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
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.
Allsteel's newest product offering Stride, winner of the Neocon 2009 Silver Award:
Allsteel Stride with Allsteel Acuity Executive Chair
Stride provides a variety of solutions, from a traditional panel environment to a completly open environment 
