Definition
Cradle to Cradle (translated as "from cradle to cradle"; abbreviated C2C) is a design principle. It follows the concept of the circular economy and stands in contrast to "Cradle to Grave," which represents the linear economy. Products are designed to be circular by nature. Proponents of C2C hold that every product should benefit rather than harm the environment. They refer to this as a positive footprint.
Use in the textile industry
In the textile industry, the Cradle to Cradle principle is applied by selecting fibers, dyes, and auxiliaries so that, at the end of the use phase, they are either biodegradable or can be fully recovered as technical nutrients. Textile manufacturers working according to C2C separate their products into a biological cycle (e.g., natural fibers free of harmful residues) and a technical cycle (e.g., synthetic fibers processed back into equivalent raw materials). Implementation requires precise control of the chemicals used and appropriate design of product components so that materials can be cleanly returned to their respective cycles.
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