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Product Carbon Footprint (PCF)

PCF Consulting and Advisory Services

The Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) measures the total greenhouse gas emissions generated during a product’s life cycle, from raw material extraction to disposal. It provides a comprehensive view of a product’s environmental impact, enabling businesses to identify and reduce emissions across their supply chains. As climate regulations tighten and consumer demand for sustainable products grows, PCF is becoming increasingly relevant for companies. Measuring PCF allows businesses to enhance transparency, comply with carbon regulations like the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), and improve sustainability reporting. By reducing the carbon footprint of their products, companies not only contribute to global climate goals but also gain a competitive advantage by meeting the expectations of environmentally conscious consumers and stakeholders. PCF is essential for driving sustainability, fostering innovation, and demonstrating corporate responsibility in a carbon-constrained world.

Source of PCF

Demand for PCF has increased by 30% annually, driven by consumer awareness and regulatory pressure.

57% of consumers are willing to change purchasing habits to reduce their environmental impact.

Over 40% of Fortune 500 companies have committed to measuring and reducing their carbon footprints, including assessing the PCF of their products.

80% of a product’s carbon footprint comes from the supply chain, making PCF crucial for identifying emission hotspots.

Steps Towards PCF

01 Define boundaries:

Identify the stages of the product’s life cycle to be included in the carbon footprint assessment. Select a recognized methodology for PCF calculation, such as the GHG Protocol Product Life Cycle Standard or ISO 14067

02 Collect data:

Collect primary data on energy use, raw materials, transportation, manufacturing processes, and waste management for all relevant stages of the product’s life cycle. Work with suppliers to gather secondary data on emissions from materials and components

03 Calculate emissions:

Use emission factors from databases to convert activity data into carbon emissions for each stage of the product’s life cycle. Aggregate the emissions from all stages to calculate the total PCF, measured in CO2-equivalent (CO2e) units.

04 Analyze & validate:

Analyze the results to identify the main contributors to the product’s carbon footprint (hotspots) and opportunities for emissions reduction. If required, have the PCF validated by an external auditor to ensure accuracy and credibility

05 Report & act:

Communicate the PCF results transparently through sustainability reports, product labels, or environmental product declarations. Use the insights from the PCF analysis to implement strategies for reducing emissions.

Benefits of PCF :

Enhanced sustainability reporting:

Provides measurable data on the environmental impact of products, helping companies improve the accuracy and transparency of their sustainability reports.

Regulatory compliance:

Ensures that companies stay compliant with carbon-related policies and avoid penalties or market access restrictions.

Improved Supply Chain Efficiency:

Helps companies optimize supply chain operations, reducing inefficiencies, minimizing waste, and promoting energy efficiency to lower carbon emissions.

Cost reduction:

Reducing the carbon footprint often leads to lower operational costs by improving energy efficiency, optimizing resource use, and minimizing waste throughout production processes

Competitive Advantage:

Differentiate products by appealing to eco-conscious consumers and businesses. A lower footprint demonstrates commitment to sustainability, and enhancing brand value

Supports Climate Goals:

Helps companies set realistic carbon reduction targets and contribute to global climate goals, such as carbon neutrality or net-zero emissions

How Sustainext helps

Sustainext helps companies accurately assess and reduce their Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) by evaluating carbon emissions across the entire life cycle of their products, from raw materials to disposal. We guide businesses in setting carbon reduction targets through a detailed peer review and verification process, ensuring that the calculated footprints are scientifically robust and aligned with international standards. By verifying company targets against climate goals, Sustainext enables companies to achieve meaningful carbon reductions, enhance product sustainability, and strengthen their market position in a carbon-conscious economy.

01 PCF Assessment and Calculation

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) Support: Conduct comprehensive life cycle assessments to measure the product’s carbon footprint, from raw material extraction to production, transportation, and disposal.
Carbon Footprint Calculation: Utilize globally recognized standards, such as the GHG Protocol Product Standard and ISO 14067, to calculate a product’s carbon emissions accurately across its life cycle.

02 Data Collection and Supplier Engagement

Primary Data Collection: Gather data on energy consumption, raw materials, manufacturing, transportation, and waste management directly from the client’s operations.
Supply Chain Analysis: Engage with suppliers to collect secondary data on materials and components, focusing on emissions from upstream processes.

03 Emissions Reduction Strategy

Hotspot Analysis: Identify emission hotspots throughout the product’s life cycle and offer actionable insights to reduce carbon intensity.
Carbon Reduction Initiatives: Advise on low-carbon technologies, energy efficiency measures, and sourcing of sustainable materials to minimize emissions.

04 PCF Reporting and Compliance

Compliance with Regulations: Ensure alignment with current and upcoming regulations such as the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and national carbon reporting frameworks.
Third-Party Verification: Facilitate third-party verification of PCF calculations, ensuring transparency and credibility in sustainability reporting.

05 Carbon Labeling and Communication

Carbon Footprint Labeling: Support companies in using PCF data for product labeling, helping them communicate environmental impact to consumers and stakeholders.
Environmental Product Declarations (EPD): Assist in developing EPDs based on PCF assessments to meet industry and customer requirements.

06 Continuous Monitoring and Improvement

PCF Monitoring Systems: Set up systems to continuously track and report the carbon footprint of products, helping businesses maintain sustainable production practices.
Ongoing Advisory: Provide continuous advisory services to help companies achieve carbon reduction goals, improve product sustainability, and maintain competitive advantage in evolving markets.

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