How to Conduct a Product Carbon Footprint Assessment
The question of the climate impact of products is becoming increasingly important. Customers, business partners and legislators now expect not only sustainable promises, but also reliable figures. This is exactly where the carbon footprint assessment for products comes in. Companies that want to make their products fit for the future can hardly avoid having their product carbon footprint (PCF) professionally calculated.
Having a carbon footprint calculated for products means gaining clarity about emissions, highlighting potential for reduction and strategically anchoring sustainability – instead of just communicating it.
What does a carbon footprint mean at product level?
The carbon footprint of a product describes the total of all climate-relevant emissions generated during its entire production and life cycle. Here you can read about how CO2 emissions are generated in products. The calculation takes into account, among other things, raw material extraction, production, transport routes, use, and disposal or recycling at the end of the product's life.
Emissions are expressed in CO₂ equivalents (CO₂e) so that different greenhouse gases can be compared. Methodologically, the calculation is based on internationally recognised standards such as ISO values or the GHG Protocol Product Standard. These standards ensure that results are traceable, comparable and verifiable.
Why companies should have their carbon footprint calculated
Many companies face the challenge of mapping complex supply chains and incomplete data. An externally calculated carbon footprint for products provides certainty and quality in this regard.
On the one hand, it ensures transparency and credibility. Companies can clearly show the actual climate impact of a product – an important basis for sustainability reports, customer communication and tenders. On the other hand, it enables the targeted identification of emission drivers. Often, the highest emissions do not occur where they are expected. A well-founded analysis shows where reductions can be made most effectively.
In addition, the product carbon footprint is also gaining regulatory importance. New EU regulations, supply chain requirements and reporting obligations are increasing the pressure to report emissions transparently and in accordance with standards. Companies that have their carbon footprint calculated at an early stage gain a clear advantage here.
Calculate your carbon footprint yourself or have it done professionally?
In principle, there are software solutions that companies can use to calculate their carbon footprint themselves. In practice, however, it quickly becomes apparent that standard-compliant product accounting requires specialist knowledge, time and reliable data. Errors in system boundaries, emission factors or assumptions can significantly impair the validity of the results.
A professionally prepared carbon footprint offers decisive advantages here. External experts accompany the entire process – from data collection and modelling to the final evaluation. The result is a reliable and verifiable carbon footprint that can be used both internally and externally.
Carbon footprint as a strategic basis
Having a carbon footprint calculated for products is much more than just a mandatory exercise. It provides the basis for informed decisions, competitive advantages, credible communication and effective climate strategies. Companies not only gain transparency about their products, but also concrete starting points for innovation and emission reduction.
Investing in a professional product carbon footprint today strengthens competitiveness and clearly positions a company as responsible – both internally and externally.