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Understanding 'Cradle-to-gate' and 'Cradle-to-grave'
Understanding 'Cradle-to-gate' and 'Cradle-to-grave'
Jeroen Smeets avatar
Written by Jeroen Smeets
Updated over 8 months ago

Coolset adopts both "Cradle-to-gate" and "Cradle-to-grave" methodologies to assess the environmental footprint of products. The selection of the appropriate framework depends on the availability of data from customer inputs and our comprehensive database resources. These methodologies offer a structured approach to understanding and mitigating the environmental impacts associated with product lifecycles.


Cradle-to-Gate

The 'Cradle-to-gate' analysis focuses on the environmental impact of a product from its inception to the point it reaches the consumer. This framework encompasses:

  • Environmental impact of the materials: Evaluates the effects of extracting raw materials necessary for the product's creation.

  • Environmental impact of production: Assesses the environmental footprint of manufacturing processes, including energy consumption and emissions.

  • Environmental impact of shipping to store: Considers the carbon emissions and environmental implications of transporting the product to retail outlets.


Cradle-to-Grave

Contrastingly, 'Cradle-to-grave' extends the assessment to cover the product's entire lifecycle:

  • Environmental impact of the materials: Similar to 'Cradle-to-gate', this considers the effects of raw material extraction.

  • Environmental impact of production: Evaluates the manufacturing process's contribution to the product's overall environmental footprint.

  • Environmental impact of shipping to store: Accounts for the transportation emissions up to the retail distribution.

  • Environmental impact of use phase: Analyses the environmental implications during the product's operational life, including energy consumption and emissions during use.

  • Environmental impact of product's disposal or recycling: Assesses the impact of disposing of or recycling the product at the end of its life, thus providing a comprehensive view of its full carbon footprint.


By employing both 'Cradle-to-gate' and 'Cradle-to-grave' frameworks, Coolset aims to gain a nuanced understanding of the environmental impacts associated with different stages of a product's lifecycle. This dual approach enables informed decision-making to reduce the carbon footprint and promote sustainable practices throughout the product lifecycle.

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