Product carbon footprint (PCF)
Towards a low-carbon future
We are continuing to decarbonise our operations and supply chains, working towards our verified Science-Based Targets (SBT) and providing carbon-saving benefits for our customers.
Accurate accounting of the emissions associated with operations and raw materials is needed for an informed and directed decarbonisation strategy.
To support our customers' scope 3 upstream carbon accounting and to enable collaboration on targeted decarbonisation actions, Croda is launching Product Carbon Footprints (PCFs) for materials produced at 12 of our global manufacturing sites, representing over 400 Crop Care products. Contact us to find out more.
Croda Life Sciences carbon journey infographic
What is a Product Carbon Footprint (PCF)?
A PCF represents the total amount of greenhouse gasses (GHG) released during the lifecycle of a specific product. Typically, product carbon footprints are calculated over what is termed cradle-to-gate, i.e. the emissions released to the atmosphere from the production (or extraction) and processing of raw materials to the point that they leave the factory gate.
Scope 1, 2 & 3 emissions
To help measure and assess carbon emissions, the GHG protocol categorises emissions into Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3.
Carbon footprint at Croda explained: part one
PCF: A part of Croda’s decarbonisation journey
As the chemical and life sciences industries move to reduce their GHG emissions and decarbonise, accurate accounting of the emissions associated with products and services is needed.
To develop and direct an effective decarbonisation strategy, companies need to be able to identify areas within their operations with high total emissions and areas of high emission intensity. These hotspots are often where directed decarbonisation action can have the greatest impact towards achieving a company’s targets and supporting The Paris Agreement goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 °C.
Our commitment to be Climate Positive by 2030
Our targets
- Croda has Science Based Targets (SBTs) to reduce Scope 1 & 2 emissions by 46.5% by 2030 and to reduce Scope 3 emissions by 13.5% by 2030
- Croda’s ambition is to be net-zero by 2050 across its Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions
In July 2019, we became a signatory for ‘Business Ambition for 1.5°C’ - the UN Global Compact call to action. We committed to becoming a net zero organisation by 2050 and reducing scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions in line with the most ambitious Science Based Targets (SBT) pathway, limiting global temperature rises to no more than 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels and avoiding the most catastrophic effects of climate change.
In 2021, we became the third major chemical company in the world to have our 1.5°C Science Based Target verified. We have committed to reduce our scope 1 and 2 emissions by 46.5% from a 2018 baseline and reduce upstream scope 3 emissions by 13.5% through collaboration within our supply chain.
All of Croda’s sites have decarbonisation roadmaps in place with actions already underway.
Croda’s PCF methodology
Croda’s PCF is a cradle-to-gate life cycle assessment (LCA) (i.e. Scope 1,2 and 3 upstream). This refers to the carbon impact from the beginning of the raw material production ("cradle") to the moment it leaves our production site ("gate").
These are calculated using hybrid data (as per the GHG protocol guidance) and are aligned to Together for Sustainability (TfS) guidelines (aligned with ISO, GHG protocol, and PACT).
Croda PCFs include:
- Scope 1 emissions – direct GHG emissions from Croda’s production processes
- Scope 2 emissions – GHG emissions from the supply of energy purchased by Croda for its production processes
- Scope 3 emissions – GHG emissions for purchased raw materials
- Average data for inbound transportation, subcontracting, and waste/wastewater are also included in our PCF calculations
Croda will continue improving our data quality with more supplier-specific PCFs and LCAs for raw materials and more accurate accounting of our Scopes 1 & 2 operations.
PCF statements are now available for over 400 Croda Crop Care product portfolios manufactured at 12 of our largest manufacturing facilities globally. The numbers are generated based on 2023 manufacturing data. Get in touch with your sales representatives to find out more.
Frequently asked questions on PCF and its uses
- Accounting for Scope 3 emissions is a significant challenge because the activities involved lie outside your organisation (and often geographical region)
- Supplier-specific data is needed to accurately estimate scope 3 emissions, identify carbon intensity hotspots, and track the impact of supply chain decarbonisation actions
--- Spend-based methods (e.g. EEIO) and averaged data can be used to estimate overall scope 3 emissions for reporting
--- Industry average LCAs (e.g. Ecoinvent) enable emission hotspots to be identified more generally
--- Only supplier-specific PCF data enables accurate scope 3 estimations, with hotspot analysis and visibility of supply chain decarbonisation actions, for purchased materials - The more primary and supplier-specific data used in a PCF calculation, the more accurate the number is likely to be
- It is important to understand the method, scope, and data quality of a PCF before assuming it accurately represents all the associated emissions
- A cradle-to-gate PCF only accounts for upstream emissions. Any in-use benefits that reduce emissions downstream should also be considered. Formulation components can optimise a product’s manufacture, storage, transport, application, or performance, all of which can affect the sustainability of a final product beyond the total PCF of its components
- Low carbon does not always mean more sustainable. More areas of environmental impact should be assessed, weighted, and compared (such as in a full LCA) to comprehensively compare the sustainability profile of different materials
- If PCFs are based on actual production data, they will always be retrospective and represent a given period (usually a calendar year or rolling average)
- They can be used to track and direct our sustainability actions and will come down overall as we continue our ambitious decarbonisation journey. However, there may be fluctuations in our PCFs as data quality improves and some may increase slightly in some years, but the trend overall will be downwards
- Our PCF data ensures that our decarbonisation actions continue to be targeted and effective. They are a part of our sustainability journey and a way to monitor our progress. We are excited to work with you as we all develop the sustainability of our supply chains
- PCFs allow Croda to identify, track and reduce our carbon emissions
- Croda PCFs are highly granular and specific to the material, manufacture site, and pack size. With granular product-level data, we can identify carbon intensity hotpots, implement improvements, monitor progress, and communicate meaningful results
- Sharing this data will support our customers in making more informed decisions as we collaborate to decarbonise our supply chains
- Send your request through our contact form and we will be in touch shortly
Sustainability is at the heart of what we do
Our commitment to sustainability continually adapts with global shifts and has consistently been a core aspect of how we do business. Sustainability permeates every facet of our operations, enhancing the value we provide to our customers. Explore the diverse manifestations of our sustainability initiatives.
2023 Sustainability Impact Report
