Carbon footprint in production: ecological transparency at Rejlek

As a company, we at Rejlek attach great importance to understanding our carbon footprint and presenting it transparently. This not only enables us to better track our climate targets, but also to provide our customers with clear information on the emissions of our products. In the following blog, we take a closer look at this offer and the steps involved in the calculation.

Why is the carbon footprint of products important?

The CO₂ footprint of a product indicates how much CO₂ is emitted during its entire life cycle – from raw material extraction to disposal. This cycle is also known as “cradle to grave”. It is increasingly important for companies to know the footprint of their own products in order to operate more sustainably and meet customer expectations.

 

How do you calculate the carbon footprint of a product?

To calculate the carbon footprint of a product, all phases of the product life cycle are considered: Starting with material extraction, through processing and distribution, to disposal. This calculation uses emission factors to present the carbon footprint transparently and includes direct and indirect emissions, which are divided into three so-called scopes:

• Scope 1: Direct emissions from the company’s own sources, for example from heating systems, vehicle fleets or production processes.
• Scope 2: Indirect emissions from purchased energy, such as electricity, steam or district heating.
• Scope 3: All other indirect emissions along the value chain, for example from suppliers, transport routes and the use and disposal of the product.

At Rejlek, we calculate the carbon footprint of our products as follows:

1. Scope definition
   Together with an external partner, we have developed a comprehensive strategy to accurately record the entire carbon footprint, including Scope 3. In doing so, we pay particular attention to international standards and transparency so that we can carry out well-founded analyses of the causes of emissions using precise data.
2. Flexible data collection for customer requirements
   Thanks to our CO₂ system, we can flexibly calculate the footprint across scopes 1, 2 and 3 and adjust system limits for specific customer requirements. In this way, we are able to provide product-specific CO₂ values per item, which provides our customers with valuable insights.
3. CO₂ calculation with the Rejlek CO₂ calculator
   The development of an accurate calculation system was an intensive process. With our specially developed Rejlek CO₂ calculator, we have created a solution to transparently report emissions by product group. This project, which was also completely new territory for us, has inspired our employees at all levels and strengthened the Rejlek team spirit.

Future prospects and optimisation

In order to be able to recognise reduction potential even more precisely in future, we are focusing on the most important emission factors along the entire value chain. A key step in this process is the development of a benchmark indicator that will help us to make reliable statements on CO₂ reduction in future and make progress measurable.

To increase efficiency, we are also planning to integrate relevant CO₂ data directly into our ERP system from 2025 – a software solution that will enable us to centrally manage and analyse all resources and processes from production to logistics. By integrating the_CO2 data, we are simplifying the recording and analysis of our carbon footprint and laying the foundation for the targeted optimisation of our processes.

Conclusion: Step by step towards a greener future

Calculating the CO₂ footprint provides companies with valuable key figures that can be used to work on targeted improvements. Once the key areas of action have been identified, measures can be planned precisely where they will make a particularly effective and sustainable contribution to reducing CO₂ emissions. Our customers benefit from the integration of the CO₂ footprint as a quality feature in their product specifications. This allows you to move closer to the goal of CO₂ neutrality for your end products in the long term and operate more sustainably.

Curious to find out more? Get in touch with us right away and let’s discuss how our services can help you bring more sustainability to your company.