Carbon footprint calculations with ISO 14067

Q: Sekab has now adopted ISO 14067 for calculating the carbon footprint of your products. Can you explain what ISO 14067 is and why you have chosen to implement it?

A: ISO 14067 is an internationally recognized standard that provides guidelines for quantifying the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of products throughout their life cycle. It builds on the principles of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) as outlined in ISO 14040 and ISO 14044, focusing specifically on carbon footprint calculations.

For Sekab, adopting ISO 14067 ensures a standardized, transparent, and science-based approach to assessing the climate impact of our products. Since we manufacture bio-based chemicals as an alternative to fossil-based ones, it is crucial to provide reliable and verifiable data to our customers. This certification strengthens our credibility and enables us to support customers in making informed, climate-conscious choices.

Q: How does the calculation process work according to ISO 14067?

A: The process begins with defining the scope and system boundaries of the assessment. We look at our products, from raw material growth, transport and production of our product.

Key steps include:

• Data Collection: We gather detailed data on energy consumption, raw material inputs, emissions, and transportation methods. This includes the impact of cultivating and processing bioethanol, which is our primary raw material.
• Emission Factors: We apply validated emission factors to quantify greenhouse gas emissions from each stage. These factors are sourced from recognized databases.
• Life Cycle Inventory (LCI): We perform a comprehensive inventory of all inputs and outputs related to the product, ensuring completeness and accuracy.
• Impact Assessment: Using ISO 14067 methodology, we translate this inventory into a carbon footprint expressed in CO₂ equivalents (CO₂e).
• Verification & Reporting: To maintain credibility, our reports including calculations undergo third-party verification, ensuring compliance with ISO 14067 requirements and providing customers with a trustworthy footprint assessment.

Q: What are the key benefits for Sekab and your customers in using ISO 14067?

A: The biggest advantage is transparency. Our customers can rely on scientifically grounded carbon footprint data to evaluate the environmental impact of their supply chains. Many industries are under increasing pressure to reduce emissions, and with ISO 14067-certified data, Sekab helps customers meet regulatory requirements, improve sustainability reporting, and make better purchasing decisions.

Additionally, this approach reinforces our position as a leader in fossil-free chemistry. It allows us to quantify the climate benefits of choosing our bio-based alternatives over fossil-based chemicals, strengthening the case for greener solutions in the chemical industry.

Q: How does Sekab ensure the accuracy of its calculations?

A: Accuracy is a top priority. We follow strict data validation procedures, use high-quality emission factors, and conduct sensitivity analyses to assess uncertainties. Furthermore, our calculations are independently verified by third-party auditors to guarantee compliance with ISO 14067. This rigorous approach ensures that our customers receive precise and reliable carbon footprint information.

Q: Looking ahead, how will Sekab continue to develop its sustainability efforts?

A: Implementing ISO 14067 is an important step, but we are continuously working to refine our sustainability strategies. We aim to further optimize our production processes to minimize our already very low emissions and explore new bio-based chemical innovations. Additionally, we are committed to supporting our customers in reducing their environmental impact, making fossil-free alternatives more accessible and attractive. By consistently improving our footprint calculations and sustainability practices, Sekab remains dedicated to driving the chemical industry toward a greener future.