16 Jul

Cradle to Cradle Certification

What is the Cradle to Cradle certification?

Cradle to Cradle (C2C) is a system of scoring brands for their commitment to the circular economy – the reduction of waste and hazardous chemicals, more efficient uses of resources and the reuse of materials, energy efficiency and social responsibility.

There are five quality categories that C2C brands are assessed against:

  • Material health: knowing the chemicals in every material in a product, and  working towards safer materials.
  • Material reutilisation: designing products made with materials that come from and can safely return to nature or industry.
  • Renewable energy and carbon management, working towards a future in which all manufacturing is powered by 100% clean renewable energy.
  • Water stewardship, managing clean water as a precious resource and an essential human right.
  • Social fairness, designing fair and respectful operations for all people and natural systems.

A product receives a level for each category — Basic, Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Platinum — with the lowest achievement level representing the product’s overall mark.

A brief history of C2C

In 1992, McDonough and Braungart published a first book ‘The Hannover Principles: Design for Sustainability’, followed by .’Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things’ in 2002, mapping out the principles behind the Cradle to Cradle approach. In 2010, they set up the certification system and methodology and revealed it to the public through the Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute.

They also launched the Fashion Positive programme, working with a community of pioneering brands such as Stella McCartney to clean up fashion, reduce waste and make clothes fairly and efficiently.

Loomstate

Rated: Great

Inspired by the wild, Loomstate creates quality apparel for men and women made from 100% GOTS-certified, Cradle to Cradle certified, Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified and Global Recycle Standard certified organic cotton. That’s a lot of certifications! The label is Fair Trade USA and Social Accountability International (SA8000) certified, which implements strict standards across the supply chain, including prevention of discrimination, payment of a living wage, worker health and safety and working hours.

See the rating.

Shop Loomstate.

Mara Hoffman

Rated: Good

With a focus on mindful and conscious practices, Mara Hoffman uses eco-friendly materials including GOTS certified cotton, recycled nylon, and recycled polyester, and even has a range of Oeko-Tex STeP certified products. Items come in sizes XS to 3XL, and the brand also has a gorgeous extended sizes collection, so you can be sure to find a new wardrobe addition no matter the bod you rock.

See the rating.

Shop Mara Hoffman @ Reve en Vert.

Shop Mara Hoffman @ Farfetch.

Shop Mara Hoffman Pre-Owned @ Vestiaire Collective.

Shop Mara Hoffman.

Stella McCartney

Rated: Good

A member of the Ethical Trading Initiative and Sustainable Apparel Coalition, Stella McCartney has set some excellent environmental standards across the luxury fashion industry. Stella uses some eco-friendly materials, including recycled polyester and organic cotton, and has a strategy in place to reduce waste across its entire supply chain. It has also adopted the ETI Code of Conduct that includes a living wage definition.

See the rating.

Shop Stella McCartney @ LVR Sustainable.

Shop Stella McCartney @ Labell-D.

Shop Stella McCartney Kids Pre-Owned @ Retykle.

Shop Stella McCartney Pre-Owned @ Vestiaire Collective.

Shop Stella McCartney.

Useful links

Editor's note

Feature image via Unsplash, all other images via brands mentioned. Good On You publishes the world’s most comprehensive ratings of fashion brands’ impact on people, the planet and animals. Use our Directory to search more than 2,500 brands. We may earn a commission on sales made using our offer codes or affiliate links.

Ethical brand ratings. There’s an app for that.

Wear the change you want to see. Download our app to discover ethical brands and see how your favourites measure up.