Product Carbon Footprint: ein Schlüssel zu effektiven Nachhaltigkeitsstrategien.

The article "Product Carbon Footprint: a key to effective sustainability strategies" discusses the need for the personal care industry and the chemical industry to introduce sustainable practices and reduce their carbon footprint. BASF has developed and implemented a method for calculating the Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) to determine the carbon footprint of their product portfolio. Calculating the PCF is a challenge as companies rely on complex global supply chains and require comprehensive and comparable data. The PCF consists of direct and indirect greenhouse gas emissions and can be calculated for individuals, companies, countries, and products. The article describes the possibility of including GHG emissions in the carbon footprint of products resulting from activities in the value chain. This approach is usually used for services or activities. Various emission sources along the value chain are mentioned, such as FMCG producers' locations, retailers, and end consumers. The calculation of the carbon footprint is based on international standards and has been developed by BASF. The company has openly shared its calculation methodology and is working on harmonizing the standards for PCF calculation in collaboration with other industry stakeholders. BASF has chosen to provide its IT tool (SCOTT) for calculating PCF data through software partners. Other companies can integrate or implement this tool to contribute to the standardization and harmonization of data calculation. The Together for Sustainability (TfS) initiative offers a unique approach to calculating the PCF of chemicals and promotes collaboration and the exchange of best practices. TfS has developed comprehensive PCF guidelines that have been agreed upon by 37 chemical companies. Another option for reducing greenhouse gas emissions is the biomass balance approach (BMB), which replaces fossil resources with renewable energy. BASF has established a supplier CO2 management program to achieve transparency on the CO2 emissions of their raw materials and to identify measures to reduce these emissions together with their suppliers. Another measure is the transition from conventional palm kernel oil to sustainable certified alternatives. The chemical and personal care industry has made progress in reducing energy-related greenhouse gas emissions. An important approach is the use of RSPO-certified palm kernel oil, which avoids emissions associated with deforestation. Furthermore, compliance with RSPO guidelines can reduce additional emissions by growing fewer oil palms on carbon-rich soils. The industry also aims to invest in green energy and works with customers to meet their requirements for reducing the product carbon footprint. Electrification of steam generation and collaboration with regulatory authorities, stakeholders, and the public are further steps to support the transition to sustainable solutions and combat climate change. [Extracted from the article]