What does a Product Carbon Footprint mean for companies?

Roel van Lerberghe:
A Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) provides insight into the total greenhouse gas emissions of a product across its full lifecycle, from raw materials through to use and end-of-life.

Roel, what exactly is a Product Carbon Footprint?

Roel van Lerberghe:

A Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) is a method for calculating the total CO₂ and other greenhouse gas emissions associated with a specific product. This is done across the full lifecycle: from raw material extraction, production and transport, to use and waste processing.

 

The calculation is carried out according to internationally recognised standards such as the Greenhouse Gas Protocol (Product Standard) and ISO 14067. All relevant emission sources within the value chain are taken into account, also referred to as scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions.

 

A PCF makes it possible to compare products based on their climate impact and forms an important basis for transparency towards customers and stakeholders.

Which companies must establish a Product Carbon Footprint?

Roel van Lerberghe:

There is currently no general legal obligation for all companies to establish a Product Carbon Footprint. However, pressure is rapidly increasing from regulation, customers and markets.

 

Companies active in international value chains, supplying large enterprises or operating in sectors with a high climate impact (such as industry, construction, food and retail) are increasingly being asked to provide product-related emission data.

 

PCFs also play an important role within European initiatives such as the Ecodesign Regulation, the Green Claims Directive and digital product passports. As a result, it is becoming increasingly necessary for more and more companies to have reliable product data available.

What is the purpose of a Product Carbon Footprint?

Roel van Lerberghe:

The purpose of a Product Carbon Footprint is to gain insight into where the greatest emissions lie within the lifecycle of a product, so that targeted reduction measures can be taken. A PCF also enables transparent communication about the climate impact of products to customers, investors and other stakeholders.

 

It also supports companies in substantiating sustainability claims and developing more climate-friendly products and innovations.

Which standards and methodologies must companies use?

Roel van Lerberghe:

Product Carbon Footprints are typically calculated on the basis of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). The most commonly used standards are:

• The Greenhouse Gas Protocol – Product Life Cycle Accounting and Reporting Standard,

• ISO 14067 (Carbon footprint of products),

• Additional sector guidelines and Product Category Rules (PCRs).

 

These frameworks determine how emissions should be calculated, which system boundaries apply and how results should be reported to ensure comparability.

 

How can companies prepare for establishing a Product Carbon Footprint?

Roel van Lerberghe:

Companies should start by defining the product and the lifecycle they wish to analyse. They then map all relevant processes and emission sources, both internally and across the chain. A crucial step is the collection of high-quality data, preferably primary data from suppliers, supplemented by secondary data sources where necessary.

 

A calculation is then carried out in accordance with the chosen standard, after which the results are analysed to identify hotspots. Finally, it is important to embed the results in the company strategy, for example by formulating reduction targets, optimising product design and communicating transparently to the market.
 

Where can companies find more information about Product Carbon Footprints?

Roel van Lerberghe:

More information about Product Carbon Footprints is available via the Greenhouse Gas Protocol and ISO standards. Sector organisations also often provide specific guidelines and databases. European policy initiatives, such as the development of the Product Environmental Footprint (PEF), are also providing increasing guidance on uniform calculation methods.

 

Of course, we at Sustinera support companies in calculating, interpreting and strategically deploying their Product Carbon Footprints.