C2C Certified® Community in Berlin: Collaborating for Impact

Elwyn Grainger-Jones, the Institute’s Executive Director, provided an update on the C2C Certified® Products Program, highlighting the need for collaboration in the fragmented sustainability and circular economy landscape. The past year saw the highest number of certifications and the launch of version 4.1. 

Looking ahead, Elwyn outlined ambitious goals for 2030 to increase the positive impact of the program: doubling the number of certified products, increasing process efficiency with "one-step" verification, and expanding the network of assessors and companies.  

"We need to join forces to achieve critical scale in the circular economy and bring more trusted, truly circular products to the market." 

Alessio Ranaldo introduced the first version 4.1C2C Certified® Full Scope product certified at Bronze level: needle-punched carpets designed for exhibitions and events. Alma S.p.a detailed their sustainability efforts, including a pioneering carpet recycling system. Their REBORN family of products showcases how used carpets are repurposed into furniture coverings, completing a circular journey from exhibition venue to manufacturing plant and back in just 12 months. 

Karen Rauschenbach, co-founder of Bluesuit and Co-President of the Circular Clothing Cooperative, shared the cooperative's efforts in supporting 11 fashion and furniture brands on their journey to circularity. By offering a shared material library and collaborative certification processes, the cooperative helps small brands bring Cradle to Cradle Certified® products to the market. 

Karen Rauschenbach and Alessio Ranaldo led an engaging panel discussion, addressing audience questions on: 

• Microplastics: Alessio shared insights on testing natural fiber alternatives for carpets, while Karen highlighted the cooperative's commitment to natural fibers. 

• Supplier Engagement: Karen emphasized the importance of trust-based supplier relationships, while Alessio discussed working with event organizers to ensure proper collection and recycling of carpets. 

• Consumer Awareness: The panel explored digital tools like retrace and QR codes as promising solutions to enhance transparency and education. 

Tim Janssen, the co-founder of C2C NGO, reinforced the idea that Cradle to Cradle Certified® is not just about circularity—it is a holistic sustainability framework that inspires passionate advocates. 

Tim addressed concerns around "circular washing" and the industry's struggle with regulatory green claims. He positioned Cradle to Cradle as the leading best practice in sustainability, with a dedicated community driving meaningful change. 

The event concluded with a tour of the C2C Innovations Lab, reinforcing the institute's commitment to education, advocacy, and implementation. 

This in-person gathering showcased the power of collaboration and innovation in accelerating the transition to a circular economy. With ambitious goals for certification growth, process efficiency, and consumer engagement, the C2C Certified® community continues to lead the way in sustainable product development. 

Following the community meeting, the focus shifted to the International Cradle to Cradle NGO (C2C NGO) Congress, held on March 13-14, 2025. This annual event gathered over 1,000 leaders from business, politics, and science to explore best practices for a circular economy through keynote speeches, expert panels, and networking opportunities. 

The Institute played a key role in two major sessions at the congress: 

• March 13: Executive Director Elwyn Grainger-Jones joined speakers from the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL) and Cradle to Cradle NGO (C2C NGO) on the main stage. Their discussion centered on how businesses and governments can future-proof the economy by integrating social, ecological, and economic values into circular transformation strategies. 

• March 14: Our Director Apparel, Textiles & Footwear, Nienke Steen, led a session on “Unlocking Circular Design”, highlighting pioneering companies advancing circularity in fashion and electronics. She was joined by leading circularity experts from Bang & Olufsen and Roccamore, who showcased their Cradle to Cradle Certified® strategies and products and shared insights into their sustainability journeys. The session included an engaging Q&A, offering attendees the chance to connect with industry experts and explore the practicalities of circularity implementation. 

The C2C NGO Congress reinforced the need for collaboration, innovation, and policy alignment to drive systemic change in the circular economy. As sustainability continues to gain momentum, events like these serve as essential platforms for sharing knowledge, fostering partnerships, and inspiring actionable solutions. 

Save the date for the next C2C NGO event which will take place on September 17 and 18, 2026 at the TU in Berlin, Germany. 

C2C Certified® is more than a certification—it's a business strategy for sustainability, innovation, and leadership. By aligning with C2C principles, companies not only meet the demands of today’s market but also pave the way for a sustainable future.