Carbon footprint (product carbon footprint and Scopes 1-2-3)
The total greenhouse-gas emissions caused by a product over its life cycle – usually from raw-material extraction to the factory gate (“cradle-to-gate”) – expressed in kg CO₂e and calculated under ISO 14067 and the GHG Protocol. At company level, Scope 1 covers direct emissions, Scope 2 purchased energy and Scope 3 the supply chain; most of a manufacturer’s Scope 3 comes from the raw materials it buys. That is why CBAM, CSRD reporting and brand targets now drive buyers to ask raw-material suppliers for verified product carbon footprints (PCF) and EPDs.
Related terms
Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)
The European Union’s mechanism that charges imports of iron and steel, aluminium, cement, fertilisers, hydrogen and electricity for the carbon emissions embedded in their production, at a price linked to the EU ETS. The 2023–2025 transitional phase required reporting only; from 2026 authorised declarants must buy CBAM certificates. Suppliers selling these products into the EU now need verified installation-level emissions data to stay competitive.
Traceability (supply-chain transparency)
The ability to document, at every stage from source – mine, farm, forest or refinery – to end user, who processed a raw material, where, and from which lot. It is becoming mandatory in raw material trade because of the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), OECD guidance on conflict minerals and recycled-content claims such as ISCC or GRS. Geolocation data, mass balance and digital product passports are key concepts here.
Bioplastic: bio-based vs. compostable
The term covers two different properties. Bio-based plastics take their carbon from renewable sources such as sugar cane, corn or vegetable oil (e.g. bio-PE, bio-PET); they may be chemically identical to fossil versions and need not biodegrade. Compostable plastics – PLA, PBAT, PHA, starch blends – break down within a set time under industrial composting according to EN 13432 or ASTM D6400, and some are fossil-based. When buying, ask separately for the bio-based content (ASTM D6866) and the compostability certificate (TÜV OK compost, BPI).