More transparency for informed material decisions: KRAIBURG TPE has PCF calculation methodology verified by DEKRA

The independent review confirms that the calculation methodology used by KRAIBURG TPE meets the relevant requirements of ISO 14067:2018 for cradle-to-gate product carbon footprints of products (PCF) of thermoplastic elastomers. KRAIBURG TPE thus provides additional transparency regarding the methodological basis of its PCF data and supports customers in their own calculations of carbon footprints and assessment of material options.

Companies that calculate product carbon footprints or gather emissions data of purchased raw materials in their own carbon footprint require comprehensible emissions data from their materials suppliers. This is why KRAIBURG TPE has its PCF calculation methodology and associated tools subjected to an independent critical review by DEKRA Assurance Services GmbH. The review was documented with a Certificate of Verification. DEKRA confirms that the methodology meets the relevant requirements of ISO 14067:2018 for calculating cradle-to-gate PCFs for thermoplastic elastomers. This provides customers with greater transparency regarding the methodological basis of PCF data which KRAIBURG TPE makes available about its products.

Transparency for individual assessments and material comparisons

PCF data provided by materials suppliers are an important basis for calculating the carbon footprint of a company’s own products and for further calculations of carbon footprints along the value chain. The independent review of the calculation methodology provides additional transparency and makes it easier for customers to classify the PCF data provided and the underlying assumptions.

Product-specific PCF data may also play an important role in assessing different material options. Convincing comparisons presuppose that the data used are based on comparable calculation bases and system boundaries.

Independent review of calculation methodology

As part of the review, DEKRA examined whether the calculation methodology complies with ISO 14067:2018 and whether the assumptions made, the data used, the data management and the calculation methods are appropriate for the defined purpose. In addition, the transparency and consistency of the documentation were evaluated, and the impact of methodological assumptions on the results was examined. In its final assessment, DEKRA comes to the conclusion that the methodology meets the relevant requirements of ISO 14067:2018 for calculating cradle-to-gate PCFs for thermoplastic elastomers. The review report also evaluates the methodology as detailed and robust.

“It’s important for our customers to be able to understand on what methodological basis the PCF data are calculated. The independent review confirms our methodological approach and provides greater transparency in classifying and using PCF information, for example, for individual calculations of carbon footprints and assessment of material options”, explains Dr. Andrea Winterstetter, Corporate Sustainability Manager and technical contact person for the issue of PCF at KRAIBURG TPE.

The review relates to the calculation methodology and not to an independent review of individual PCF values of products. This means, KRAIBURG TPE’s range of PCF information provided is complemented by an independent review of the methodological basis. The PCF information is available as part of the existing offer for products from the EMEA region.