Cradle-ALP
Cradle to cradle, circular design and circular substitutions for linear products in industrial manufacturing processes in the Alpine Space
Overview
Fossil raw materials and toxic substances are widely used in production processes in the chemical, plastics, and forestry sectors. The Cradle-Alp project will focus on replacing chemical, fossil or unsustainable materials with more circular, sustainable and biodegradable ones. The project will raise awareness and capacity of the public, relevant industries as well as policy stakeholders and business support organisations on cradle to cradle (C2C) approaches, circular design, and circular substitutions from the Alpine region. Transnational stakeholder groups will be formed, with the aim of transferring C2C roadmaps into industrial practice along exemplary value chains. Thus, Cradle-Alp will contribute to the industrial transformation and mainstreaming C2C approaches in the Alps.
Factsheet
- 2021 – 2027
- Carbon neutral and resource sensitive Alpine region
- SO 2.2 - Promoting the transition to a circular and resource efficient economy
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- AG2 Economic development
- AG3 Labour market, education and training
- AG6 Natural resources
- AG7 Ecological connectivity
- AG9 Energy efficiency and renewable energy
- 11/2022
- 10/2025
- 1.953.970 EUR
- 1.405.478 EUR
Partners
Padova Chamber of Commerce Industry Crafts and Agriculture (Lead partner)
Technologiezentrum Horb GmbH & Co. KG
Chemistry-Cluster Bavaria
University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna
Business Upper Austria – Upper Austrian business agency Ldt
UniSMART-Foundation of the University of Padua
Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Slovenia
Polymeris
School of Engineering and Architecture of Fribourg
- 45.407717211.8734455
- 48.44998048.6955714
- 48.137697511.5503216
- 48.236561416.3375091
- 48.318625214.306415972591235
- 45.406666711.8769111
- 46.071630214.514948852730125
- 46.25762719101015.65625081435249
- 46.79227817.1603362
Outcomes
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Tools and methodologies supporting the uptake of digital and engineering technologies as well as the adoption of business models fostering C2C transformation in SMEs from the Alpine Space
The Cradle-to-Cradle toolbox will encompass a series of tools enabling business support organisations and businesses to better implement a circular transformation along the entire value chain, from product design until end of life valorisation. Examples of tools are: Value proposition canvas, business model development, capacity and technology maturity assessment, roadmap development and business model canvas, value chain generator. -
Transnational multiple stakeholders, sector-based pilots aiming at implementing Cradle2Cradle transformative activities into industrial practice.
The partners will bring together transnational groupings of stakeholders from research, higher education and business along jointly selected value chains within each of the priority sectors of the project. Each grouping will pilot the transfer of the Cradle2Cradle sectoral roadmaps into industrial business cases. At least 5 exemplarily value chains shall be selected for the piloting process. Each pilot shall involve at least partners from 3 regions. -
From S3 to S4: policy convergence towards transnational S4 strategies in selected thematic areas from the project’s priority sectors.
Starting from a comparative analysis of their regional S3 strategies, the partners will identify within the priority sectors thematic areas with transnational critical mass, and develop common S4 strategies for those sectors, in collaboration with the relevant policy organisations. Each strategy shall build on the competences and policies of at least 3 project regions. -
Common cross-border funding instruments aiming at fostering cradle to cradle and circular transformative activities Alpine Space in the priority areas of the project
Common cross-border funding instruments consist in practice in the bundling of existing schemes in at least 3 different regions under the roof of jointly implemented transnational calls for collaborative proposals with joint terms of reference. The applications shall be evaluated jointly. In practice, the applicants will submit, in addition to a joint project proposal, a specific funding request on the regional level and be funded for their part on the regional (or national) level. -
Cradle to cradle transformation roadmaps in selected value chains covering technologies and business models.
Cradle to Cradle transformation roadmaps shall provide policy makers, business support providers and businesses with guidelines for the implementation of circular business models and supportive material, digital and hybrid technologies for each of the selected value chains for the piloting process. The roadmaps will also include examples from industrial practice.
