Both EPEA GmbH, part of Drees & Sommer and an internationally active Cradle to Cradle® consulting and research institute, and Beneficial Design Institute GmbH are committed to the development and commercialization of textile products free from harmful chemicals. In several projects, textiles and products from various fashion brands and retail chains were assessed and optimized according to Cradle to Cradle design principles.
One of the current joint projects was implemented as a pilot project together with Lidl and CHT Group, a globally active specialty chemicals company headquartered in Tübingen. The textile products developed for Lidl are not only made from biodegradable materials but also utilize biodegradable printing pastes specifically developed within the collaboration with CHT Group to meet the stringent requirements of the Cradle to Cradle Certified® Product Standard at the Gold level.
All products included in the pilot project achieved certification at either Gold or Silver level. Together with Prof. Michael Braungart, co-creator of the Cradle to Cradle principles, our scientists assessed the ingredients of these textiles according to Cradle to Cradle requirements, eliminated harmful substances, and supported the optimization of the printing paste over a period of 18 months. Overall design and project management were provided by Beneficial Design Institute GmbH.
