At Prelude Analytics, we specialize in Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) analysis to help businesses understand and reduce the GHG emissions associated with their products.
What is Product Carbon Footprint (PCF)?
Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) is the total amount of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions generated throughout the life cycle of a product, from raw material extraction to disposal. The carbon footprint is typically measured in carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2e), which account for all greenhouse gases such as Carbon Dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), etc, based on their global warming potential.
The scope of a PCF analysis of a product can be:
1- Cradle-to-grave: including emissions from all stages of its life cycle from Raw Material Extraction up until End-of-Life.
2- Cradle-to-Gate: focuses only on the stages from raw material extraction up to the point the product leaves the manufacturing site, excluding the use and end-of-life phases.
Why Product Carbon Footprint Matters?
– Identify Emissions Hotspots: PCF analysis pinpoints which stages of your product’s life cycle contribute most to greenhouse gas emissions, allowing for targeted reduction strategies.
– Operational Efficiency & Cost Savings: Understanding your PCF can reveal inefficiencies in energy use, logistics, and material sourcing, often leading to cost reductions alongside emissions cuts.
– Strengthen Brand Reputation: Demonstrating transparency and credible climate action builds trust with customers, investors, and partners, and helps avoid accusations of greenwashing.
– Competitive Advantage: Companies with lower-carbon products can differentiate themselves in the marketplace and respond to growing demand for sustainable solutions.
– Regulatory Compliance: Increasingly, regulations like the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) require detailed product-level emissions data. A robust PCF analysis ensures you’re prepared to meet these demands
How PCF Analysis Works at Prelude Analytics?
– Data Collection: We gather primary data from your operations and supply chain, supplemented by high-quality secondary sources where necessary, to ensure accuracy and credibility.
– Life Cycle Assessment (LCA): Our PCF analysis is grounded in internationally recognized LCA methodologies, providing a holistic view of your product’s environmental impact.
– Hotspot Identification: We analyze results to identify the main drivers of your product’s carbon footprint and recommend actionable steps for reduction.
– Scenario Modeling: Explore the impact of alternative materials, suppliers, or processes to inform product development and procurement decisions.
– Reporting & Communication: Receive clear, auditable reports that can be shared with stakeholders, customers, and regulators to demonstrate your commitment to sustainability
Benefits of Measuring Your Product Carbon Footprint:
– Reduce GHG emissions and environmental impact.
– Identify opportunities for cost savings and resource efficiency.
– Make informed decisions on suppliers, materials, and product design.
– Demonstrate sustainability leadership and meet customer expectations.
– Lay the groundwork for credible net-zero and climate targets
Frequently Asked Questions:
– How is PCF different from corporate carbon footprint?
PCF focuses on emissions from a specific product, while the corporate carbon footprint covers the entire organization.
– What standards do you follow?
Our analyses align with globally recognized frameworks such as ISO 14067, GHG Protocol Product Standard, and relevant industry guidelines such as Together for Sustainability TfS guidelines for the chemical industry.
– How accurate is the analysis?
We prioritize primary data and transparent methodologies to deliver precise, auditable results.
Ready to understand and reduce your product’s carbon footprint?
Contact Prelude Analytics to start your PCF analysis and take the next step toward measurable climate action.