Videos
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Gallery
Downloads
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The European textile industry faces environmental and economic challenges, including low profit margins, strong international competition, and strict environmental regulations. A major issue remains textile waste, with nearly 7 million tons generated annually in Europe. In its roadmap brochure for the textile sector, the Cradle-ALP project outlines a structured transition towards a circular economy, presenting concrete measures for the short-term, mid-term, and long-term periods.Download
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The polymer-based composites industry plays a crucial role in sectors such as aerospace, automotive, and construction. However, its reliance on complex composite materials poses significant challenges for recycling and waste management. In its roadmap for the composites sector, the Cradle-ALP project presents a transition strategy towards a circular economy, offering concrete measures for the short-term, mid-term, and long-term periods to reduce landfill disposal and enhance sustainability.Download
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The European chemical and material industry is a key supplier for various sectors but faces significant challenges, including high energy consumption, dependency on fossil resources, and regulatory uncertainties. The transition to a circular economy is essential to reduce CO₂ emissions and increase sustainability. In its roadmap for the chemical and material sector, the Cradle-ALP project outlines a structured approach to achieving this transition, presenting concrete measures for the short-term, mid-term, and long-term periods.Download
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The packaging industry is a major contributor to global waste, with paper, cardboard, and plastics accounting for a significant share. Despite efforts to improve recycling rates, waste generation continues to rise. In its roadmap for the packaging sector, the Cradle-ALP project outlines a strategic pathway towards sustainability, introducing concrete measures for the short-term, mid-term, and long-term periods to improve recycling, reduce environmental impact, and support circular economy principles.Download
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The European wood and furniture sector is an important economic contributor but faces increasing pressure to adopt sustainable practices due to deforestation, climate change, and regulatory requirements. Waste management and resource efficiency are key concerns for the industry. In its roadmap for the wood and furniture sector, the Cradle-ALP project defines a transition framework towards circularity, presenting concrete measures for the short-term, mid-term, and long-term periods to promote sustainable sourcing, material recovery, and circular business models.Download
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Slovenia’s economy is increasingly embracing circular economy concepts. In this document we focus on textiles, chemistry, and packaging. This ecosystem analysis explores the current policy landscape, technological progress, and business models that influence the adoption of Cradle to Cradle principles. The report identifies key barriers and opportunities, providing insights into the region’s readiness for circular industrial transformation.Download
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Veneto is a key manufacturing hub in Italy, with a strong presence in the wood/furniture and packaging industries. This regional ecosystem analysis evaluates the existing regulatory framework, technological development, and business practices in relation to circular economy principles. The study identifies critical gaps and transformation potentials that could enhance sustainability and efficiency in the region’s industrial sectors.Download
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Bavaria has a strong industrial base in chemistry and polymers, making the transition to a circular economy essential for long-term sustainability. This ecosystem analysis reviews current policies, technological innovations, and business models while identifying obstacles and opportunities for circular transformation. The findings serve as a knowledge base to support businesses and policymakers in fostering a more sustainable and resource-efficient industrial landscape.Download
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The Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region plays a significant role in France’s industrial landscape, particularly in the polymers and textile sectors. This ecosystem analysis assesses the current policy framework, technological advancements, and business practices supporting circular economy efforts. The document highlights existing challenges and potential strategies to overcome them, aiming to facilitate a more efficient transition towards sustainable industrial practices.Download
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Switzerland’s industrial sector in polymers, chemistry, textiles, and wood, presents both opportunities and challenges for circular economy adoption. This ecosystem analysis assesses the national and regional policy environment, technological capabilities, and existing business practices. It highlights structural gaps and transformation potentials, offering valuable insights into how circular principles can be further integrated into the Swiss economy.Download
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The regional ecosystem analysis for Austria examines the country's current state in adopting circular economy principles and Cradle to Cradle (C2C) approaches. The study evaluates policies, business support mechanisms, technological capabilities, and business models in the sectors of wood, chemistry, textiles, and packaging. It identifies gaps, barriers, and opportunities for circular transformation, providing a foundation for future industrial activities and innovation.Download
