Carbon neutral refers to a state where the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere is balanced by the amount of the gas removed from it, resulting in zero net carbon emissions. The concept came into prominence with an increased concern for the impact of carbon emissions on the environment and climate change. Achieving carbon neutrality requires reducing carbon footprints through various means such as relying on renewable energy sources, efficient use of resources, and carbon offsets like planting trees. While it may seem challenging to achieve the goal of being carbon neutral, adopting sustainable practices can help reduce our carbon footprint, and play a role in creating a cleaner and healthier environment for generations to come. 

Carbon neutral products embody this commitment to sustainability by ensuring that their production, use, and disposal do not result in a net increase in carbon emissions. These products can range from everyday items like clothing and food to larger purchases such as electronics and vehicles. By opting for carbon neutral products, consumers can make a positive impact on the environment and support the global effort to combat climate change. 

Carbon Neutral Product Overview 

What Is A Carbon Neutral Product? 

A carbon neutral product is one that has been designed, manufactured, and distributed in such a way that the total carbon dioxide emissions produced throughout its lifecycle are balanced by measures to remove or offset an equivalent amount of CO2 from the atmosphere. This involves assessing the carbon emissions at each stage of the product’s lifecycle, from raw material extraction and production through to distribution, use, and disposal. 

The certification of a product as carbon neutral often requires adherence to specific guidelines and standards set by recognized bodies. For instance, organizations like Climate Neutral [1] and Carbon Trust [2] provide frameworks and verification processes to ensure that the carbon neutrality claims are credible and transparent. This certification not only aids consumers in making environmentally conscious choices but also encourages businesses to be more transparent and accountable for their carbon emissions. 

Benefits Of Promoting Carbon Neutral Products 

Promoting carbon neutral products offers numerous benefits, both for the environment and society as a whole:  

• Firstly, it helps mitigate climate change by reducing the overall carbon footprint associated with consumer products. This reduction in emissions can lead to a decrease in the adverse effects of global warming, such as extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and biodiversity loss.  
• Additionally, promoting carbon neutral products drives innovation and encourages companies to adopt cleaner technologies and more sustainable practices. This shift can lead to the development of new markets and job opportunities within the green economy. 

From a consumer standpoint, choosing carbon neutral products allows individuals to align their purchasing decisions with their environmental values. As awareness grows about the impact of carbon emissions, more consumers are demanding transparency and sustainability from the brands they support. Companies that invest in carbon neutral certifications can build stronger brand loyalty and differentiate themselves in a competitive market. This increased consumer demand also puts pressure on industries to prioritize sustainability and move towards a more circular economy, where waste is minimized and resources are reused. 

In summary, the promotion of carbon neutral products not only plays a critical role in the fight against climate change but also fosters economic growth and aligns with the growing consumer preference for sustainability. By supporting these products, society can collectively work towards a more sustainable future. 

Offsetting Initiatives 

As people become more aware of the impact of their individual and collective actions on the environment, so do businesses. Companies are now taking steps to reduce their carbon footprint and adopt environmentally responsible practices. Once a company knows the emissions associated with its products or services, it can work to reduce them; however, it’s often impossible to eliminate all emissions. To achieve carbon neutrality, companies can offset any remaining unavoidable emissions by investing in projects like reforestation or renewable energy that actively remove CO2 from the atmosphere. By making these investments, businesses can counterbalance their product’s carbon footprint and work towards a more sustainable future. 

While emission offsetting may seem like a viable solution to achieve carbon neutrality, there are differing opinions on the effectiveness of this practice. Some argue that offsetting only serves to justify continued emissions, rather than reducing them. On the other hand, proponents of offsetting believe that it can be a valuable tool in the transition towards a low-carbon economy. Ultimately, the decision to offset emissions or not lies with individual consumers and businesses, and it is important to consider the full context of a carbon-neutral product before making a decision.

