What is Cradle to Cradle?
Cradle to Cradle® (C2C) is a sustainability framework based on the idea that materials and products should be designed with the end of their lifecycle in mind, with the goal of creating a closed-loop system where waste is eliminated and resources are continuously reused.
The C2C framework aims to create products that are not only environmentally friendly but also socially responsible and economically viable. This involves designing products that are made from materials that can be safely and effectively recycled or biodegraded and that do not release harmful chemicals or pollutants into the environment.
In addition to focusing on the material aspects of product design, the C2C framework also considers the social and economic impact of the product's lifecycle. This includes considerations like fair labor practices, community involvement, and economic sustainability.
Overall, the Cradle to Cradle® certification program seeks to create a regenerative and circular economy where products and materials are continually reused and waste is minimized. It is a holistic approach to sustainability that considers the entire lifecycle of a product, from design to disposal.
5 Categories of Sustainability Performance
The Cradle to Cradle Certified® Product Standard provides the framework to assess the safety, circularity, and responsibility of materials and products across five categories of sustainability performance:
1. Material health
2. Clean air and climate protection
3. Water and soil stewardship
4. Social fairness, and
5. Product circularity
Material Health
This category in the Cradle to Cradle Certified® Product Standard assesses that chemicals and materials used in the products are selected to prioritize the protection of human health and the environment, generating a positive impact on the quality of materials available for future use and cycles.
Clean Air and Climate Protection
This category in the Cradle to Cradle Certified® Product Standard assesses that product manufacturing positively impacts air quality, the renewable energy supply, and the balance of climate-changing greenhouse gasses.
Water and Soil Stewardship
This category in the Cradle to Cradle Certified® Product Standard assesses that water and soil are treated as precious and shared resources. Watersheds and soil ecosystems are protected, and clean water and healthy soils are available to people and all other organisms.
Social Fairness
This category in the Cradle to Cradle Certified® Product Standard assesses that companies are committed to upholding human rights and applying fair and equitable business practices.
Product Circularity
This category in the Cradle to Cradle Certified® Product Standard assesses that products are intentionally designed for their subsequent use and are actively cycled in their intended cycle pathways.
Why Cradle to Cradle Certified Textiles?
Environmental Benefits
Cradle to Cradle Certified® textiles are designed to be more environmentally friendly than traditional textiles. They are made from sustainable materials and produced using environmentally responsible manufacturing processes. This reduces the negative impact on the environment and aids in conserving natural resources.
Health and Safety
Cradle to Cradle Certified® textiles are rigorously tested to ensure that they do not contain harmful chemicals or substances. This makes them safer for use in a variety of applications, including clothing, bedding, furniture, and window coverings.
Circular Economy
The Cradle to Cradle framework is based on the principles of a circular economy, where waste is minimized, and resources are continually reused. By using textiles that are certified Cradle to Cradle, we can help to promote a more sustainable and regenerative economy.
Corporate Responsibility
Using Cradle to Cradle Certified® textiles is also a way for companies to demonstrate their commitment to corporate responsibility and sustainability. This can help you to identify which companies and products are more aligned with your eco-friendly needs.
Why a Circular Economy?
The benefits of products that respect the model of a circular economy are numerous, including:
Environmental sustainability
A circular economy model reduces waste and minimizes the depletion of natural resources. By keeping materials in use for as long as possible and promoting the reuse, refurbishment, and recycling of products, a circular economy reduces the negative impact on the environment.
Economic benefits
A circular economy can create new jobs and boost economic growth by promoting resource efficiency, reducing waste disposal costs, and encouraging the development of new business models and technologies.
Improved product quality
A circular economy encourages using high-quality, durable materials that can be reused and repurposed. This results in products that are more reliable, longer-lasting, and of higher quality.
Increased innovation
A circular economy requires the development of new technologies and business models, which can lead to increased innovation and the creation of new markets.
Increased innovation
A circular economy can lead to improved social and environmental outcomes by promoting the use of sustainable materials, reducing waste, and improving resource efficiency.
Overall, products that respect the model of a circular economy offer numerous benefits for the environment, the economy, and society as a whole. By promoting resource efficiency, reducing waste, and encouraging the reuse and recycling of materials, a circular economy can help to create a more sustainable and prosperous future for all.
Our Promise to Safeguard the Earth
In a world that is becoming increasingly sensitive to the need to protect our environment, the ability to manufacture products from sustainable resources which are fully degradable at the end of their useful life is an exciting and ecological proposition.
We continuously create and develop multiple technical and decorative textiles and systems solutions with the health and comfort of the people and the planet as our main concern.
At Vertilux, preserving the environment is an essential part of our philosophy. This is why we have a wide variety of Cradle to Cradle Certified® fabrics, reinforcing our commitment to eco-conscious, healthier, and safer spaces for everyone.
Planet FR and EcoPlanet FR are roller shade fabrics manufactured from 100% recycled PET. Their yarn is made from recycled plastics collected at the bottom of the sea. Planet FR and EcoPlanet FR are Cradle to Cradle Certified™ Bronze, which guarantees the absence of toxic ingredients throughout the entire supply chain. They are free of PVC, formaldehyde, halogen, lead, and all other Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC) listed by the European Union Regulation REACH. With the Planet FR family, we contribute to the cleaning of the oceans while offering our customers beautiful fabrics for their roller shades.
Pledge FR is another innovative textile for Roller Shades manufactured from a combination of recycled plastics and polylactic acid extracted from cane sugar, beet, or corn plants. Pledge FR is Cradle to Cradle Certified™ Silver. Free of PVC, formaldehyde, halogen, and lead. Durable and recyclable when no longer in use.
Your decisions matter…
The impact of individual decisions when choosing environmentally friendly fabrics for their window coverings can be significant. By choosing fabrics that are sustainably sourced, produced, and manufactured, individuals can contribute to the reduction of carbon emissions, water consumption, and waste generation. This, in turn, can have a positive impact on the environment and help to mitigate the effects of climate change.
Individuals who choose environmentally friendly fabrics for their shades and curtains will also support companies prioritizing sustainability in their business practices. This can encourage more companies to adopt sustainable practices and create a larger market for environmentally friendly products.
In addition, using environmentally friendly fabrics for window coverings can also have health benefits. Many conventional fabrics used for window coverings contain harmful chemicals that can off-gas and contribute to poor indoor air quality. Choosing fabrics that are certified as safe and non-toxic can help to improve indoor air quality and promote healthier living environments.
Conclusion
Sustainability, performance, design, and comfort are the main features of Vertilux fabrics, components, and automated solutions for window coverings, both for Contract and Residential use.
Overall, using textiles that are Cradle to Cradle Certified® is an essential step toward creating a more sustainable and responsible textile industry. It offers numerous benefits for the environment, human health, and the economy and can help to promote a more circular and sustainable approach to manufacturing.
At the same time, individual decisions when choosing environmentally friendly fabrics for window coverings can have a positive impact on the environment and his/her own health. By choosing fabrics that are sustainably sourced, produced, and manufactured, individuals can contribute to a more sustainable and prosperous future for all.
You can contribute to a better planet and to healthier spaces when purchasing your shades and curtains. Look for fabrics that are identified with the Cradle to Cradle certification or the acronym C2C.
*Sources: https://c2ccertified.org/
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