In partnership with Autodesk, the fifth edition of the Cradle to Cradle Product Design Challenge is currently accepting applications. The bi-annual challenge encourages designers to focus on sustainability through a design process that includes Cradle to Cradle certified materials and the use of Autodesk Fusion 360. 

Past Best Use of Aluminum winner, AtoB Seat by Michiel Meurs

The challenges's reoccurring categories of entry are Best Professional Project, Best Student Project, Best use of Autodesk Fusion 360 and Best Use of Aluminum. This year, a fifth category has been added entitled Best use of Cradle to Cradle Certified Materials to further encourage outstanding application of Cradle to Cradle's extensive list of approved sustainable materials.

Past Best Professional Product winner, Banana Stem Fiber Packaging by Brayan Stiven Pabón Gómez and Rafael Ricardo Moreno Boada

Before jumping into the traditional design process, Cradle to Cradle requires applicants to complete an online course that covers the principles and strategies for designing products for a circular, regenerative future. Then, applicants are able to virtually shop Cradle to Cradle's list of certified materials, which includes hundreds of sustainable material options—from eco-friendly woods to BioFoam to Moisturizing oil. 

Applications for Cradle to Cradle must be submitted by May 14, 2017. Get started here!

To browse past winning projects, visit last year's Cradle to Cradle coverage here and here or visit Cradle to Cradle's Design Challenge IV Winners list.