Buying a lubricant based on its technical properties? That was yesterday. Today, customers also want to know how sustainable it is. One indicator of this is the product carbon footprint, a kind of price tag with climate relevance. FUCHS has developed a calculation tool that has been validated and certified by TÜV Rheinland.
Mr. Rhein, FUCHS began calculating the product carbon footprint (PCF) of its products five years ago. How does it feel to now be completing the project?
Dr. Michael Rhein, Manager Life Cycle Assessment at FUCHS
Michael Rhein: We have reached a huge milestone, but we are still a long way from finished. With the TÜV certification of our calculation tool, we can show that our processes and software work. However, it is an ongoing project. We are currently preparing the launch of an optimized and expanded version of our tool. The certificate from TÜV Rheinland is only valid for one year, so we have to refresh the data every year. In addition, after launching in Europe, we have also introduced the methodology in South Africa and China. Our goal is to roll it out globally.
Ms. Jorre, what role does TÜV Rheinland play in determining the PCF at FUCHS?
Susanne Jorre, Senior Sustainability Expert at TÜV Rheinland
Susanne Jorre: We validated and certified FUCHS' PCF methodology. The aim was not to check individual CO₂ values, but rather the entire process, e.g. data sources and their quality, clean documentation, and consistency in the calculation method. With our certification, we confirm to FUCHS that the procedure for determining PCFs complies with the relevant standards and is transparent and plausible. With our certification, we confirm to FUCHS that the procedure for determining PCFs complies with the relevant standards and is transparent and plausible.
| PRODUCT CARBON FOOTPRINT (PCF) | |
|---|---|
| For the PCF, all CO2 emissions of a product are recorded along the value chain. At FUCHS, this is done “cradle-to-gate,” i.e., for all processes from the extraction of resources (cradle) to the product leaving the “company gate.” This method is useful for products whose use has not yet been determined. | |
Why is the PCF important?
Michael Rhein: FUCHS has always been a pioneer when it comes to sustainability. We recognized early on that customers need transparency. They can only accurately calculate their own product- and company-related emissions if they have data from us on the emissions of their lubricants. For us, this was an obligation – both to the environment and to our partners. The fact that our method and calculation tool are now certified ensures transparency and credibility and positions us as a strategic, sustainable partner.
Why does FUCHS' new PCF calculation method offer real added value? This video explains.
What distinguishes FUCHS's method for calculating the PCF from others?
Susanne Jorre: There is high demand pressure: suppliers and producers along the entire supply chain, especially in the chemical and automotive sectors, are highly interested in environmental information. However, there are major differences in the way producers collect PCF and provide the data: from a simple Excel spreadsheet with a very high manual effort to fully automated methods, as is the case at FUCHS. In addition, FUCHS takes a lot of primary data into account. The quality of the input data allows for a high level of detail in the calculation of the PCF.
Michael Rhein: We are often asked why we developed our own methodology. After all, there are already standards such as ISO 14067 and industry standards. We also follow these standards. However, they leave room for maneuver, as there cannot be one solution for all companies. It was important to us to describe our calculations and assumptions in a truly transparent manner, down to the last detail. So our methodology is not independent of the existing standards, but rather follows their specifications exactly, while providing a higher level of detail. It's more like the cherry on top of the cake.
80%
of product-related emissions from a
lubricant originate from
the upstream value chain.
"With the development and successful implementation of an automated calculation of the Product Carbon Footprint (PCF), FUCHS has set a new industry standard. FUCHS is the first company where I have experienced such high standards. Our methodology, validated and certified by TÜV Rheinland, and our calculation process enable transparent and scalable PCF calculations for most of our products. This progress significantly advances sustainability in the lubricant industry, promotes trust, and offers our customers added value in implementing their sustainability goals."
Mathieu Boulandet, Chief Technology Officer
