Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) is the total amount of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, measured in CO₂-equivalent (CO₂e), associated with a product throughout its entire life cycle. It includes emissions from raw material extraction, manufacturing, transportation, product use, and end-of-life disposal or recycling. PCF is assessed using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodologies and is standardized under ISO 14067 and PAS 2050. While ISO 14067 is an internationally recognized standard providing a comprehensive framework for PCF quantification, PAS 2050, developed by the British Standards Institution (BSI), offers a structured approach mainly used for carbon footprint labeling and voluntary reporting. Both standards help businesses ensure transparency, regulatory compliance (e.g., EU Green Deal, CBAM), and competitive advantage by demonstrating their commitment to sustainability and carbon reduction.

How Does the ISO 14067 and Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) Process Work?
- Determine the purpose of the carbon footprint assessment (e.g., compliance, carbon reduction, eco-labeling).
- Set system boundaries, including whether to assess only Cradle-to-Gate (raw material to production) or Cradle-to-Grave (full life cycle).
- Select the functional unit, which defines the reference product for analysis (e.g., 1 kg of material, 1 unit of a product).
- Gather data on raw materials, energy consumption, transportation, manufacturing processes, packaging, usage, and end-of-life disposal.
- Include direct emissions (Scope 1), indirect emissions (Scope 2), and supply chain emissions (Scope 3).
- Apply GHG emission factors from recognized databases (e.g., IPCC, Ecoinvent) to quantify emissions.
- Use Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) tools compliant with ISO 14067 to perform the calculations.
- Identify the most carbon-intensive stages in the product life cycle.
- Evaluate opportunities for emission reduction, such as sustainable materials, energy efficiency, or optimized transportation.
- Conduct internal validation or seek third-party verification for credibility.
- Obtain certification or environmental labels (e.g., Carbon Neutral, Carbon Footprint Label).
- Prepare a transparent report following ISO 14067 guidelines.
- Use the findings to support sustainability claims, marketing strategies, or compliance with regulations like the EU Green Deal and CBAM.
- Implement carbon reduction strategies based on findings.
- If aiming for carbon neutrality, businesses can invest in carbon offset projects like reforestation or renewable energy.
What Factors Are Considered in Product Carbon Footprint?
Material Extraction Phase: Emission of greenhouse gases during the retrieval of materials essential for the product.
Manufacturing Process: Consumption of energy and release of greenhouse gases in the course of manufacturing the product.
Distribution and Transit: Generation of greenhouse gases during the transportation and delivery of the product from the manufacturing site to the end consumer.
Usage Phase: Consumption of energy and emission of greenhouse gases as a consequence of consumers using the product.
Waste Management: Emission of greenhouse gases from the management of waste processes at the conclusion of the product’s life.
Each of these stages is considered in the calculation of a product’s carbon footprint. The resulting information reveals the quantity of greenhouse gases emitted throughout the entire life cycle of the product, spanning from production to consumer utilization. Furnishing this data to consumers and producers can aid in comprehending and mitigating the environmental impact of products.
What Is ISO 14067 Product Carbon Footprint Standard?
ISO 14067 is a global standard named ‘Environmental management – Carbon footprint of products – Requirements and guidelines for quantification and communication.’ Its objective is to offer direction on the calculation, monitoring, and communication of product carbon footprints. Providing a structured approach, ISO 14067 facilitates the assessment of products’ environmental impact by taking into account resource utilization and greenhouse gas emissions across their entire life cycle.
How Is the ISO 14067 Standard Applied in Carbon Footprint Calculation?
Collecting Data, Calculating Emissions, Reporting, Certification, and Verification, as well as Monitoring and Improvement are integral components of the ISO 14067 standard.
This standard proves to be a useful resource for organizations seeking to enhance transparency and raise awareness regarding sustainability and environmental consequences. It provides guidance on minimizing and enhancing the environmental footprint of products, empowering consumers to make more informed decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
ISO 14067 is an international standard that provides guidelines for quantifying the greenhouse gas emissions associated with a product’s life cycle. It is crucial for businesses aiming to measure, reduce, and communicate their product’s carbon footprint transparently.
By following ISO 14067, companies can systematically assess and reduce their product carbon footprint, aligning with sustainability targets, regulatory requirements, and market expectations for climate-conscious products.
While both standards evaluate environmental impact, ISO 14067 specifically focuses on greenhouse gas emissions from a product’s life cycle, whereas LCA (ISO 14040/44) considers a broader range of environmental factors such as water use and pollution.
Industries such as construction materials, packaging, textiles, electronics, food and beverage, and manufacturing benefit significantly by gaining carbon transparency and improving supply chain sustainability.
ISO 14067 supports businesses in meeting climate regulations like the EU Green Deal, Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), and corporate sustainability reporting by providing a standardized approach to carbon footprint calculation.
The key steps include defining system boundaries, collecting life cycle inventory data, quantifying greenhouse gas emissions, applying impact assessment methods, and reporting results in compliance with ISO 14067.
Yes, ISO 14067 provides a scientific basis for credible carbon footprint reduction and offsetting strategies, helping businesses achieve carbon neutrality claims with verified data.
Common challenges include data availability, supply chain complexities, methodological consistency, and ensuring accurate life cycle emissions reporting.
A specialized consultancy provides expertise in carbon footprint assessment, life cycle data collection, regulatory compliance, reduction strategies, and third-party verification, ensuring a seamless and accurate ISO 14067 implementation.