Product Carbon Footprint
Measuring the greenhouse gas impacts across the entire product life cycle.
Science-Based Product Emissions Disclosure
Product Carbon Footprints (PCF) provide science-based disclosures of the carbon intensity of your products. SCS Consulting Services develops carbon footprints for your products based on ISO 14067, PAS 2050, ISCC CFC, and WRI GHG Protocol. Our experts examine your product carbon intensity over its full life cycle, including raw material extraction, manufacturing, transportation and distribution, use, and end of life disposal.
Transparent Reporting for Supply Chains
Product Carbon Footprints provide the detailed reporting your downstream customers need from their supply chains so that they can develop their own Scope 3 inventories. They help you identify “hotspots” for targeting greenhouse gas reductions and related cost- or energy-saving opportunities to lower a product’s carbon footprint. PCFs can also help you evaluate alternative product configurations, sourcing and manufacturing methods, raw material choices, and supplier selection to create products with lower carbon intensities.
The SCS Consulting Services Advantage
Our practitioners have decades of combined experience in carbon accounting and life cycle assessment (LCA), both at the corporate and product level. SCS Consulting Services' experts have produced hundreds of Product Carbon Footprints (PCFs) for clients in many sectors including consumer products, food, construction products, electronics, packaging, transportation services, and pulp and paper production.
Talk to an Advisor
Ready to discover the carbon intensity of your product? Schedule a free consultation with our Product Carbon Footprint experts today. We’ll help you achieve a complete cradle-to-grave assessment of your products.
FAQS
- What is a Product Carbon Footprint?
A Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) measures the carbon intensity of a product across the full life cycle based on one of the following methodologies: ISO 14067, PAS 2050, ISCC CFC and GHG Protocol Product Life Cycle Accounting and Reporting Standard. A PCF is a cradle to gate/grave assessment and includes raw material extraction, manufacturing, transportation and distribution, use, and end of life disposal. SCS’ Product Carbon Footprint service includes:
- Life cycle assessment (LCA) of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions
- Analysis from raw material extraction to end-of-life disposal. Some PCFs may also be cradle-to-gate, which includes raw material extraction through manufacture of the product
- Use of internationally recognized standards like ISO 14067, PAS 2050, and the GHG Protocol Product Life Cycle Accounting and Reporting Standard
- Preparation of carbon footprints to support buyer product emission requests, carbon neutral claims, or ISCC CFC
- Who is a Product Carbon Footprint for, and what industries do you serve?
This service is suitable for:
- Organizations of all sizes and sectors
- Companies aiming to meet customer Scope 3 data requests
- Businesses preparing for ESG reporting or carbon neutrality goals
- Companies who want to get an ISCC CFC certificate
- Industries including manufacturing, consumer goods, agriculture, and logistics
- Establishing a baseline PCF for measuring future reductions in greenhouse gas emissions
- What results can I expect?
Clients can expect:
- Transparent and accurate Product Carbon Footprint reports
- Identification of emissions hotspots and efficiency opportunities
- Data to support sustainability claims and customer disclosures
- A foundation for carbon neutral, ISCC CFC certification, and improved brand reputation
- How long does a Product Carbon Footprint take?
Timelines vary based on:
- Product complexity and data availability
- Scope of lifecycle stages included
SCS Consulting Services works collaboratively to ensure a smooth and efficient process, using the latest software and databases for accurate results.
- What makes SCS Product Carbon Footprint service different from others?
SCS Consulting Services is a global leader in accurate and science-based carbon footprints. We currently offer:
- Expertise in multiple carbon footprinting standards
- A highly specialized team using advanced tools for cost-effective and complete analysis
- A commitment to transparency, accuracy, and actionable insights
- Exceptional customer satisfaction
- How do you handle data security and compliance during the creation of a Product Carbon Footprint?
SCS Consulting Services ensures:
- Confidential handling of product and supply chain data
- Alignment with international standards and audit requirements
- Assurance-ready outputs
Our services and deliverables meet global standards for credibility and transparency, reference the latest emissions factors, and follow the GHG Protocol to create assurance-ready outputs. At every step of the way, we support our clients in preparation for regulatory audits and align with standards like IFRS S2 and CSRD.
- What support is included during the product carbon footprinting process?
Support includes:
- Expert guidance throughout the footprinting process
- Help with data collection and supplier engagement
- Scenario analysis and recommendations for emissions reduction
- Integration with broader ESG and sustainability goals
- What is the pricing for a PCF?
Pricing depends on:
- Number and complexity of products
- Depth of lifecycle analysis required
- Verification and certification needs
- Can I see a demo of this service?
While no demo is offered, SCS Consulting Services does provide:
- Free consultations to assess your needs
- Case studies and examples of completed product footprints
- Guidance on how the process works and what outcomes to expect
- How do I get started?
Schedule a free consultation with SCS Consulting Services to assess your needs and receive a tailored proposal for one or more product carbon footprints.
- Is PCF used to make Year-over-Year (YoY) emission reductions in products?
Yes. PCF enables companies to track emissions over time and identify hotspots in the product lifecycle. By comparing PCF data year-over-year, businesses can implement targeted improvements to reduce emissions, monitor progress toward sustainability goals, and communicate emission reductions.
- Can PCF be used to compare the emissions of one product with another?
Comparisons of PCFs need to be handled carefully to ensure that similar assumptions, data sources, and data quality are applied in the comparison. SCS Consulting Services can support with comparative PCF to provide your organization with science-based information for public claims of greenhouse gas reductions.
- What’s the difference between PCF and corporate carbon footprint?
PCF focuses on emissions from a specific product, while corporate carbon footprint covers emissions from an entire organization, including operations, facilities, and logistics.
- How can PCF data be used in product design?
Design teams can use PCF insights to select low-impact materials, optimize manufacturing processes, and reduce packaging waste —leading to more sustainable products.
- Is PCF data publicly available?
Some companies publish PCF data for transparency, especially in sustainability reports or product labels. However, availability varies depending on industry practices and disclosure policies.