Understanding Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) and Carbon Labeling

Introduction

As global efforts to combat climate change intensify, understanding and reducing the carbon footprint of products has become an essential part of sustainable business practices. Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) and Carbon Labeling are two key tools that help companies measure, manage, and communicate the climate impact of their goods and services.

What Is Product Carbon Footprint?

A Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) refers to the total amount of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions generated throughout the entire life cycle of a product or service. It is measured in terms of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO₂e), encompassing various GHGs including CO₂, methane (CH₄), nitrous oxide (N₂O), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), and perfluorocarbons (PFCs).

Life Cycle Boundaries for PCF

There are two common boundary approaches in PCF accounting:

• Cradle to Gate: Commonly used for B2B products. It includes emissions from raw material extraction, manufacturing, and transportation up to the factory gate.
• Cradle to Grave: Suitable for B2C products. It covers emissions from raw material acquisition to manufacturing, distribution, use, and end-of-life disposal.

Relationship Between PCF and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a comprehensive environmental assessment method that evaluates resource use and environmental impacts from cradle to gate or cradle to grave. Typical LCA impact categories include:

• Climate change
• Acidification
• Eutrophication
• Freshwater and marine ecotoxicity
• Human toxicity
• Ozone layer depletion
• Photochemical oxidation
• Non-renewable energy and resource depletion

PCF corresponds to the climate change category within an LCA. Thus, PCF is a climate-focused subcomponent of a full LCA, using the same methodological foundation.

What Is a Carbon Label?

A Carbon Label visually displays a product’s carbon footprint, making carbon emissions data transparent to downstream users and consumers. This enables informed purchasing decisions and promotes low-carbon lifestyles.

Why Is PCF/Carbon Labeling Important?

Global Trends and Regulations

More and more countries and industries are implementing carbon footprint reporting and labeling systems. For example:

• EU Battery Regulation mandates PCF calculation and certification for certain EV and industrial batteries.
• Carbon labeling systems have been established in the UK, France, Japan, and over 10 other regions.

In China, the central government’s Action Plan to Peak Carbon Emissions by 2030 highlights the need to develop product carbon footprint standards. Local governments and industry associations are also launching pilot programs and drafting technical guidelines.

Supply Chain Pressures

Multinational corporations are increasingly requiring carbon transparency from suppliers. For instance, chemical giant BASF mandates PCF disclosures from its vendors and seeks joint emission reduction targets.

Business Value

Conducting PCF assessments and adopting carbon labels can help businesses:

• Identify emission hotspots and improve low-carbon performance
• Meet regulatory and customer requirements, especially in exports
• Enhance brand reputation by demonstrating climate commitment
• Gain access to green subsidies, tax benefits, and competitive advantages
• Support green product development and promote sustainable consumption

Key PCF Standards

PCF assessments should follow recognized standards to ensure consistency, transparency, and credibility. Some key guidelines include:

International Standards

• PAS 2050:2011 – Specification for assessing the life cycle GHG emissions of goods and services. Developed by Carbon Trust, Defra, and BSI; widely used worldwide.
• ISO 14067:2018 – Greenhouse gases – Carbon footprint of products – Requirements and guidelines for quantification. This is a globally accepted standard aligned with LCA frameworks (ISO 14040 and ISO 14044).

Industry Standards

• PCF Guideline for the Chemical Industry – Issued by Together for Sustainability (TfS), offering tailored methods for the chemical sector.

Chinese National Standards

• GB/T 24067-2024 – China’s national guideline for PCF quantification, partially aligned with ISO 14067.

How to Conduct a Product Carbon Footprint Assessment

1. Define Objectives and Boundary Scope

   Define the functional unit, product specifications, process, and calculation boundaries.

2. Identify Emission Sources

   Create input-output process flow diagrams and identify emission categories.

3. Collect Activity Data

   Develop data collection forms and assist clients in gathering data.

4. Build Product Model

   Build a product model, connect to databases/track upstream processes, and refine the model.

5. Calculate Product Carbon Footprint

   Quantify total greenhouse gas emissions over the product life cycle.

6. Prepare Carbon Footprint Report

   Write the report; translation can be provided based on client needs.

Our PCF & Carbon Labeling Services

At REACH24H, we provide end-to-end support for product carbon footprint assessment and carbon labeling:

• PCF training and regulatory guidance
• Emission source mapping and data collection
• Customized data templates and footprint calculation
• PCF report preparation and reduction recommendations
• Support for third-party verification and certification

Why Choose Us?

As a pioneer in sustainable compliance services, REACH24H leverages extensive policy knowledge, technical expertise, and a wide network of government and industry experts to deliver reliable carbon footprint services.

Our team includes:

• Certified GHG verifiers (CCAA registered)
• Accredited carbon labeling evaluators
• Master’s graduates from top global universities
• Experienced consultants with strong project management backgrounds

We are proud to be recognized as a “Carbon Labeling Authorized Evaluation Agency” and an “AAA-rated Low-Carbon Service Company”.

At REACH24H, we bridge the gap between businesses, associations, and regulators to help enterprises embrace the green transition, achieve sustainable growth, and stay ahead in the low-carbon economy.