Cradle to Cradle has been emerging as a sustainable business strategy that imitates nature’s cycle by repurposing all resources from a product for use in another, with an aim to eliminate waste. As climate crisis is becoming a serious concern, businesses are embracing circular economy, thus elevating the sustainability game. epeaswitzerland gmbh, an accredited general assessor for the Cradle to Cradle Certified® certification, supports companies in different areas of activities in the development and implementation of Cradle to Cradle® design concepts. Albin Kaelin, CEO of epeaswitzerland gmbh was with the CEOViews team to share details about their sustainable business approach that aims to build a better tomorrow.
Story of Inception
epeaswitzerland gmbh was founded in 2009 to support businesses in different areas of activities in the development and implementation of Cradle to Cradle design concepts. As a pioneer in thought, the concept of Cradle to Cradle was a challenge to undertake.
Albin Kaelin, CEO of epeaswitzerland gmbh shared, “We all have been educated to think linear, all the systems we are living in are based on linear thinking, like accounting, GDP, recycling, landfill. There is no future, Cradle to Grave. We are losing resources, and their quality and most of them are even toxic. What we need is Cradle to Cradle, enabling a positive perspective for future generations and the environment.”
Journey towards success
Over the years, through continuous innovation, right approach to adaptation and development, epeaswitzerland has evolved into what it is today. Now, the company incorporates 3 roles: Knowledge Trustee in managing confidential information within the supply chain and for the client, Innovation Trustee to build network partnerships to close the loop for circular products and materials and an accredited assessor for the Cradle to Cradle Certified ® certification.
The journey was a series of learning curve and continuous improvement. As The CEO Views recognizes epeaswitzerland with the “Innovation Excellence Award 2023”, Albin talks about his business journey saying, ““For 25 years I experienced headwind and was considered a rebel. Now the time spirit touches the surface and you are recognized to be an innovator. To receive tailwind is making it moving faster with less energy. Remain firm and never give up your principles.”
Over the years, through continuous innovation, right approach to adaptation and development, epeaswitzerland has evolved into what it is today.
Concept of Cradle to Cradle
Cradle to Cradle Certified® Design defines and develops circular products. As a differentiation from conventional recycling, the quality level of the raw materials remains throughout multiple product lifecycles and only purely “assessed safe chemicals” are used. The products are developed according the model to maintain the quality of raw materials over multiple life cycles taking the production processes, the use, and the reutilization into account. This means: No waste, all ingredients are considered as nutrients. The right materials are integrated in defined cycles (metabolism) at the right time and place.
Cradle to Cradle Certified® products and services
Cradle to Cradle Certified® works ahead of time. Leading brands, retailers, designers and manufacturers rely on Cradle to Cradle Certified® to ensure the products will have a positive impact on the planet and its people tomorrow. But as Albin correctly says, changing a mindset is challenging specially when it comes with contradictions, discussions and often disagreements. After that and not before everyone is motivated to support and start an innovation process. So, epeaswitzerland does not look back to the existing products or systems, they thrive to design everything new and create new perspectives for companies to build a sustainable future for tomorrow.
Speaking about what it takes to successfully develop and implement Cradle to Cradle Certified® Projects, Albin said, “All our projects are based on innovation, a high-risk environment with many hurdles to overcome each time. By building on a powerful network of trust, and communicating successful case studies on the web or social media, epeaswitzerland supports the image of credibility in the marketplace.”
Differentiation Factor
With an experienced, internationally oriented and interdisciplinary working management team, epeaswitzerland strives for a new dimension in providing quality and safety in endless cycles. Innovation is at the heart of their approach. epeaswitzerland continues to innovate and create products which are safe and circular, supporting the availability of good quality and nontoxic resources for coming generations and the environment.
Over the years, epeaswitzerland has established a strong and sustainable partnership with hundreds of clients and thousands of suppliers from around the globe, thus creating a Network of Trust.
epeaswitzerland has established a strong and sustainable partnership with hundreds of clients and thousands of suppliers from around the globe, thus creating a Network of Trust.
Dynamic market trend
Market dynamics are always evolving, altering the supply and demand curves. The millennials and young generation are socially conscious and they demand for businesses to change perspective towards climate protection. The Legislation is also taking up the “New Green Deal” within the EU Member States, forcing companies to transform into circular businesses and products designed for a toxic-free environment. epeaswitzerland has an active focus on Cradle to Cradle, developing circular products for building a better tomorrow.
What’s Ahead
Speaking about their future vision, Albin said, “’No compromise’ is our DNA. Supply chains have proven to be one, since they are global, complex, dependent, and fragile. However, epeaswitzerland Supply Chain Domino Knowledge Transformation methodology speeds up the project time, taking it down to 12 months. And with covid forcing it to move from physical presence to digital, the company has become stronger than ever before.
At present, we are establishing an introduction educational program for companies and universities to get them closer to changing their mindset and the path of innovation. We call it ‘Cradle to Cradle for Professionals,’ and look forward to building on next generations to come.”
Words of Wisdom
Albin Kaelin shares some tips and advice to the emerging business leaders and peers of the industry saying, “Innovation and Leadership are the only surviving strategies. If you compare, you start to comprise. This is a process that never ends. If you never get this point, you will never survive.”
