|  Update: April 8, 2025

🕓 Reading time 9 minutes

Table of contents

1. A sudden change in the supply chain

2. What is a Product Carbon Footprint (PCF)?

3. How do you measure the product carbon footprint?

4. What is a product carbon footprint used for?

5. How does the Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) differ from the Corporate Carbon Footprint (CCF)?

1. A sudden change in the supply chain

Imagine your company suddenly receives a Request from an important customer: “We need the emissions balance of your products.” What initially appears to be a one-off request is currently developing into new standard in the supply chain. More and more companies are faced with precisely this challenge – especially medium-sized manufacturing companies. The pressure does not come out of the blue, but rather from increased demand and increasing regulation regarding sustainability.

The trend toward PCF (Product Carbon Footprint) accounting is no longer just a matter of the future, but an urgent reality. Medium-sized companies face the challenge of not only measuring their emissions but also having these results certified to ensure credibility. In this article, you'll learn what a PCF is, how to create one, and why early implementation now can be a competitive advantage.

2. What is a Product Carbon Footprint (PCF)?

The Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) is a crucial tool to Impact of products on the climate to understand and reduce. The PCF provides a detailed insight into the greenhouse gas emissions that occur throughout the Life cycle of a specific product arise.

The PCF measures the total amount of greenhouse gas emissions directly and indirectly associated with the product. This includes all phases a:

• Raw material extraction
• production
• Product usage
• Transport and distribution
• Disposal

3. How do you measure the product carbon footprint?

1. Life cycle analysis

This first step is essential for obtaining a comprehensive picture of all life cycle phases of the product. The goal is to consider all phases, from production to disposal, and identify potential sources of emissions.

2. Data collection

In this phase, the process focuses on data collection. This includes information on the extraction of raw materials, the manufacturing process, distribution and logistics, the product's use phase, and its disposal or recycling. This data is essential for accurately recording emissions at different life cycle stages.

3. Emissions calculation

Once all relevant data has been collected, emissions are calculated for each life cycle stage. Appropriate emission factors are applied, tailored to the respective activities and processes. This calculation allows us to determine the exact amount of greenhouse gases emitted by the product.

4. Results analysis

In the final step, the collected data and calculations are analyzed. The goal of this analysis is to identify areas where emissions are particularly high. This provides an opportunity to take targeted measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and minimize the product's impact on the climate.

4. What is a product carbon footprint used for?

Basic requirement or competitive advantage as a supplier

A Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) is now much more than just an option for optimizing environmental indicators. For many companies, especially in manufacturing sectors, he is now a Requirements of their customers and a crucial criterion in the supply chain.

Companies that have their PCF data transparent and certified position themselves as reliable and sustainable partners. This not only builds trust but also secures long-term business relationships – a real competitive advantage in an increasingly climate-focused market.

View an example of a PCF report here

Companies can find out the emission hotspots of their products

The Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) is an essential tool that helps companies to act more climate-consciously. By carefully analyzing the emissions generated throughout a product's life cycle, companies can identify the areas where the greatest emissions burdens arise.

These findings are crucial to targeted measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions For example, a detailed PCF analysis could reveal that certain raw materials or manufacturing processes are particularly emissions-intensive. With this information, companies can consider more sustainable alternatives or optimize their production processes. This not only reduces their ecological footprint but can also lead to long-term cost savings through more efficient use of resources.

Decision-making aid for consumers

In a world where consumers increasingly value sustainability, the PCF also offers an important Decision-making aid when purchasing. Consumers can use the PCF to identify products that have a lower impact on the climate. A QR code on the packaging, for example, can customer-facing PCF report Furthermore, the transparency created by providing PCF information can increase consumer trust in a brand.

View an example of a PCF customer report here

5. How does the Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) differ from the Corporate Carbon Footprint (CCF)?

The Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) and the Corporate Carbon Footprint (CCF) are both important tools for measuring and analyzing greenhouse gas emissions, but differ in their scope and objectives.

Focus and scope

The PCF focuses on the Emissions balance of a specific product over its entire life cycle This encompasses all phases from raw material extraction through production and use to disposal or recycling of the product. The PCF is used to understand and quantify the specific environmental impacts of an individual product.

In contrast, the CCF the Total emissions of a company. He takes into account all business activities, including production, energy consumption in office buildings, business travel, and transportation and logistics processes. The CCF provides a comprehensive overview of the emissions generated by a company as a whole.

Objective and use

The PCF is often used for Product development and optimization This allows companies to develop more environmentally friendly products by identifying and specifically improving phases with high emissions.

Example of a detailed PCF report watch here

The PCF is also an important tool for the Communication with customers, because it makes transparent how environmentally friendly a product is.

Example of a PCF customer report watch here

The CCF is particularly for the strategic planning and sustainability management at the corporate level. It is often used for statutory reporting, as the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) of the European Union. By analyzing their CCF, companies can plan and implement measures to reduce their overall emissions.

Significance for stakeholders

PCF for consumers and investors: The PCF is particularly interesting for consumers and investors interested in the specific environmental impact of a product. It enables informed decision-making regarding the purchase of or investment in environmentally friendly products.

CCF for regulators and partner companies: The CCF is particularly relevant for regulators and partner companies that require a comprehensive understanding of a company's environmental impacts. It is a key element in assessing a company's sustainability performance.

In summary, the PCF and the CCF are complementary tools, each addressing different but equally important aspects of emissions measurement and reduction. The PCF provides detailed insights into the environmental impacts of individual products, while the CCF paints a holistic picture of a company's emissions footprint.