Methodology : Greenhouse GAS ASSESSMENT
This report includes an assessment of the greenhouse gas (hereinafter “GHG”) emissions of the packaging analyzed, for both the current packaging (“reference scenario”) and the optimized packaging (“project scenario”). This allows the client to gain insight into the variation in GHG emissions resulting from the packaging optimization. It should be noted that the GHG assessment carried out as part of this project provides an overview of the emissions avoided but does not constitute a complete life cycle analysis of the products.
The GHG assessment is carried out in accordance with ISO-14064-2 guidelines. The calculation method was reviewed by LCL Environnement, experts in greenhouse gas management.
Assessment Scope
As part of this GHG evaluation, the following emission sources are considered:
GHG Source |
Description |
Included? (Justification) |
|
Emissions related to the production and processing of products |
The production of raw materials and the manufacturing of packaging products generate greenhouse gas emissions. |
Yes |
|
Emissions related to the import of products |
The import of packaging products can generate GHG emissions from shipping, rail, and truck transport. |
No The origin of the packaging products is not covered in this evaluation. |
|
Emissions related to the use of products |
The use of packaging products does not significantly generate greenhouse gas emissions. |
No Negligible |
|
Emissions related to end-of-life of products |
The end-of-life of packaging products through recycling, landfilling, or incineration, generates GHG emissions. |
No These emissions fall outside the company's scope. Since waste management is not under the company's control, GHG emissions from this source are not included in the evaluation. |
In summary, this evaluation exclusively covers the production and processing phase of the packaging products targeted by the optimization project led by Cartier Packaging. If you wish to obtain a more detailed overview that includes all emission sources, please consult a life cycle assessment expert to arrange a tailored service offering for GHG quantification.
Emission Factor
The emission factors for the production and processing of packaging products, expressed in kgCO2eq/kg, of product, are sourced from three (3) main data sources:
- Environment Canada, 2009, GHG Calculator for Waste Management
- ADEME, Base Empreinte
- DEFRA, UK Government GHG Conversion Factors for Company Reporting
The emission factors from these references are then matched to a corresponding product category from Cartier. In cases where the emission factor for a specific product or material is not available in the databases, the emission factor of a similar product is used. The complete list of emission factors is provided in the appendix of this report.
Calculation Method
Greenhouse Gas Emissions are then calculated using the following formula for each packaging product used:
GHGₑ = Mp₁ × EF₁ + Mp₂ × EF₂ + …
Where
GHGₑ = Total GHG emissions (kg CO₂eq)
Mp₁ = Mass of packaging product #1 (kg)
EF₁ = Emission factor of packaging product #1 (kg CO₂eq / kg)
Mp₂ = Mass of packaging product #2 (kg)
EF₂ = Emission factor of packaging product #2 (kg CO₂eq / kg)
GHG emissions are therefore calculated for both the baseline scenario (current packaging) and the project scenario (optimized packaging). A comparison between the baseline and project scenarios is then carried out to illustrate the GHG reductions resulting from packaging optimization. Finally, an extrapolation of the reductions can be made based on the number of optimized packages used each year.