Comparing Carbon Footprints
The common elements to measure carbon footprint calculations are unfortunately not defined by an industry association yet. Therefore, we have listed the most important factors to help you to see the bigger picture. Below, we have summarized them into four major headlines. For each headline we'll go into details to compare the overall carbon footprint of our traditional magnetic films with our latest generation of MagScience magnets.
Carbon Storage
The first part of the carbon footprint comparison covers carbon stored in the product.
The mass volume of the product plays a major role here. To make a good comparison, two products with a similar magnetic force are compared which can serve as the same final product in its application.
Conclusion: MagScience magnets have a lower mass volume, with less carbon storage in the final product.
Emissions from manufacturing
Emissions associated with the processes that transform the raw materials into the final product. Here is where the emissions from electricity use are counted. Emissions become lower when the materials are produced using energy from fossil free or renewable source.
Conclusion: The same number of emissions are released during the production of traditional and MagScience magnets.
Emissions from transports
It is very difficult to induce all carbon dioxide emissions until the final product leaves the factory, especially transports that take place before production.
Transport from the factory, to port of departure, to port of arrival, to our central European warehousing is included.
The question of reducing impact from transportation is large and complex, so many factors need to be taken into account.
Our logistics department works thoroughly with balancing customer needs and efficiency with sustainability in mind.
We encourage the use of transports by sea, rail and intermodal transports and many of our forwarders use fossil free HVO-fuel for truck transports.
Emissions from product-use and end of life
When it comes to emissions from product-use and emissions from end-of-life management, these can't be calculated and easily compared by the supplier.
Here, for example emissions related to printing are counted, which can be done further along in the production chain.
However, we point out that end-user related emissions are very unusual for printable magnetic signs and advertisements, compared to for example electronic signs, where electricity is needed for every view of a written message.
This may be good to keep in mind when comparing the use of magnetic advertisements to other communication media, such as electronic signs.
