Cradle to Cradle - From product to certification

Ideally, every product should lead to the creation of a new product. At BlackSatino, we have embraced this Cradle to Cradle principle. BlackSatino is the only brand in the hygiene paper and dispenser sector with the silver Cradle to Cradle certificate.

Our commitment to a better environment

At BlackSatino, we strongly believe in the power of sustainability, especially when it comes to creating sustainable restrooms. We understand the importance of minimizing our ecological footprint and strive to deliver innovative, sustainable products.

The Cradle to Cradle certificate reinforces our commitment to sustainability. We see it as recognition of our efforts to produce products that are good for the environment and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Cradle to Cradle: What you need to know

For us, the Cradle to Cradle certificate is one of the most important certifications concerning sustainability. Cradle to Cradle means that every product made should ultimately enable the creation of a new product. This avoids waste and creates a closed circular loop. This idea originally comes from nature, where waste always serves as a resource.

Raw materials and the Cradle to Cradle principle

Two cycles are crucial for the practice of Cradle to Cradle. Let’s look at the difference between these two cycles within the Cradle to Cradle philosophy.

The biological cycle

The biological cycle ensures that all raw materials and chemicals used in a product are biodegradable and harmless. The goal is to reintroduce the materials into nature, so they serve as resources for further natural processes. In BlackSatino’s production process, all harmful chemicals have been replaced by raw and auxiliary materials that can be broken down in a natural cycle, minimizing environmental impact.

The technological cycle

The technological cycle requires that a product is designed in such a way that it can be repaired without loss of value or that all parts are reused. This cycle goes beyond recycling. Recycling merely slows down the linear process of production, use and disposal. 

Recycling as an alternative to disposing

Products should ideally be used as long as possible, but each has a certain lifetime. When a product can no longer be used, it is important not to see it as waste. There may be possibilities to reuse the product, material, or raw materials in another form.

BlackSatino hygiene dispensers are part of the technological cycle; after their lifespan, they serve as raw materials for new dispensers. Our paper dispensers are also part of the cycle; after they are used, the product is turned into raw material for new dispensers. This way of thinking is incorporate in both the design and production of the product.

The Requirements Cradle to Cradle certifications

The EPEA (Environmental Protection Encouragement Agency) oversees Cradle to Cradle certification, conducting extensive evaluations in five categories to determine whether products meet the required standards. Products are rated from bronze to platinum. The idea is that organizations should continuously improve their products' sustainability and level up with each new assessment. BlackSatino has products that are at least Cradle to Cradle® Silver certified.

To maintain the Cradle to Cradle certificate, the EPEA evaluates every two years whether the products still meet the requirements or have improved. The certification process also evolves: the requirements and standards are continually tightened, making it increasingly difficult for manufacturers to obtain or maintain a C2C® certification.

 

Case study

Over the years, we have collaborated with numerous innovative companies, from making large office buildings more sustainable to supplying sustainable products to cinemas. A successful project example is Volksbank, which worked with us and its partners to transform all paper coffee cups into sustainable toilet rolls, reducing residual waste by 15% within two years. Want to know how we did it? Download our case study and discover how Volksbank contributes to a circular economy.

Download case study

Cradle to Cradle assessment criteria

The Cradle to Cradle principle encourages companies to design products with reuse and sustainability in mind. The certificate evaluates products on five criteria:

  1. Material health: all chemical constituents used are harmless to humans and the environment.

  2. Product circularity: All products' materials have a new function after use. Either they are harmless waste that serves as food for nature (biological cycle), or we can use components in the production process for a new product (technological cycle).

  3. Clean air & climate protection: the production process results in a positive impact on air quality, the renewable energy supply, and the balance of climate-changing greenhouse gasses.

  4. Water & soil stewardship: companies working according to Cradle to Cradle must demonstrate responsible and efficient use of our soil and water resources.

  5. Social fairness: companies must take responsibility for their employees and other stakeholders, adhering to standards for their internal processes, including good working conditions, respect for human rights, proactive management, and avoiding corruption.

 

Our Cradle to Cradle certified products

We are proud to offer a wide range of Cradle to Cradle products that meet the highest sustainability standards. From sustainable toilet paper and towel dispensers to soap dispensers and waste bins. Discover our sustainable range for restrooms and see how simple daily necessities can contribute to a better future.

Cradle to Cradle is more than just a certificate; it is a vision for a better future for our planet, people, and animals. By choosing our Cradle to Cradle products, organizations contribute to a global movement toward a circular economy, where waste does not exist, and all materials are continuously reused.

Cradle to Cradle in the workspace

Integrating Cradle to Cradle in the workplace starts with consciously choosing sustainable products. At BlackSatino, we encourage companies to embrace our Cradle to Cradle products as the next step toward a more sustainable work environment.

By using our C2C products, companies can reduce their ecological footprint while contributing to a circular economy. From choosing sustainable toilet paper to using recyclable waste bins, every small step contributes to the bigger picture of workplace sustainability. And who wouldn't want to say they contribute to a greener world?

Introducing Cradle to Cradle products in the workplace not only makes a positive impact on the environment but also sends a signal to your employees and customers about sustainable and socially responsible business practices. Our team of experts is ready to help you with advice and support to find the right products.