Scope 3 Product Analysis
Understanding upstream and downstream emissions across the product value chain
Looking Beyond Direct Emissions
For many products, the majority of greenhouse gas emissions occur outside the manufacturing facility itself.
Raw material extraction, supplier activities, transportation, packaging, distribution and end-of-life treatment can significantly influence a product's overall environmental impact.
EPD Analytics supports manufacturers in identifying, evaluating and understanding Scope 3 emissions across the product value chain.
Typical Scope 3 Categories
Raw Materials
Environmental impacts associated with purchased materials and components.
Supplier Activities
Emissions generated during production processes performed by suppliers.
Transportation and Logistics
Inbound and outbound transportation activities.
Packaging
Production and disposal of packaging materials.
Distribution
Storage, handling and delivery activities.
End-of-Life
Recycling, recovery, disposal and waste treatment scenarios.
Why Scope 3 Matters
Many organizations discover that:
- Scope 3 emissions represent the largest share of product-related emissions
- Customer sustainability requirements increasingly focus on supply chains
- Decarbonization opportunities are often found outside direct operations
- Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) require upstream data collection.
Typical Scope 3 Assessment Process
Suppliers > Raw Materials > Manufacturing > Distribution > Use Phase > End-of-Life > Emission Calculation > Hotspot Analysis > Improvement Opportunities.
Assessment Outputs
Scope 3 product emissions analyses may provide:
- Emission breakdown by life cycle stage
- Supply chain hotspot identification
- Supplier contribution analysis
- Carbon footprint contribution by material
- Improvement opportunities
- Support for EPD and PCF studies.
Related Standards
- ISO 14067
- ISO 14040
- ISO 14044
- GHG Protocol Product Standard
- EN 15804
Benefits for Manufacturers
Better Supply Chain Visibility
Understand where emissions occur across the value chain.
Improved Product Transparency
Provide customers with more robust environmental information.
Support for Decarbonization
Identify areas with the greatest reduction potential.
Enhanced EPD and PCF Studies
Improve data quality and reduce uncertainty.