What Does Cradle to Cradle Mean for Office Furniture?

The current concept of Cradle to Cradle was introduced by architect William McDonough and his colleague, German Chemist Dr. Michael Braungart in their 2002 book Cradle to Cradle, Remaking the Way We Make Things.

In its simplest form, Cradle to Cradle is a method of re-thinking how we make things. In essence it breaks materials into two categories:

A) Technical Nutrients: which are non-toxic, non-harmful materials that can go through continous use cycles without breaking down (for instance aluminum in a chair frame)

B) Biological nutrients: which are organic materials that can be disposed of in a natural environment and will decompose into the soil.

Mcdonough and Braungart posit that the recycling process is really "downcycling" where materials are continually reduced in form until they can no longer be used and ultimately become waste. In contrast, the Cradle to Cradle process creates no waste and leaves no waste.

Which bring us to the Office Furniture world: MBDC (McDonough Braungart Design Chemistry) is the primary 3rd party body that certifies products as Cradle to Cradle. Some current examples of Cradle to Cradle certified office furniture are the Stride workstation line from Allsteel

and the Acuity seating line from Allsteel:

Both of these product lines offer high quality sustainable products at a "standard" price point.

Cradle to Cradle manufacturing processes and products show the on-going commitment to sustainability that the office furniture industry has embraced.

For more information regarding a complete list of Cradle to Cradle certified office furniture, please contact me at john@samclar.com.