Faced with growing demand for information on the carbon footprint of products, Finat is launching a project to provide clarity and guidance to manufacturers and label customers on these issues.
"Over the past year, Finat has been contacted by several label converters and national label associations to help them respond to requests from label customers wishing to provide data on the environmental impact of their labels and packaging. However, many misunderstandings about different methodologies and definitions have arisen." explains Alex Knott, board member of the European Labelling Association.
The trade organization began by publishing a brochure and video explaining the basics of product carbon footprinting (PCF), which focuses on emissions during the process, and life cycle assessment (LCA), which goes far beyond emissions alone, and the distinction between these two concepts, presented at the Labelexpo trade show held in Brussels from September 11 to 14.
Next, Finat will publish a major study of existing calculation methods currently used in the label and packaging production chain. This study, based on twelve months' work, will be unveiled in the first quarter of 2024.
Finally, the association is also planning a white paper to harmonize the PCF/ACV approach throughout the label value chain. It will be presented at the next Finat technical seminar, to be held in Barcelona, Spain, from November 20 to 22, 2024.
"In recent years, in the wake of covid 19, Finat's Board, committees and staff have put considerable effort into rethinking our strategy and structure to meet the challenges facing our industry in the future. In addition to our typical strengths in community networking and knowledge and information sharing, we have invested significantly in strengthening our role as a platform for collaboration and as the voice of the label industry in the regulatory arena," adds Finat President Philippe Voet.