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This transnational survey explores consumer perspectives on circular economy and Cradle to Cradle principles across Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Slovenia, and Switzerland. Conducted by BOKU University with input from all project partners, the survey gathered responses from 3,858 participants through an online questionnaire available in four languages. It aimed to assess consumer awareness, preferences, and acceptance of circular business models, comparing ownership-based models (buying) with use-based models (renting).Download
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The Cradle-ALP Transnational Ecosystem Cradle to Cradle (C2C) Maturity Report provides an in-depth analysis of the adoption, challenges, and opportunities of C2C principles across the Alpine Space. The report consolidates insights from regional ecosystem maturity analyses, a transnational consumer survey, and a comparative study of policies, business support mechanisms, technologies, and business models. It focuses on five key industrial sectors: polymers/plastics, wood/furniture, chemistry/materials, fibers/textiles, and packaging.Download
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This document provides an overview of tools designed to support businesses in adopting technologies that enhance circularity in products, services, and industrial processes, with a specific focus on closing material loops in line with Cradle to Cradle principles. The tools were identified and categorized within the Cradle-ALP project, focusing on two key areas: assessing transformation potential in businesses and facilitating transregional business-to-business collaboration and innovation projects.Download
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The D.1.4.2 Toolset Business Models document provides a structured overview of tools designed to support the adoption of circular economy business models based on C2C principles. The toolset explores various methods to enhance circularity in business models, products, and services. It includes tools for identifying and documenting transformation potential within businesses, fostering B2B collaboration and innovation, and promoting certification and awareness around sustainability. The document also presents practical applications, real-world examples, and best practices from various industries, making it a useful guide for businesses, policymakers, and stakeholders interested in integrating circular economy principles into their operations.Download
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In this report, key experts review sectoral ecosystem analyses for Chemistry/Materials, Polymers/Composites, Textiles, Packaging, and Wood/Furniture, identifying gaps, barriers, and opportunities for circular transformation. They also contribute to defining visions and timeframes for sectoral roadmaps, ensuring alignment with a broader circular economy strategy. The report outlines key insights and recommendations for advancing Cradle to Cradle principles in the Alpine Space.Download
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This report details the activities of the Transnational Sectoral Working Group on chemistry and materials, focusing on transitioning towards circularity in the Alpine region. The group selected "Chemicals as Additives" as the primary topic, covering adhesives, coatings, and flame retardants, among others. The workshops explored solutions for phasing out hazardous substances, promoting bio-based alternatives, and improving recyclability. Key challenges include regulatory complexity, lack of investment in sustainable chemicals, and the need for improved life cycle assessments. The report outlines a structured roadmap for integrating circular principles into industrial chemical production.Download
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This report presents the outcomes of the Transnational Sectoral Working Group on polymer-based composites, which explored the adoption of Cradle to Cradle principles in this industry. The discussions focused on the challenges and opportunities for transitioning to a circular economy, including the need for bio-based and biodegradable polymers, improved waste collection and sorting, and enhanced recycling technologies. Three workshops were conducted, addressing material resources, circular product design, and end-of-life value recovery. The findings contribute to the development of an industrial transformation roadmap to integrate sustainable materials and design strategies within the Alpine region.Download
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The Transnational Sectoral Working Group on packaging examined how to foster circular economy principles in the sector by identifying key gaps, barriers, and drivers for change. The working group focused on two main material groups: cardboard and paper, as well as polyethylene and polypropylene. Challenges include a lack of financial resources for SMEs, technological infrastructure gaps, and consumer resistance to reusable packaging. Experts highlighted the importance of policy support, extended producer responsibility, and improved collection and sorting systems. The report summarizes three workshops that covered raw materials, circular product design, and value recovery strategies.Download
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This working group explored how circular economy principles can be applied to the wood and furniture sector, focusing on three key topics: chemical additives in wood products, design for disassembly, and Cradle to Cradle certification. The report highlights the need for modular product design, sustainable adhesives, and policies supporting material traceability. Key barriers include complex product structures, recycling difficulties, and resistance to change within the sector. The findings from the workshops feed into a roadmap that envisions a fully circular furniture industry by 2035, with a 90% reduction in landfill waste.Download
