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Consequently, the carbon footprint is often reduced to a simplified indicator or a marketing tool, instead of being understood as an analytical framework based on scientific data. The following facts are based on verified sources and summarize key findings about the carbon footprint, greenhouse gas emissions, and their impact on the global climate.

Fact 1: The Carbon Footprint Represents the Total Amount of Greenhouse Gas Emissions

The carbon footprint represents the total amount of greenhouse gas emissions that arise as a result of human activity, a product, or an organization. It includes not only carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions but also other gases with a significant impact on the climate, especially methane (CH₄) and nitrous oxide (N₂O). For comparability, these gases are converted to CO₂ equivalent (CO₂e), which accounts for their differing global warming potential. This approach enables the comparability of various emission sources within a single, metrically uniform carbon footprint.

Fact 2: Carbon Footprint Calculation is Based on LCA Methodology

The fundamental scientific tool for calculating the carbon footprint is the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology. This is a systematic approach that evaluates environmental impact throughout the entire life cycle, from raw material extraction, through manufacturing, transport, and use, to the end-of-life of a product or service. The scope of the assessment plays a crucial role. Approaches such as cradle-to-gate, cradle-to-grave, or cradle-to-cradle can lead to significantly different results, which emphasizes the need for a transparent and clearly defined methodological framework when interpreting carbon footprint data.

Fact 3: International Standards Ensure Comparability of Calculations

The calculation of the carbon footprint and greenhouse gas emissions is anchored in international standards ISO 14040, ISO 14044, ISO 14064, and ISO 14067. These standards define the framework, principles, and methodological requirements for calculating the carbon footprint of both products and organizations. At the corporate level, the GHG Protocol is most commonly used, which divides emissions into Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3. This division allows for a better understanding of where emissions originate, but also highlights the high methodological complexity, especially for Scope 3 emissions, which include supply chains and the product use phase.

Fact 4: Global Emissions Reached an All-Time High

According to IPCC data, global anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions reached approximately 59 ± 6.6 gigatons of CO₂e in 2019. The decade 2010–2019 recorded the highest average annual emissions in history. This trend confirms that despite technological progress, global emissions continue to rise.

Fact 5: Emissions Growth is Driven by Economic and Population Growth

Key factors driving emissions growth include global economic growth and population growth. Analyses show that the increase in GDP per capita has been the strongest factor in rising CO₂ emissions in recent decades. Although the energy efficiency of the global economy is gradually improving, this positive trend has not yet been able to offset the growth in consumption of energy, materials, and services. The result is an increase in the absolute amount of emissions, even as emissions per unit of production decline.

Fact 6: There are ‘Locked-in’ Emissions from Fossil Fuel Infrastructure

The IPCC warns of so-called committed emissions – future emissions that will arise from already existing fossil fuel infrastructure. It is estimated that the operation of existing facilities alone could produce approximately 660 Gt CO₂, which exceeds the remaining carbon budget compatible with the goal of limiting warming to 1.5 °C. Approximately half of these emissions come from the energy sector, which significantly limits the scope for future emissions reductions without fundamental systemic changes.

Fact 7: The Largest Share of Emissions Comes from the Energy Sector

The energy sector is the dominant source of greenhouse gas emissions. The burning of fossil fuels for electricity and heat production generates significant amounts of CO₂ and also contributes significantly to methane emissions. Methane from the energy sector has a significant short-term impact on the climate, and its actual amount is systematically underestimated according to several sources. This means that the actual climate impact of the energy sector may be higher than official inventories suggest.

Fact 8: Product Carbon Footprint Often Arises During Use

LCA analyses in the textile industry show that a significant portion of the carbon footprint does not arise during manufacturing but during product use. Washing, drying, and electricity consumption can constitute the largest share of greenhouse gas emissions during the life cycle of clothing. This finding highlights the importance of consumer behavior and that reducing the carbon footprint requires considering the entire life cycle, not just manufacturing processes.

Fact 9: Emissions are Unevenly Distributed Globally

The distribution of emissions among the population is not even. Households in the highest income brackets are responsible for a disproportionately high share of global CO₂ emissions, while the poorest half of the population contributes only a small portion. This disparity indicates that the potential to reduce emissions is concentrated mainly among large consumers, in industry, and in economically developed regions.

