Product Carbon Footprint Transparency

HPG provides product level carbon footprint estimates to help distributors and end clients better understand the environmental impact of the products they choose. This page explains those values in simple terms first, followed by a more detailed technical explanation for those who want deeper insight.

Carbon Footprint, Explained Simply

Think of a product’s carbon footprint as a way to estimate how much climate impact is created to make and deliver that product.

Here’s the simplest way to understand it:

Every product is made from materials
Those materials take energy to extract and process
The product is manufactured and shipped to the customer
Each step produces greenhouse gas emissions

HPG’s carbon footprint number adds up those emissions and expresses them as one easy to compare value, shown in kilograms of carbon dioxide equivalent (kg CO₂e).

What that number helps with:

Comparing similar products at a glance
Supporting sustainability conversations with clients
Answering common environmental impact questions

What it is not trying to be:

A judgment on whether a product is “good” or “bad”
A complete picture of everything that happens after use
A claim that emissions have been offset or eliminated

In short, the carbon footprint provides a clearer picture, not a perfect one, and is designed to support smarter product comparisons.

Carbon Footprint, Explained in Technical Detail

What Is a Product Carbon Footprint?

A product carbon footprint represents an estimate of the total greenhouse gas emissions associated with producing and delivering a single unit of a product, expressed in kilograms of carbon dioxide equivalent (kg CO₂e), using the standard GWP100 metric.

These estimates are intended to support transparency and informed decision making, not to serve as absolute or fully comprehensive lifecycle claims.

What Our Carbon Footprint Values Represent

The carbon footprint values displayed on HPG product pages represent estimated emissions associated with a product’s lifecycle from raw material extraction through manufacturing and delivery to the customer.

Calculations reflect the final delivered product and may include associated packaging.

Included in the estimate:

Raw material extraction and processing
Manufacturing and final product assembly
Transportation of the finished product to the customer

Not included in the estimate:

Product decoration performed by third parties
Shipping by distributors beyond initial delivery
Product use by the end user
End of life treatment, such as recycling, reuse, or disposal

This scope is commonly referred to as a cradle to door product footprint and is widely used as a practical and comparable approach to product level carbon measurement.

How HPG Calculates Product Carbon Footprints

HPG’s product carbon footprint estimates are modeled using life cycle assessment principles aligned with globally recognized frameworks, including ISO 14040, ISO 14044, and Greenhouse Gas Protocol product accounting guidance.

Calculations are generated at the individual product level using a consistent set of inputs, which may include:

Bill of materials
Material composition and weight
Manufacturing location
Estimated transportation impacts

These inputs enable meaningful comparison across products within and across categories.

Existing Studies and Modeled Estimates

When product specific carbon footprint studies already exist, such as life cycle assessments or environmental product declarations using compatible methodologies, those results may be used where appropriate.

When no prior study is available, product footprints are estimated using a streamlined life cycle assessment approach across the same lifecycle stages to ensure consistency and comparability.

Modeled Estimates That Improve Over Time

Product carbon footprints are estimates, not fixed values.

As material disclosure, supplier data, and supply chain information improve, these estimates may be refined to reflect higher quality inputs. HPG is committed to improving the accuracy and coverage of product level sustainability data as better information becomes available.

How to Use These Numbers

Carbon footprint values are best used to:

Compare similar products within the same category
Support sustainability conversations with end clients
Respond to environmental questionnaires and sourcing discussions

They are not intended to:

Represent full lifecycle or cradle to grave assessments
Serve as certifications or guarantees
Support claims of carbon neutrality or offsetting

Lower values generally indicate lower estimated carbon impact for that product within the defined scope.

Transparency and Responsible Use

HPG believes transparency also means clarity about limitations.

Product carbon footprint values:

Are provided for informational purposes only
Reflect modeled estimates based on available data
Do not represent complete lifecycle emissions
Should not be interpreted as verified carbon reductions

HPG does not currently make product level carbon neutrality claims.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why don’t all products have a carbon footprint value?
Product level carbon measurement requires detailed material and supply chain information. Coverage will continue to expand over time.

Does decoration affect a product’s carbon footprint?
Decoration methods, locations, and processes vary widely and are not currently included in displayed product level estimates.

Will these values change?
Yes. As data quality improves, values may be updated to better reflect product level impacts.

Questions About Product Carbon Footprints?

If you have questions about a specific product or how to use carbon footprint information in your sales conversations, please email sustainability@hpgbrands.com.