradle to cradle" design, the materials used in products can be divided into two categories: technical and biological nutritional materials. Technical nutrients are materials that can be recycled, such as metals or plastics. Biological nutrients are materials that naturally degrade and provide food for other living things, such as plant fibres or bio-based plastics.

In cradle to cradle design, products are designed taking into account these categories of materials and combining them in such a way that the product life cycle is closed. This means that the product is eventually transformed into recyclable materials that can be reused in production.

The cradle to cradle design and zerowaste share the goal of sustainability and waste minimisation. Both approaches play an important role in environmental protection and social responsibility and can contribute to solving global environmental problems.

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