Fact 10: Without Accurate Calculation, Systematic Emissions Reduction is Not Possible

Reducing the carbon footprint is not possible without accurate emissions calculation. A lack of quality data, especially in supply chains, significantly complicates efforts to reduce CO₂ emissions. The carbon footprint therefore becomes a fundamental tool for managing climate risks, planning measures, and long-term sustainability. In this context, carbon offsets are also frequently discussed, whose real effectiveness in reducing the carbon footprint depends on whether they complement or replace direct emissions reductions.

Fact 11: The Growth of Artificial Intelligence and Data Centers Increases the Carbon Footprint

The rapid development of artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and cryptocurrency infrastructure leads to a significant increase in the number and capacity of data centers. These facilities are extremely energy-intensive, as they ensure the continuous operation of computing technology, cooling, and network infrastructure.

Research shows that the expansion of data centers could lead to a noticeable increase in CO₂ emissions by 2030, with the energy mix from which electricity for data centers is generated playing a significant role. The carbon footprint of digital infrastructure is thus becoming an increasingly important part of total greenhouse gas emissions.

Conclusion

The carbon footprint represents a complex analytical tool that allows for a better understanding of the origin of greenhouse gas emissions and their relationship to the climate crisis. The facts presented in this article indicate that reducing emissions requires a systemic approach based on accurate data, transparent methodology, and an understanding of global contexts.

Working with companies, we see that a quality carbon footprint calculation is the first step towards real emissions reduction. At DecarbTrack, we help you with carbon footprint calculation based on verified methodologies and data to identify actual emission sources and set measures with a measurable impact on the climate, not just formal declarations.

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In a professional context, the product carbon footprint is primarily understood as a methodological tool that allows for systematically evaluating the consequences of decisions made during product design, manufacturing, and use. Its significance lies not in the calculated emissions value itself, but in the ability to interpret this data within the broader context of the product’s life cycle and utilize it for decisions regarding design, material selection, or process optimization across various industries.

Product Carbon Footprint as a Product-Specific Indicator

The product carbon footprint, often referred to as product carbon footprint or Product Carbon Footprint (PCF), expresses the amount of greenhouse gas emissions attributable to a specific product. Unlike an organizational carbon footprint, it does not refer to the overall activities of a company, but exclusively to a single product or its functional unit. This approach allows for comparing products with each other and assessing their environmental intensity independently of the organization’s size or structure.

When calculating a product carbon footprint, it is important to define the so-called functional unit, which precisely specifies the function or quantity of the product to which emissions are linked. The functional unit ensures that the product carbon footprint is tied to a specific utility value of the product and allows for its comparison with alternatives fulfilling the same function.

Assessing the Product Carbon Footprint in the Context of the Life Cycle

The basic principle of the product carbon footprint is emission assessment throughout the entire product life cycle. Product life cycle assessment allows for capturing the relationships between individual phases and their cumulative impact on total greenhouse gas emissions. This makes it possible to identify environmental impacts that would remain hidden when evaluating isolated phases.

The life cycle includes phases from raw material acquisition and processing, through manufacturing and distribution, to use and end-of-life. This approach ensures that the product carbon footprint does not consider just one isolated phase, but reflects the overall environmental burden of the product throughout its existence.

Methodological Basis for Product Carbon Footprint Calculation

The methodological basis for calculating a product carbon footprint is Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). LCA provides a systematic framework for collecting and evaluating data on energy consumption, materials, and emissions in individual phases of a product’s cycle. The product carbon footprint represents a specific application of this methodology, focused exclusively on greenhouse gas emissions expressed in CO₂ equivalent.

Compared to a comprehensive life cycle assessment, the product carbon footprint focuses exclusively on greenhouse gas emissions. This narrower perspective allows for a more detailed analysis of a product’s climate impacts, but does not capture other environmental categories, such as water consumption or biodiversity impact.

Importance of Assessment Scope and Interpretation of Results

When calculating a product carbon footprint, it is essential to clearly define the scope of the assessment, i.e., the system boundaries within which emissions are evaluated. In practice, various approaches are used, such as cradle-to-gate or cradle-to-grave assessments. Since the chosen scope directly affects the resulting carbon footprint value, its transparent definition is crucial for correct interpretation and comparability of product carbon footprints.

The scope of the assessment also determines what types of decisions can be made based on the results. A product carbon footprint calculated within a limited scope can serve to optimize production processes, while a full life cycle assessment provides a basis for strategic decisions regarding product design or its usage.

Identification of Emission Hotspots in the Product Life Cycle

One of the main functions of the product carbon footprint is the identification of life cycle phases that contribute most to total greenhouse gas emissions. This analysis allows for uncovering so-called emission hotspots, which may not be apparent when looking at the manufacturing process itself. The result is a better understanding of where it makes sense to focus measures to reduce the product’s carbon footprint.

