How many CO2 emissions are generated by my product? And what does climate-neutral actually mean? A well-founded sustainability strategy is becoming increasingly important for the plastics industry and is essential in order to reduce the ecological footprint, meet legal requirements and strengthen reputation. With different standards and accounting methods, it is often difficult for companies to maintain an overview in order to be able to present reliable figures to consumers and stakeholders. The SKZ Plastics Center provides support here.

Antonia Ivanda explains in an interview what is important for companies when checking their carbon footprint and how the SKZ can provide support. (Photo: Luca Hoffmannbeck, SKZ)

How to calculate your own carbon footprint - Interview with SKZ scientist Antonia Ivanda

Effective corporate climate protection starts with the carbon footprint of a company (CCF) or a product (PCF), because they are the basis for a sustainable climate protection plan. 
The plastics industry is working intensively on climate protection and creating a carbon footprint is an important step in understanding and reducing the environmental impact of a company and its products. The SKZ Plastics Center acts as a trailblazer for the plastics industry and supports companies in calculating and checking their carbon footprint. Antonia Ivanda, Scientist in the Sustainable and Circular Products Group at the Plastics Center, explains what opportunities the research institute offers companies and answers our questions.

SKZ: What is the difference between PCF, CCF and sustainability report?
Antonia Ivanda: While the PCF (Product Carbon Footprint) provides information about the emissions balance of a product over its entire life cycle, the CCF (Company Carbon Footprint) quantifies the greenhouse gas emissions of a company, taking into account its entire business activities. The PCF is an important tool for product development in order to develop more environmentally friendly products or to optimize existing products. The CCF is of great importance for the sound sustainability management of a company and is also used for the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) adopted by the EU. The obligation to report on sustainability will apply to large companies from 2025 and to capital market-oriented SMEs from 2026. The European Union has defined standards for reporting, known as the EU Sustainable Reporting Standards (ESRS). These standards describe which metrics should be used for reporting, and there are an impressive 1231 of them. However, it is sufficient to communicate the “core” key figures of the respective company. We are dedicating two pioneering projects to the topic of sustainability reporting and the circular economy. Interested companies have the opportunity to participate as project partners.

SKZ: How is the carbon footprint of a product calculated? Can you describe this in simplified terms?
Antonia Ivanda: The calculation of a carbon footprint can be divided into four steps. In the first step, a comprehensive overview of all life phases of the product must be created and framework conditions defined in order to identify all potential sources of emissions. In the second step, data collection begins – all information from raw material extraction to disposal or waste treatment must be recorded. The third step involves calculating emissions for the life cycle of a product in order to quantify the amount of greenhouse gases caused by the product. In the final step, the results obtained are analyzed in order to develop targeted measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in areas where emissions are particularly high. 

SKZ: The SKZ also offers customized software tools for calculating the carbon footprint. Can you explain the benefits of the calculation tools for companies?
Antonia Ivanda: We offer tools for calculating carbon footprints in accordance with ISO 14067 and the GHG Protocol, life cycle analyses in accordance with ISO 14040/44 and EPDs for construction products in accordance with EN 15804 and the specifications of the Institut Bauen und Umwelt e. V. (Building and Environment Institute). Our tools are based on the latest life cycle assessment methods and data, are user-friendly and can be adapted to a wide range of requirements. In addition, we provide companies with comprehensive support in implementing the solutions and offer support as well as regular updates and enhancements.

Interview: Katrin Heilig, SKZ

More information and registration for the seminar “Calculate your own carbon footprint”

The next course dates are October 15-16, 2024, March 24-25, 2025 and October 8-9, 2025.