Under the auspices of WWF, Öko-Institut, Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, and Thema1, six well-known companies are launching a joint pilot project in which they will determine the CO2 and other greenhouse gas emissions for selected products, known as product carbon footprints (PCF). They are working together on the international harmonization of a uniform recording methodology. The pilot project will also discuss whether and how goods and services can be communicated and labeled to customers and end consumers in light of international developments.
With the aim of creating and communicating its own product-related greenhouse gas balances according to an internationally recognized methodology, the PCF Pilot Project Germany is working closely with other European and international initiatives.
The PCF pilot project in Germany also provides clear recommendations on possible applications, further development, and international harmonization of methods and standards. This allows reduction potential to be tapped and experience to be gained in marketing climate-conscious products. In the medium and long term, the aim is to play an active role in the international discussion on CO2 labeling of products.
The joint pilot project involving six corporate partners from the food, retail, telecommunications, packaging, and consumer goods industries was launched in 2008 with a public symposium in Berlin.