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The TSWG for the textile sector addressed sustainability challenges such as waste management, fiber recycling, and consumer behavior. Discussions highlighted that infrastructure for textile collection and sorting is underdeveloped, mixed fibers pose significant recycling difficulties, and fast fashion remains a major barrier to circularity. The workshops focused on materials and resources, product design for reusability, and value recovery. The report sets out a vision to increase the share of textiles made from recycled or renewable materials by 2030, emphasizing innovation, regulation, and consumer awareness as key drivers.Download
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This transformation roadmap addresses the role of chemical additives in circular economy practices, focusing on adhesives, coatings, pigments, and flame retardants. The strategy prioritizes phasing out hazardous substances, increasing the use of bio-based and recyclable alternatives, and improving lifecycle assessments. Challenges include regulatory complexities, lack of investment in sustainable chemistry, and technological limitations in recycling processes. The roadmap presents a structured plan with specific technological, business, and policy-related solutions, offering SMEs guidance on integrating C2C principles. The Roadmap Brochure: Chemistry and Materials is a key outcome of this process, summarizing essential strategies to support industrial transition.Download
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This roadmap provides a framework for reducing landfill disposal of composite materials to less than 10% by 2035, in alignment with EU sustainability targets. It identifies major challenges such as material complexity, limited recycling technologies, and the high costs of bio-based alternatives. The strategy includes eco-design for recyclability, advancements in composite separation technologies, and improved collaboration across value chains. Workshops and expert input helped shape a roadmap with clear short-, mid-, and long-term actions to facilitate a circular future for polymer-based composites. The Roadmap Brochure: Composites is the final output of these efforts, making key insights easily accessible for businesses and stakeholders.Download
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This roadmap provides a strategic framework for transforming the packaging industry towards circular economy principles, focusing on paper and plastic packaging. It consolidates findings from industry workshops and expert consultations, identifying key challenges such as high production costs, regulatory uncertainties, and technological limitations in recycling and material sourcing. The roadmap emphasizes eco-design, material innovation, and enhanced collection and recycling systems. It also explores the integration of the Cradle to Cradle certification and outlines short-, mid-, and long-term strategies to support businesses in adopting sustainable practices. The Roadmap Brochure: Packaging is a direct result of these efforts, translating key findings into an accessible and actionable format.Download
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This roadmap focuses on non-fashion textiles and functional wear, addressing challenges such as low recycling rates, fiber contamination, and inadequate sorting infrastructure. It sets an ambitious vision for 50% of textiles in the EU to be made from recycled or renewable materials by 2030. The document highlights the need for advanced sorting technologies, business model innovation, and regulatory frameworks that promote circular design. It also outlines strategic actions for collection, reuse, and recycling, providing SMEs with concrete steps towards sustainable textile production. The Roadmap Brochure: Textile is the direct result of this work, helping industry stakeholders translate circular economy principles into concrete action.Download
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This roadmap outlines a vision for circular transformation in the wood and furniture industry, leveraging the Alpine region’s natural resources and technological potential. The strategy focuses on sustainable material sourcing, reducing waste, and integrating digital tools to enhance circularity. Key challenges include supply chain inefficiencies, lack of consumer awareness, and regulatory ambiguities. The roadmap proposes solutions such as bio-based materials, modular product design, and improved recycling systems, structured into short-, mid-, and long-term implementation phases. The goal is to establish a fully circular wood and furniture sector by 2035. The Roadmap Brochure: Wood and Furniture is the result of this collaborative effort, offering businesses and policymakers clear guidance on implementation.Download
Project calendar
12 - 14 May 2025
Cradle-ALP Joins the 25th Anniversary of the Interreg Alpine Space Programme
Project: Cradle-ALP
83092
1
2025-05-12
2025-05-14
00:00:00
23:59:59
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47.4166667
13.25
14 - 15 May 2025
Cradle-ALP at CIRPLEX 2025
Project: Cradle-ALP
83781
1
2025-05-14
2025-05-15
00:00:00
23:59:59
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|project|
72
46.623943
14.3075976
24 Feb 2025
Closing the Loop: Production of Sustainable Plastic Packaging in the Alpine Region
Project: Cradle-ALP
78458
0
2025-02-24
2025-02-24
13:00:00
17:00:59
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05 Mar 2024
"Transnational consumer survey on circular economy and cradle to cradle" - presentation of the results
Project: Cradle-ALPPresentation of results of "Transnational consumer survey on circular economy and cradle to cradle".
58988
2024-03-05
2024-03-05
14:00:00
16:00:59
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72
48.2365614
16.3375091
01 Mar 2024
Invitation to Cradle-ALP Online Workshop series: "Transformation Roadmap for Circular Economy in Packaging Sector"
Project: Cradle-ALPWorkshops for Transformation Roadmap for Circular Economy in Packaging Sector
56225
2024-03-01
2024-03-01
11:30:00
14:00:59
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|project|
53.346881
-6.25886
07 Feb 2024
CRADLE-ALP & POLYMER-BASED COMPOSITES: CRAFTING A CIRCULAR ROADMAP FOR COMPOSITES – FOCUS ON MATERIALS & RESOURCES
Project: Cradle-ALPA workshop on how to craft a circular roadmap for composites with focus on materials & recources.
