Cradle to Cradle
Skiing holidays increasingly have to be cancelled due to a lack of snow, within the near future Amsterdam might be under the sea, and April temperatures rise to almost 30 degrees. “What is happening?”, we ask ourselves. According to the experts, these are all consequences of global warming – and we are to blame. We consume too much, throw away too much, and waste much too much energy. Consequently experts and politicians plead for cutbacks: we must consume less, throw away less, and waste less. The magic word is ‘sustainability’. But sustainability also suffers from limitations, and for this reason the rapid advance of the Cradle to Cradle vision is only logical. Within in just a few years a vision developed by two people, Michael Braungart and William McDonough, has been adopted by hundreds of thousands.
The vision
The Cradle to Cradle vision is based on a very simple principle: manufacture products that at the end of their useful life can be reused, in full, as biological or industrial raw materials. Products of this nature can be consumed repeatedly, and without limitation. This philosophy is substantially different from the current recycling trend, which Braungart and McDonough also refer to as ‘downcycling’.
Paper is a good example of downcycling: many believe that it is recycled, and for this reason recycled paper is often marketed as ‘ecologically responsible’. However, paper was never designed for recycling, and consequently large quantities of toxic materials need to be added every time paper is reused. The paper’s quality deteriorates in each cycle, and ultimately becomes unfit for further use. On disposal these toxic materials nevertheless enter the environment – which is a shame for the raw materials, and a shame for the environment.
It is much wiser to design products for simple reuse. Continuing with the above example, paper can be made from a carrier comprised of a synthetic polymer that can be reused without quality loss – and, consequently, endlessly. The printing ink contains no toxic materials, and can be washed out of the synthetic ‘paper’ with boiling water. Since this ink can also be reused without quality loss it is also suitable for endless use. Books, magazines and other printed matter made from these raw materials can be reused in new printed matter – in an infinite number of cycles.
Cradle to Cradle at LDM?
All of this sounds great, but what use is it to a company? And why should a relatively small company of the nature of LDM devote large funds and efforts to this kind of project? The answer is simple: environmental innovations are essential. Firstly, the costs of raw materials, energy and waste disposal are all increasing at an alarming rate. Consequently innovative environmental projects are of economic interest. Secondly, the authorities will impose increasingly stringent requirements that can be met solely by carrying out these projects. Thirdly, and not least, we have bear a responsibility towards our surroundings .
Lagging far behind developments in this field – and failing to exhibit an innovative approach – will ultimately always result in loss.
Cradle to Cradle at LDM !
Self-evidently, brass already complies with much of the Cradle to Cradle vision: scrap and other metal waste can be used to manufacture a product that is ideally suited to recycling or even upcycling. Consequently, the product requires few modifications. However, the support processes are in need of some innovative improvements: for example, rainwater and waste water require attention. Both are currently a problem – and both contain valuable raw materials. Reusing the various types of waste produced by our company also offers interesting opportunities. LDM currently produces some 200,000 kilos of mixed waste every year, waste that contains a wealth of valuable materials. Another opportunity – and an opportunity which is currently receiving serious attention - is offered by recovering metals from our various types of waste. Every year LDM is compelled to debit a substantial sum to account for the loss of raw materials in waste. With the necessary efforts and creativity LDM will soon be able to convert these wastes into a valuable product. |
