Michael Braungart is a German chemist and a prominent advocate for sustainable development. He is best known for co-authoring the book Cradle to Cradle with architect William McDonough, which promotes a design philosophy that encourages the creation of products that are beneficial to the environment. Braungart's work focuses on eliminating waste and pollution by designing systems that mimic natural processes. He is also the founder of the EPEA Internationale Umweltforschung, a research and consulting institute that helps companies implement sustainable practices. Braungart's approach emphasizes the importance of considering the entire lifecycle of a product, from its creation to its disposal, to ensure a positive impact on the planet.