However, hotspot identification is not the ultimate goal of the calculation, but a starting point for further analysis. Based on this, it is possible to assess alternative materials, technological procedures, or changes in product usage and evaluate their impact on total greenhouse gas emissions within the life cycle.

The Role of Data and Comparability of Results

The accuracy of a product carbon footprint depends on the quality and completeness of input data. This primarily concerns data on energy consumption, materials used, transport, and technological processes. In cases where primary data are not available, database or average values are used, which can increase the uncertainty of the results. Transparent data management is therefore an essential part of the calculation.

Product Carbon Footprint in Reporting and Strategic Decision-Making

One practical application of the product carbon footprint is comparing the environmental intensity of products with the same function. Such a comparison is only possible if the calculations are based on the same methodology, functional unit, and assessment scope. The product carbon footprint thus serves as a tool to support decision-making in material selection, product design, or technological solutions.

Use of Product Carbon Footprint in Environmental Reporting

The results of the product carbon footprint calculation are used in environmental and sustainability reports, as well as in communicating the environmental properties of products. A correctly interpreted product carbon footprint provides a quantitative basis for assessing environmental impacts and allows for tracking changes over time, for example, due to the optimization of production processes.

In the context of reporting, it is important to emphasize that the product carbon footprint should be presented along with information on the calculation methodology and assessment scope. Only then can it be ensured that the data are correctly understood and not interpreted in isolation from the context.

Reducing the Product Carbon Footprint Requires a Systematic Approach

Reducing a product’s carbon footprint cannot be achieved through isolated measures. It requires systematic work with data, materials, and processes throughout the entire product life cycle. The product carbon footprint serves as an analytical basis upon which long-term emission reduction strategies can be built and the effectiveness of adopted measures evaluated.

Conclusion

The product carbon footprint represents a methodologically anchored tool that allows for linking environmental impacts with specific products and their life cycle. Its significance lies in its ability to provide a data-driven perspective on greenhouse gas emissions and create space for informed decision-making at the product level.

The product carbon footprint thus plays a crucial role, especially in the early decision-making phases, where it can influence the selection of materials, technological processes, and design solutions. Its benefit lies in its ability to transform environmental impacts into measurable data that can be systematically managed.

At DecarbTrack, we work with the product carbon footprint as a practical tool that helps businesses to understand the environmental impacts of their products and systematically work on reducing them based on data and a transparent methodology.

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Globally, food transport accounts for approximately 5-6% (Our world in data, 2024) of emissions from the food system. However, in some food categories, such as fruits and vegetables, its share can reach up to 36% (Du Plessis, M., van Eeden. J., & Goedhals-Gerber L.L., 2025). The reason is that the production phase of these foods is often less energy-intensive and accounts for up to 80% of emissions from a carbon footprint perspective.

Transport is not just about distance. It is just one component of the carbon footprint. The type of transport, logistics, storage and refrigeration methods, as well as transit time, also play a significant role.

Air Transport – The Biggest Problem

Air transport produces 50 times more emissions than sea transport over the same distance (Our world in data, 2020). It is mainly used for perishable foods with a short shelf life, where no other mode of transport is possible. These are often foods for which there is no alternative in our regions.

What do studies say?

A study published in Nature Food (2022) shows that for fruits and vegetables, transport emissions can account for up to 36% of their total environmental impact. In some cases, this is almost double the emissions produced during their cultivation or processing. The need for continuous refrigeration during transport, compared to conventional road transport, also contributes significantly to this.

Are local foods always a better choice?

Local foods generally have a lower carbon footprint in terms of transport, as they go through a short supply chain. However, small local farmers may not always achieve the same efficiency as large-scale producers, which can sometimes lead to higher emissions during production itself. This, however, also reflects different production methods, levels of industrialization, and often different food quality.

Conclusion – The Entire Chain Is Decisive

The carbon footprint of food encompasses a complex framework of factors. When calculating the carbon footprint of food products, the methods of transport and storage can play one of the key roles. Informed decisions—whether prioritizing seasonal and local products or limiting air-freighted foods—can significantly contribute to reducing environmental impact while simultaneously influencing our dietary preferences.

