Citation
Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things
TL;DR
Products should be designed as 'biological nutrients' or 'technical nutrients'
This influential design philosophy applies biological nutrient cycling principles to industrial materials and products. The authors distinguish 'biological nutrients' (biodegradable materials that can return to natural cycles) from 'technical nutrients' (durable materials that should cycle through industrial systems indefinitely).
Cradle to Cradle thinking directly influenced companies like Interface and shaped the broader circular economy movement. The book provides practical design principles for closing loops, including material selection, product architecture, and end-of-life planning.
Key Findings from McDonough & Braungart (2002)
- Products should be designed as 'biological nutrients' or 'technical nutrients'
- Biological nutrients safely return to natural cycles after use
- Technical nutrients cycle continuously through industrial systems
- Design eliminates the concept of waste - everything is nutrient for next cycle