Early-Stage Carbon Footprint Assessment for Product Design

A Product Carbon Footprint calculator, unveiled by BARLOG Plastics, aims to forecast recyclability from the development phase for injection molded parts.

Amidst the misconception that a significant portion of the world’s plastic waste is recycled, statistics paint a stark picture. Merely 9% of global plastic waste is recycled, with half landing in landfills. Additionally, one-fifth of plastic waste is mismanaged, risking environmental harm. Therefore, BARLOG Plastics unveils a cutting-edge PCF (Product Carbon Footprint) calculator, streamlining the estimation of carbon footprints for plastic injection-molded parts.

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Impact on Sustainable Product Development

Traditionally complex and costly, this tool enables early-stage assessment and optimization of Product Carbon Footprints during product development. Tobias Haedecke, Director of Engineering at BARLOG Plastics, emphasizes the tool’s significance in advancing sustainable product development. By providing data-driven insights, it empowers informed decision-making on products’ environmental impact. Moreover, it accelerates development timelines, fostering the creation of eco-friendly plastic products.

Contribution to Circular Economy and Global Sustainability Goals

The EU-Commission plans to recycle 25% of plastic materials mounted on old cars, for the new ones, aiming not only for the circular economy but also the CO2 emissions goal. Consequently, BARLOG Plastics perceives its ECO-Consulting service as pivotal in promoting the circular economy and advancing global sustainability objectives. By aiding companies in enhancing component sustainability, they address challenges faced by development engineers. This service offers tailored solutions to reduce Product Carbon Footprints, aligning with specific product requirements and broader sustainability targets.

Reflecting based on the current situation

Last year, the plastics industry in Germany reduced its revenue by 21%, one of the reasons being the low demand for plastics, this is, more than an issue, a good starting point to take advantage of the know-how and technology creation to survive on the market, when others fight around prices. BARLOG is a role model encouraging companies to explore the possibilities offered by their ECO-Consulting service. By integrating sustainability into early project stages, they aim to provide practical support for creating environmentally responsible plastic components.

To read more: BARLOG Plastics CFP Product Development Tool