Why is it Key to Measure the Carbon Footprint of Plastic?

The production, use, and disposal of plastic generate a high carbon footprint plastic impact, leading to significant CO₂ emissions that contribute to climate change and global pollution.

Each year, more than 400 million tons of plastic are produced, creating a challenge in terms of operational efficiency and regulatory compliance.

Optimizing the management of these materials allows companies to reduce costs, comply with regulations, and improve their market competitiveness.

When it comes to decomposition, the problem worsens, most plastic takes centuries to degrade, releasing microplastics and harmful substances in the process.

Can we afford to ignore resource management optimization? Not if we want to stay competitive.

Companies that optimize material usage and align their production with ESG standards can cut operational costs, improve efficiency, and ensure regulatory compliance.

Measuring and managing these indicators not only prevents penalties but also strengthens a company's position in strategic markets and attracts new investment opportunities.

Looking to measure plastic's carbon footprint? Use an advanced sustainability software for accurate results.

This article explains how to measure and reduce the carbon footprint of plastic and which actions can make a real difference in sustainable management.

What Is the Carbon Footprint of Plastic?

The carbon footprint of plastic refers to the total CO₂ emissions generated throughout its entire life cycle, from production to disposal.

This impact varies depending on:

• Type and origin of plastic: Recycled plastics generally produce fewer emissions than petroleum-based plastics.
  
  
• Manufacturing process: The energy used and the efficiency of production directly affect CO₂ emissions.
  
  
• Transport and distribution: If fossil fuels are used for transportation, the environmental impact increases.
  
  
• Waste management: Poorly managed plastic ends up in incinerators, releasing even more CO₂.

How to Optimize Material Management in Companies

To improve efficiency and ensure regulatory compliance, companies can focus on several areas:

• Material optimization: Reducing dependence on virgin plastic and maximizing the use of high-quality recycled materials.
  
  
• Efficiency in production processes: Reducing energy consumption and eliminating waste in manufacturing.
  
  
• Advanced material management: Implementing systems that minimize waste and promote resource reuse.
  
  
• Innovation in design: Developing cost-effective and durable products.

With Dcycle, measuring the carbon footprint translates into strategic decisions aligned with ESG regulations and business objectives, helping companies optimize performance and strengthen their market position.

With tools like Dcycle, not a consultancy or an audit firm, but a technology solution, any company, regardless of industry, can measure and manage its ESG performance in a centralized way."

Dcycle transforms operational data into strategic insights, aligning them with frameworks such as CSRD, SBTi, and ISO standards, ensuring regulatory compliance and facilitating access to sustainable investments.

Companies that integrate ESG criteria into their management can cut costs, strengthen their market position. 

Aligning business strategies with sustainable finance frameworks is essential for securing investment and ensuring long-term growth.

Are you ready to take the next step?

Which Plastic to Use: Virgin vs. Recycled Plastic

Virgin plastic is made from fossil fuels, and unlike recycled plastic, it has a much higher carbon footprint.

Producing one ton of virgin plastic generates up to four tons of CO₂, while recycled plastic can reduce emissions by up to 80%, making it a far more sustainable option.

Choosing recycled plastic not only lowers the carbon footprint but also reduces demand for new raw materials and minimizes plastic waste.

Examples of Plastic Products and Their Impact

Not all plastics have the same environmental impact.

Some examples:

• High carbon footprint: Single-use PET bottles, multi-layer packaging, and PVC products.
  
  
• Low carbon footprint: Recycled plastics, certified bioplastics, and reusable packaging.

The Environmental Impact of Plastic Throughout Its Life Cycle

During Resource Extraction and Production

The manufacture of plastics depends largely on oil and natural gas, leading to high CO₂ emissions.

Additionally, extracting and refining these fuels contributes to climate change and consumes large amounts of water and energy.

During Use and Transportation

The impact of plastic doesn’t end with manufacturing.

• Its distribution and use generate emissions, especially for products requiring refrigerated transport.
  
  
• Its long lifespan worsens the problem, many plastics take centuries to break down, making them a persistent source of pollution.

During Waste Management

This is one of the biggest challenges.

Even though recycling is crucial, only 9% of the world's plastic is effectively recycled.

The rest ends up in:

• Landfills, releasing methane and other greenhouse gases.
  
  
• Incinerators, producing high CO₂ emissions and toxic pollutants.

The solution? Improve recycling systems and invest in sustainable alternatives to reduce reliance on single-use plastics.

Our Perspective as Experts on Plastic’s Carbon Footprint

Reducing plastic’s carbon footprint is not just an environmental goal, it’s an opportunity to innovate and enhance business sustainability.

At Dcycle, we help companies measure, manage, and reduce their environmental impact by providing digital solutions that enable informed decision-making.

The Importance of Measuring and Managing the Carbon Footprint

What isn’t measured, can’t be improved.

Measuring the carbon footprint is the first step in identifying critical areas and optimizing processes.

Companies across all industries have discovered that reducing their environmental impact also leads to greater operational efficiency.

Using measurement strategies helps businesses comply with environmental regulations, reduce costs, and strengthen corporate reputation.

4 Recommendations for Companies Seeking Sustainability

Reducing plastic’s carbon footprint is a challenge, but it doesn’t have to be complicated.

Some key actions include:

1. Replacing single-use plastics with recyclable or biodegradable materials
2. Optimizing logistics to reduce transportation emissions
3. Integrating renewable energy into production processes
4. Measuring and monitoring environmental impact to make data-driven decisions

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How Is Plastic’s Carbon Footprint Measured?

It is calculated through a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), which evaluates emissions generated from production to disposal.

This analysis helps identify which stages have the greatest environmental impact.

Additionally, understanding how sustainability affects the logistics and transportation industry can provide insights into optimizing supply chains and reducing emissions.

What Are the Most Important Environmental Regulations on Plastic?

It depends on the country, but some of the most relevant include:

• EU Single-Use Plastics Directive: Aims to reduce the most polluting plastic products.
  
  
• Circular Economy Regulations: Implemented in various regions to promote recycling and material reuse.

Is It Possible to Completely Eliminate Plastic’s Carbon Footprint?

Not entirely, but we can significantly reduce it by using alternative materials, more efficient processes, and advanced recycling technologies.

For example, compostable bioplastics and reuse systems can greatly decrease environmental impact.

Which Industries Generate the Highest Carbon Footprint from Plastic Use?

The sectors with the highest plastic consumption include:

• Food Industry: Single-use packaging, bottles, and containers.
  
  
• Fashion Industry: Synthetic fiber clothing and plastic-based packaging.
  
  
• Technology Sector: Electronic devices with plastic components and protective packaging.

How Can Companies Reduce Their Dependence on Plastic Without Affecting Production?

Some effective strategies include:

• Adopting reuse models, such as returnable packaging or refill systems.
• Using recycled materials, reducing the demand for virgin plastic.
• Optimizing logistics, cutting down on packaging use and improving transport efficiency.

Reducing plastic’s carbon footprint is not just a trend, it is essential for business sustainability.

Are we ready to take the next step?