Moisturising Daily Use Shampoo (Trial Size), 30 Ml

Sustainability Factors

1. Natural Ingredients:
   • Use of Plant-Based Ingredients: Many sustainable shampoos use plant-based ingredients instead of synthetic chemicals, reducing environmental impact. Ingredients like coconut oil, aloe vera, and essential oils are biodegradable and sourced sustainably.
   • Organic Farming: If the ingredients are sourced from organic farming, it avoids the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, which can harm ecosystems and contribute to pollution.
2. Eco-Friendly Packaging:
   • Recyclable or Biodegradable Packaging: Sustainable shampoos often use packaging made from recyclable materials or biodegradable substances, reducing waste and the environmental impact of plastic pollution.
   • Minimal Packaging: Reducing packaging materials can also lower the carbon footprint by decreasing the resources needed for production and transportation.
3. Water Conservation:
   • Concentrated Formulas: Some shampoos are formulated to be more concentrated, requiring less water during manufacturing and use. This helps in reducing water usage and minimizing the environmental impact.
4. Ethical Manufacturing Practices:
   • Renewable Energy Sources: Factories that utilize renewable energy sources like solar or wind power have a lower carbon footprint compared to those relying on fossil fuels.
   • Fair Trade Practices: Ensuring fair trade practices in sourcing ingredients supports sustainable agriculture and ethical labor conditions.

Low Carbon Footprint Justification

1. Efficient Supply Chain:
   • Local Sourcing of Ingredients: Sourcing ingredients locally reduces the carbon emissions associated with transportation. This minimizes the distance ingredients travel from farm to factory.
   • Efficient Distribution Channels: Optimizing distribution to reduce transportation emissions can significantly lower the overall carbon footprint.
2. Reduced Emissions:
   • Green Manufacturing Processes: Using energy-efficient manufacturing processes and equipment can lower emissions. Implementing closed-loop systems also helps in minimizing waste and energy consumption.
   • Carbon Offsetting: Some companies invest in carbon offset programs to neutralize their emissions, contributing to a lower net carbon footprint.
3. Lifecycle Analysis:
   • Product Lifecycle Management: Conducting a lifecycle analysis to assess the environmental impact from production to disposal helps in identifying areas to reduce carbon emissions. Companies can improve processes to enhance sustainability throughout the product's lifecycle.

Scientific Explanation

1. Biodegradability and Eco-Toxicity:
   • The biodegradability of ingredients ensures they break down quickly in the environment, reducing eco-toxicity and minimizing harm to aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems.
2. Renewable Resources Utilization:
   • Using renewable resources reduces dependency on non-renewable resources, thus lowering the carbon emissions associated with extraction, processing, and transportation of raw materials.
3. Carbon Emission Calculations:
   • Companies often use tools like Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to calculate and reduce their carbon emissions. LCA evaluates the environmental impact of all stages of a product’s life, identifying opportunities for reduction.

Steps to Calculate Carbon Footprint

1. Ingredient Sourcing:
   • Calculate Emissions from Farming and Extraction:
     • Identify the types of ingredients used (e.g., plant-based oils, essential oils).
     • Use emissions factors for agricultural practices or extraction processes. For example, emissions from coconut oil production are typically lower than synthetic chemicals.
     • Consider the energy used in processing and refining these ingredients.
2. Manufacturing:
   • Estimate Energy Consumption:
     • Measure the energy consumption of the production facility. Use the facility's energy usage data (in kWh) and multiply by the carbon intensity of the energy source (e.g., kg CO₂/kWh).
     • Include emissions from heating, cooling, and equipment operation.
3. Packaging:
   • Assess Emissions from Packaging Materials:
     • Determine the type and amount of packaging material used (e.g., plastic, glass, cardboard).
     • Use emissions factors for material production and recycling. For example, plastic might have an emissions factor of about 6 kg CO₂ per kg of plastic.
4. Transportation:
   • Calculate Transportation Emissions:
     • Measure the distance ingredients and final products are transported.
     • Use emissions factors for transportation modes (e.g., truck, ship, plane). A standard factor might be 0.21 kg CO₂ per ton-km for trucks.
     • Consider both upstream (ingredients to factory) and downstream (factory to consumer) logistics.
5. Usage and Disposal:
   • Estimate Emissions from Consumer Use:
     • Consider the energy used in heating water for shampoo use. An average shower might use 1 kWh, equating to approximately 0.5 kg CO₂ (depending on energy source).
     • Include disposal emissions if packaging is not recycled.

Example Calculation

• Ingredients:
  • 0.3 kg of ingredients with an average emissions factor of 2 kg CO₂ per kg.
  • Total emissions: 0.3 kg × 2 kg CO₂/kg = 0.6 kg CO₂
• Manufacturing:
  • Energy use: 1 kWh per bottle, with an emissions factor of 0.5 kg CO₂/kWh.
  • Total emissions: 1 kWh × 0.5 kg CO₂/kWh = 0.5 kg CO₂
• Packaging:
  • 0.05 kg of plastic packaging with an emissions factor of 6 kg CO₂ per kg.
  • Total emissions: 0.05 kg × 6 kg CO₂/kg = 0.3 kg CO₂
• Transportation:
  • Total distance of 1000 km, transporting 1 kg of shampoo and packaging.
  • Emissions factor: 0.21 kg CO₂ per ton-km.
  • Total emissions: 1 kg × 1000 km × 0.21 kg CO₂/ton-km / 1000 = 0.21 kg CO₂
• Usage:
  • Assuming 50 uses per bottle, with 0.02 kWh per use.
  • Total emissions: 50 uses × 0.02 kWh/use × 0.5 kg CO₂/kWh = 0.5 kg CO₂
• Disposal:
  • If packaging is not recycled, assume an additional 0.1 kg CO₂.

$$\text{Total emissions}=0.6+0.5+0.3+0.21+0.5+0.1=2.21\text{kg CO₂ per bottle}$$

References

• Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) Studies: These studies provide a scientific framework for assessing the environmental impact of products, including shampoos. They help in understanding the carbon footprint and sustainability aspects.
• Research on Sustainable Ingredients: Scientific literature on the benefits of using plant-based and biodegradable ingredients highlights their environmental advantages.
• Industry Reports on Green Manufacturing: Reports from organizations like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other sustainability-focused entities offer insights into best practices for reducing the carbon footprint in manufacturing.