23% surveyed companies planned for offsetting emissions (Source: Statista)

Carbon Neutral Product Examples 

Apple 

Apple’s latest unveil [3] takes sustainability to a whole new level. The company has announced its first-ever carbon neutral products, a significant step towards reducing carbon emissions associated with the production of smartwatches. Thanks to innovative design and clean energy, Apple has been able to significantly cut back on emissions. 

Through the use of 100 percent clean electricity for manufacturing and product use, 30 percent recycled or renewable material and 50 percent of shipping without the use of air transportation, Apple has achieved at least a 75 percent reduction in product emissions for each model of the Apple Watch. Additionally, the company utilizes carbon credits to address the remaining emissions resulting in a carbon-neutral product. These efforts have been recognized and certified by SCS Global Services, a leader in environmental standards and certification. Users looking for an environmentally conscious wearable option can be assured that the Apple Watch meets strict criteria to reduce their carbon footprint. 

Microsoft’s Xbox 

Microsoft has committed to making Xbox the first carbon aware console through new sustainability updates and features [4]. One of the significant updates includes the transition to “Shutdown (energy saving)” mode as the default option, which consumes up to 20 times less power than the “Instant On” mode. By shifting to this energy-efficient setting, Xbox aims to contribute significantly to reducing its carbon footprint and energy consumption. Additionally, Xbox consoles will now be capable of scheduling game, app, and system updates at times when renewable energy is most available on the grid, thus ensuring that the console is operating in a more eco-friendly manner. 

In an effort to increase consumer awareness about their environmental impact, Xbox is also introducing an “Active Hours” setting. This allows users to customize their console’s active hours to fit their schedules while conserving energy during off-hours. Moreover, Microsoft’s transparency about its carbon emission measurements and commitments to sustainability in gaming reaffirms its leadership in the industry. Microsoft’s proactive stance on introducing these eco-conscious updates ensures that gamers not only enjoy a top-tier experience but also participate in the broader initiative of global sustainability. 

Brooks 

Brooks [5] has made significant strides in the realm of sustainable footwear with its flagship running shoe, the Ghost. Starting from the launch of the Ghost 14 in 2021, the brand made a commitment to make the shoe carbon neutral. Each new version of the Ghost hitting the stores will follow this promise. To achieve this, they are taking efforts to reduce emissions and engage in carbon offsetting. 

The Ghost 15 shoe boasts a 6% reduction in carbon emissions compared to its predecessor, the Ghost 14. To better understand this impressive feat, the company conducted a thorough life cycle impact assessment of the product. Utilizing the Product Environmental Footprint methodology [6], they considered not only the production and assembly of materials but also packaging, distribution, and end-of-life impact. The resulting carbon emissions of the Ghost 15 come in at 9.27 kg CO2eq, a significant reduction that speaks to the brand’s commitment to reducing their environmental impact.  

Wrap Up 

Achieving carbon neutrality in product manufacturing represents a pivotal step towards mitigating climate change. The examples provided showcase how leading brands across various industries are pioneering innovative strategies to minimize their environmental footprints. Through a combination of using clean energy, increasing the use of recycled materials, and implementing energy-efficient technologies, companies are demonstrating their commitment to sustainability. These initiatives not only enhance the environmental credentials of the products but also cultivate greater consumer awareness and responsibility. As businesses continue to explore and adopt these environmentally conscious practices, the collective shift towards a greener future becomes more tangible and impactful.

References: 

[1] https://www.carbonneutral.com/ 

[2] https://www.carbontrust.com/what-we-do/product-carbon-footprint-labelling/carbon-neutral-verification 

[3] https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2023/09/apple-unveils-its-first-carbon-neutral-products/ 

[4] https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2023/01/11/xbox-carbon-aware-console-sustainability/ 

[5] https://www.brooksrunning.com/en_us/blog/gear-stories/carbon-neutral-ghost-running-shoe.html 

[6] https://eplca.jrc.ec.europa.eu/EnvironmentalFootprint.html