What does the term 'Cradle to Cradle' refer to in sustainability assessments?

The term 'Cradle to Cradle' refers specifically to an assessment of impacts that spans the entire lifecycle of a product, from the extraction of raw materials (the 'cradle') to the creation of inputs for new products, thus facilitating a continuous cycle (the 'cradle' continuing anew). This concept emphasizes the importance of sustainable practices that not only consider the disposal of products at the end of their life but also the earlier stages, promoting the idea of designing products with their next life in mind—ensuring that materials can be reused, recycled, or returned to nature in a non-toxic manner.

This holistic approach contrasts with assessments that only focus on specific stages, such as impact from factory to consumer or just on end-of-life disposal, as these options do not capture the broader philosophy of sustainability that Cradle to Cradle embodies. It advocates for a systemic design thinking approach, integrating environmental, economic, and social dimensions throughout a product’s lifecycle, fostering a regenerative cycle that minimizes waste. Additionally, while certification for environmentally friendly packaging is related to sustainable practices, it does not encompass the full lifecycle perspective that is central to the Cradle to Cradle concept.