While most experts in the lubricants and additives industry know what a Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) is and why PCF data is important, multiple methodologies for calculating PCF exist. But the industry is now closer to a standard methodology with the recent approval of “Methodology for Product Carbon Footprint Calculations for Lubricants, Greases and Other Specialties” by TÜV Rhineland Energy GmbH.

“This methodology is science-based and aligned with how Lubrizol calculates our product carbon footprints,” said Dixit Parmar, Lubrizol Sustainability Manager. It takes the industry one step closer to standardized methodologies, which is exciting and welcomed by Lubrizol. Standardized methodologies will provide consistency, reliability and efficiency within the entire value chain.”

First introduced in September 2023, “Methodology for Product Carbon Footprint Calculations for Lubricants, Greases and Other Specialties” was developed by the Union of the European Lubricants Industry (UEIL) and The Technical Association of the European Lubricants Industry (ATIEL) to provide a synchronized approach to calculating carbon footprints across the lubricants industry. The certification of this methodology by TÜV Rhineland means companies can now get third-party validation of their PCF calculations, strengthening trust and collaboration within the sector.

PCFs calculate the total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with a product typically on a cradle-to-gate basis which includes emissions from raw material extraction, transportation, manufacturing and waste treatment. Understanding a product’s carbon footprint is vital when trying to minimize environmental impact and comply with regulations. PCFs are increasingly becoming the standard tool for assessing sustainability and helping lubricant companies meet consumer demand for sustainable products.

Sustainability is an important part of Lubrizol’s business strategy and Lubrizol embraces developments that bring new standardized ways to deliver data that is meaningful to our customers.

Read more about Lubrizol's sustainability efforts in our latest Sustainability Report.

Standardizing Carbon Footprint Calculations for Lubricants and Greases