Cradle to cradle in product development: A case study of closed-loop design

Abstract

Cradle to Cradle (C2C) challenges designers to create products with a beneficial impact on environment, society and economy. While existing research has highlighted merits and critical points of the strategy, an understanding of its application -how Cradle to Cradle helps designers to develop such products- is lacking. This paper analyzes the application of C2C in a 'closed-loop' product development case. Based on in-depth study of the design process and product, the authors identify the effects of specific C2C-elements, and provide tentative conclusions on how designers can benefit from this strategy for developing sustainable products.