Cradle 2 Cradle

In discussions about sustainability and recycling, the term cradle2cradle—also known as C2C—regularly comes up. But what does this term actually mean, and where does the Cradle 2 Cradle principle originate? We'd like to tell you more about Cradle 2 Cradle and its meaning. As a company, System Flex is also committed to contributing to a sustainable society.

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What does cradle 2 cradle mean?

The literal translation of cradle to cradle is from cradle to cradle. It's a variation on the concept of cradle to grave. In practice, Cradle 2 Cradle is a sustainability project developed by a German chemist and an American architect.

What is the purpose of C2C?

The idea behind this now global concept was to design and produce products and materials with reuse and renewal in mind. This is in stark contrast to the model where products are designed, made, used, and ultimately discarded as waste – cradle to grave.

What are the key features of cradle 2 cradle?

The most important features of Cradle 2 Cradle are:

  • Using materials in cycles
  • Quality and sustainability
  • Design principles
  • Renewable energy
  • Certification

Within a Cradle to Cradle system, materials are carefully sorted. This allows them to be recycled as safely and effectively as possible. This positively stimulates the creation of "technical nutrients." These nutrients can be reused again and again.

C2C places high demands on the quality and sustainability of products. The goal is to ensure they last longer and require fewer replacements. The cradle-to-cradle concept emphasizes the importance of integrating C2C principles into design and production processes. This way, products are designed with reuse and recycling in mind. Furthermore, promoting the use of renewable energy sources in production processes is a top priority to reduce the ecological footprint.

Special Cradle 2 Cradle certification programs can accredit products based on sustainability characteristics. This allows consumers and companies to recognize products that meet Cradle 2 Cradle characteristics.

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Customers speak out

Boatex Management

The short lines of communication within the company ensure a quick response and an efficient approach.

VVS Group

"Top service, quality and above all perfect communication."

Caransa Group

"The System Flex team is always there to help us think things through. Together, we take the burden off our customers!"

System Flex has a cradle 2 cradle certificate

The Cradle 2 Cradle concept has led to new approaches to product design and production across various sectors worldwide. C2C has had a significant positive impact not only in construction, which includes System Flex, but also in industries such as the textile and electronics industries. The pursuit of minimizing waste and encouraging reuse and recycling according to the Cradle 2 Cradle principle are important examples in the sustainability movement. The use of clean energy sources is also a key component. The emphasis is on creating positive outcomes for both our planet and the economy.

At System Flex, we believe it's important to contribute to sustainability and care for our planet. Our waste is separated, and dismantled systems are stripped on-site and prepared for reuse. Would you like to contribute to a circular economy, just like System Flex? Or would you like to learn more about the possibilities of a sustainable design for your business premises? Our staff are happy to discuss the various options with you. Contact us now for a free consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

A system wall is a wall that can be dismantled and reassembled elsewhere. This wall is quick to assemble, has a uniform finish, is durable, has good sound insulation, is cradle-to-cradle (C2C) certified, and is lightweight. If a system wall is dismantled and no longer used, it can be recycled (99.9%) or repurposed elsewhere.

A solid system wall starts at €80.00 per m² and goes up to €130.00 per m². A glass wall starts at €180.00 per m² (the most popular type in the Netherlands) and goes up to €450.00 per m². Doors are an additional cost. The square meterage does not include the doors.

A glass wall starts at 26mm, then 30mm and otherwise 100mm.

Solid walls are usually 100mm thick. This has the advantage that technical installations can easily be incorporated into these walls.

Glass walls start at €180.00 per m².

A metal stud wall is a quick-to-build wall. It's lightweight, offers high sound insulation, and has demonstrable fire resistance. Single-walled walls have a 30-minute BRW rating and double-walled walls have a 60-minute BRW rating. We recommend metal stud walls if they don't need to be moved in the future. Examples include restrooms, room dividers in homes, hotels, hospitals, or fire-resistant partitions.

If adjustments are expected in the future, it is better to choose a closed system wall.

A metal stud wall consists of C- and U-profiles. The U-profiles are first installed on the floor and ceiling. The C-posts are then mounted into the U-profiles, usually spaced 600 mm apart. The plasterboard is then mounted to these C-posts, first on one side (sometimes double-clad). Then, mineral wool is applied between the C-posts. The other side is then clad. This cladboard is installed 600 mm apart from the other side. The wall is then plastered, usually to Class B (wallpaper or paint-ready). Class A is the highest finishing class. This class is only achievable with a double-clad wall (two plasterboards on either side of the wall, again 600 mm apart).

These start at around €50.00 per m², and depending on the height, impact resistance, fire safety requirements, or sound level, this can go up to €100.00 per m². Metal stud walls are often measured gross across the openings. These walls are immovable in the future and labor-intensive to recycle. However, these walls are also 99.9% recyclable.

Cradle to Cradle walls are walls that can be disassembled and reused. They can be used for other projects, but also for completely different purposes in a variety of sectors. This increases the value of the product, eliminates the use of new raw materials, and allows System Flex to collaborate innovatively with customers, organizations, and self-employed professionals to foster a circular economy. It's no wonder System Flex is Cradle to Cradle certified!

Cradle to Cradle ensures that products can be reused infinitely or broken down harmlessly.

Unfortunately, not yet. We currently offer white and black. New colors are coming, but they're still in testing.

In principle, any company that pays income or corporate tax in the Netherlands can benefit from the MIA/VAMIL scheme. An entrepreneur is eligible for the MIA/VAMIL scheme if the investment meets the following five conditions:

  • The asset is on the environmental list;
  • The asset has not been used previously;
  • The investment must relate to the acquisition and production costs of the asset;
  • For the MIA, the amount of environmental investments must be at least € 2,500 per asset;
  • It is not possible to obtain both an energy investment deduction and an environmental investment deduction at the same time for the same asset.