Why Including Biogenic CO2 Matters in Sustainability Reporting
Carbon footprint calculations are a cornerstone of sustainability strategies. However, different approaches to these calculations can lead to varying perspectives on a product’s environmental impact. One key difference lies in whether biogenic CO2 is included or excluded. In this article, we’ll explore these two methods and make the case for why including biogenic CO2 is the better approach for assessing the full sustainability impact of bio-based materials.
What is Biogenic CO2?
Biogenic CO2 comes from biomass, which absorbs CO2 from the atmosphere during its growth. Unlike fossil CO2, which adds new carbon to the atmosphere, biogenic CO2 is often considered carbon neutral over its lifecycle. This is because the CO2 emitted during decomposition or combustion equals the amount absorbed during the biomass growth phase.
Two Approaches to CO2 Calculations
1. Including Biogenic CO2
This method incorporates biogenic CO2 into the product’s overall carbon footprint.
Advantages:
- Accurate Lifecycle Representation: Including biogenic CO2 reflects the material’s complete environmental contribution by accounting for the carbon absorbed during growth.
- Promotes Circular Economy: Highlights the benefits of renewable resources and the role of bio-based materials in reducing reliance on fossil resources.
- Encourages Bio-Based Innovation: By recognizing the carbon absorption phase, this method incentivizes the development of products with high bio-content.
Challenges:
- May require additional explanation to clarify the concept of carbon neutrality to stakeholders less familiar with biogenic accounting.
2. Excluding Biogenic CO2
This approach removes biogenic CO2 from the footprint calculation and often presents it in a separate category.
Advantages:
- Simplifies Comparisons: Makes it easier to compare products by focusing solely on fossil-based emissions.
- Alignment with Certain Standards: Some frameworks (e.g., Science-Based Targets) and companies, prefer this method for clarity and consistency.
Challenges:
- Ignores Key Sustainability Contributions: By excluding the carbon absorption phase, this method undervalues the benefits of bio-based materials.
- Potential Bias Toward Fossil Alternatives: Products with lower fossil emissions but high bio-content may appear less favorable.
Why Including Biogenic CO2 is the Better Choice
- It Reflects the True Environmental Impact
Including biogenic CO2 provides a more accurate picture of a product’s lifecycle emissions. Bio-based materials play a critical role in sequestering atmospheric CO2 during their growth phase. Ignoring this process underrepresents their positive environmental contribution. - It Supports a Shift to Renewable Resources
Highlighting biogenic CO2’s role demonstrates the value of transitioning to renewable, circular systems. This supports global goals to reduce reliance on fossil resources and promote sustainable material cycles. - It Encourages Holistic Sustainability
By including biogenic CO2, companies showcase the full potential of their bio-based products and their role in reducing overall CO2 in the atmosphere. This approach also aligns with efforts to educate stakeholders about the long-term benefits of renewable materials. - It Incentivizes Sustainable Innovation
Accounting for biogenic CO2 rewards manufacturers who invest in bio-based innovations. This fosters a competitive edge for sustainable materials over fossil-based counterparts.
How We Approach CO2 Calculations
At Polylabs we take a comprehensive approach to carbon footprint calculations:
- Biogenic CO2 Included: We believe this is the most accurate and transparent method, as it showcases the full lifecycle benefits of our bio-based materials.
- Transparent Communication: We clearly explain our methodology in product data sheets and marketing materials to ensure alignment with customer expectations.
For example, our new CO2-negative bio polyol EGT 345:
- CO2 footprint: -1.2 kg CO2 per kg (including biogenic CO2)
- Bio-carbon content: 96%
We provide these details because we value transparency and aim to empower our customers with the information needed to make sustainable choices.
Conclusion: The Case for Including Biogenic CO2
Including biogenic CO2 in carbon footprint calculations provides a complete and accurate representation of bio-based materials’ environmental benefits. It supports the shift toward renewable resources, encourages sustainable innovation, and promotes a holistic view of carbon neutrality.
At Polylabs we are committed to advancing the adoption of sustainable materials. By including biogenic CO2 in our calculations, we proudly demonstrate the positive impact of our bio-based solutions.
Interested in learning more about our approach? Contact us today to explore how our CO2-negative bio polyols can contribute to your sustainability goals.