What is the PCF?
A product carbon footprint (PCF) is a product-level carbon footprint that considers direct and indirect greenhouse gas emissions during the product life cycle. RUCH NOVAPLAST has developed a tool that supports companies in carrying out a PCF calculation for their moulded parts made of EPP at material, technology and process level.
We offer our customers the opportunity to calculate and evaluate the CO2 emissions of their products.
Our approach covers all three scopes, from raw material extraction (cradle) to the factory gate, taking into account all phases of the product life cycle in between:
- Scope 1 - Production & Manufacturing: covers direct emissions from owned or controlled sources
- Scope 2 - Energy: covers indirect emissions from the generation of purchased electricity, steam, heat and cooling
- Scope 3 - Upstream processes: covers all other indirect emissions generated in a company's value chain
Calculation of the PCF
RUCH NOVAPLAST has developed a flexible and transparent Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) calculator. This tool enables companies to accurately determine CO2 emissions for individual products made from EPP and communicate these to customers and partners – a real competitive advantage!
With this tool, different material variants (recyclates, bio-polymers, material reductions), energy efficiency improvement measures, and reusable/disposable options can be directly compared in the form of a benchmark. This provides customers with a transparent basis for decision-making, helping them to determine which optimization measures or combinations thereof are most effective in achieving CO2 reduction goals. Additionally, cross-plant calculations with different technologies and location-based assessments are possible.
Essential to this process are decades of project experience and a database of measurements for improving energy efficiency, the equipping of our machinery and energy generation with the necessary measurement technology to create a comprehensive energy balance.
All this knowledge has been implemented in the technology models of the PCF calculator to determine the most realistic emission factors based on our technologies and processes. The solution is rounded off with a process simulator that can calculate consumption values and thus CO2 emissions, even if a product is still in the inquiry phase, meaning no measurable consumption values are yet available. These are measured subsequently, and the calculation is validated with a new version index.
A sustainability strategy and roadmap is fundamentally necessary for companies in times of climate change.
The ability to report on a company's CO2 emissions from a global perspective as well as the CO2 accounting at the individual product level are essential tools for planning, evaluating, and implementing corresponding optimizations on the company, process, and product levels.
IDENTIFYING OPTIMISATION POTENTIAL
After determining the CO2 emissions, we can identify various optimization potentials and present solutions and benchmarks for effective CO2 emission reduction. From optimizing tool efficiency to selecting appropriate particle foam materials, we help you understand and minimize the impact on your product's Carbon Footprint.
Various factors can influence the CO2 emissions of a molded part to varying degrees:
Tooling: The efficiency of the tool used in manufacturing a molded part plays a central role. Advanced technologies and optimized manufacturing processes can significantly reduce CO2 emissions. Learn more about our H.E.T. tools here.
Energy Efficiency of Energy Production: The method of energy generation for the production process directly impacts CO2 emissions. The use of renewable energy can make a significant contribution to reducing emissions.
Particle Foam Material: The choice of particle foam material for the molded part also affects the PCF. Using recycled or bio-based materials can reduce environmental impact.
Process Efficiency: Efficient production processes that minimize waste and optimize resource use are crucial for low CO2 emissions.
Component Size: The size of the molded part directly influences the amount of material and energy needed for its production.
Delivery Distance: The distance between production sites, suppliers, and end customers significantly affects transportation emissions. Local production and short delivery routes can reduce CO2 emissions.
Annual Quantity: The number of molded parts produced per year directly affects total CO2 emissions. High production efficiency and demand-driven manufacturing can reduce environmental impact per unit.