Sources:

1. Du Plessis, M., van Eeden, J., & Goedhals-Gerber, L. L. (2025). The carbon footprint of transporting fresh seasonal fruit. Transportation Research Interdisciplinary Perspectives, 32, 101551. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trip.2025.101551
2. Ritchie, H. (2020, January 24). You want to reduce the carbon footprint of your food? Focus on what you eat, not whether your food is local. Our World in Data. https://ourworldindata.org/food-choice-vs-eating-local
3. Ritchie, H. (2024, November 18). Most carbon emissions from food miles are produced by trucks on the road. Our World in Data. https://ourworldindata.org/data-insights/most-carbon-emissions-from-food-miles-are-produced-by-trucks-on-the-road
4. Li, M., Jia, N., Lenzen, M., Malik, A., Wei, L., Jin, Y., & Raubenheimer, D. (2022). Global food-miles account for nearly 20% of total food-systems emissions. Nature Food, 3(6), 445–453. https://doi.org/10.1038/s43016-022-00531-w

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The AgroBioTech Research Center at SUA in Nitra is implementing the Decarb Track project, which introduces an interactive tool – a calculator – designed to compute the carbon footprint of businesses in the agri-food sector. The aim is to link scientific knowledge with practical solutions and help companies identify emission sources, propose steps for their reduction, and simultaneously generate relevant data for ESG requirements. “Our goal is to create a methodology proposal that will be sufficiently precise in critical, carbon-intensive categories, yet simple enough for small and medium-sized enterprises to apply these standards and procedures without problems in the future,” stated project manager Associate Professor Lenka Lackóová.

By collaborating with public procurement specialists and embedding carbon criteria into public procurement processes, the project aims to create space for responsible decision‑making in procurement and to encourage environmentally responsible behavior by companies. It also enables agri-food businesses to prepare for the new economic reality and enhance their market competitiveness.

The project, funded by the Recovery and Resilience Plan, focuses primarily on small and medium-sized enterprises. Companies that understand and manage their carbon footprint gain several advantages. They become more trustworthy and are prepared for legislation, as European and national emission regulations will be tightened. Simultaneously, this opens up opportunities for new contracts, as large companies prefer suppliers with clearly defined sustainable practices. Calculating their carbon footprint will help them identify which processes generate the largest emissions, enabling them to purposefully reduce costs. The results will also serve as a basis for sustainability communication, ESG reports, and public procurement.

Participation in the project involves no direct financial burden – it is a research initiative supported by the European Union, representing low risk and simultaneously an investment in knowledge and reputation. If a company decides to determine its carbon footprint, it simply needs to fill out the form on the project website https://decarb.uniag.sk/odoslat-dopyt/, where it will then complete a questionnaire regarding energy consumption, fuels, material inputs, transport, waste, or production. If some data is unavailable, the system allows for the use of qualified estimates, which can be refined later. The entire process is online and designed to be time and administratively undemanding. “Each participating entity receives a detailed carbon footprint report, including a breakdown of main emission sources, a comparison of individual activity categories, and a calculation confirmation, usable for ESG reporting, communication with business partners, or in public procurement. Data from the system can be integrated into internal sustainability strategies and used as a basis for investment decisions or obtaining environmentally oriented financing,” added L. Lackóová.

The total budget for the project titled “Low-Emission Future: Carbon Footprint Tracking in Agri-Food Businesses to Support Local Producers” (09I04-03-V02-00054) is 996,706.20 euros.

Published on:

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Presentation of the paper by Čapla J., Zajác, P., Čurlej J., Hanušovský O. 2025. “The current state of carbon footprint quantification and tracking in the agri-food industry” at the conference “Food Safety and Control” on March 27, 2025, as a poster presentation.

• XXII Scientific Conference Food Safety and Control, Piešťany, Slovak Republic
• March 26 – 28 2025

Poster

Presentation Content

Current Issues in Food Hygiene and Safety

Innovative education in gastronomy to support the sustainability of food systems (InGUPS)
Ľubomír Belej

Reference materials for microplastics: key to standardization and validation of methods in food and the environment
Jozef Čapla, Peter Zajác, Jozef Čurlej, Martina Fikselová, Lukáš Hleba

Overview of the current state of carbon footprint quantification and tracking in the agri-food industry
Jozef Čapla, Peter Zajác, Jozef Čurlej, Ondrej Hanušovský

Food Quality and Health Safety and Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) – Are Polish foods safe?
Władysław Migdał, Łukasz Migdał

Legal regulation of trade standards of the European Union’s common agricultural policy
Samuel Rybnikár

Hygienic drainage in food establishments
Michal Valo, Juraj Svitana

Additional information

• https://potravinarstvo.sk/konferencia-bezpecnost-a-kontrola-potravin/
• https://potravinarstvo.sk/program/

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