53755
2024-02-07
2024-02-07
14:00:00
16:30:59
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|project|
53.346881
-6.25886
04 Oct 2023
Are you ready for a consistent circular economy? (In German)
Project: Cradle-ALPIn this workshop in World Café format, we will determine what “Cradle to Cradle” means.
43949
2023-10-04
2023-10-04
13:30:00
16:30:59
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72
48.2083537
16.3725042
19 Sep 2023
Cradle-ALP | Concepts and Approaches for the Circular Economy
Project: Cradle-ALPFrom linear value chains to an effective circular economy (for German speaking audience)
43412
2023-09-19
2023-09-19
10:00:00
12:00:59
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|project|
69
48.1371079
11.5753822
16 Dec 2022
Cradle-ALP_Kick-Off Meeting
Project: Cradle-ALPAt the kick-off meeting, the 9 PPs will get to know each other and discuss the project activities.
26499
2022-12-16
2022-12-16
10:00:00
13:00:59
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|project|
53.346881
-6.25886
Project news
Closing the loop: Sustainable Plastic Packaging in the Alpine Region
28.02.2025
Closing the Loop with Lego Serious Play
Cradle-ALP in 2024
09.01.2025
The Cradle-ALP team made great progress in 2024. Discover and enjoy our achievements!
"While recycling and using recycled products is good, doing so in an environmentally responsible way is even better." Interview with Guillaume Perben, Composite Recycling
01.10.2024
Innovative solutions for recycling composite materials
Cradle to Cradle Industrial Transformation Roadmap: TEXTILES
13.09.2024
The Cradle-ALP textile roadmap that aims to transition to a circular economy by 2035.
Cradle to Cradle Industrial Transformation Roadmap: POLYMER-BASED COMPOSITE INDUSTRY
29.08.2024
The Cradle-Alp Transformation Roadmap on Polymer-Based Composite Industry
Cradle to Cradle Industrial Transformation Roadmap: CHEMICAL AND MATERIAL SECTOR
20.08.2024
The Cradle-Alp Transformation Roadmap on the Chemical and Material Sector
Cradle to Cradle Industrial Transformation Roadmap: PACKAGING
31.07.2024
The first of five roadmaps for the Cradle-to-Cradle (C2C) industrial transformation.
Cradle to Cradle Industrial Transformation Roadmaps
28.06.2024
A short introduction to cradle to cradle industrial transformation roadmaps.
Cradle-to-Cradle in Practice
29.04.2024
Companies that operate according to the cradle-to-cradle principle - Examples of best practices
"Use Better, Use Longer, Use Again" Interview with Sofiane Bekkal from Schneider Electric
16.04.2024
Interview with sustainbility leader for the 'Home and Distribution' division at Schneider Electric.
"There is no waste, only unsold product." Interview with Jaka Jelenc, Lead LCA expert in the ESG department of Danfoss Climate Solutions segment and a green transformation enthusiast.
27.02.2024
An interview with Jaka Jelenc, Lead LCA expert in the ESG department of Danfoss Climate Solutions segment and a green transformation enthusiast.
Werner & Mertz Group: pioneer in championing a functional circular economy
29.12.2023
"I advise every company to engage in the C2C community, absorb the spirit, and participate in discussions that hold crucial importance for the 'clean' material cycles of our future." Interview with Immo Sander from Werner & Mertz.
JVP's Commitment to Sustainability: A Journey Towards the Realization of Cradle to Cradle Principles
07.12.2023
JVP, a visionary Italian manufacturer of raised steel floors, goes beyond commercial success and is committed to environmental responsibility. One of the approaches they use to achieve sustainable business practices is cradle to cradle.
"Cradle to Cradle often involves challenging the prevailing belief systems that have been ingrained in our practices." Interview with Dr. Jan von der Lancken, EPEA GmbH
23.10.2023
According to Jan von der Lancken from Environmental Protection Encouragement Agency, Cradle to Cradle is first and foremost a design framework. Their job is to help companies apply this framework effectively. How they achieve this, Mr von der Lancken explained exclusively for the Cradle-Alp project.
Study visit of JVP company in Padova, Italy
05.04.2023
On 21st and 22nd of March partners of Cradle-ALP project met in Chamber of Commerce of Padova. A study visit was organised to a cradle-to-cradle (C2C) certified company; JVP manufactures raised steel floors and is the only company in Italy with this certificate.
