Optimized CO2-footprint with Less Waste Powder-Concentrates
What is meant by carbon footprint?
In our everyday lives, we cause emissions that impact the climate. The carbon footprint indicates the total climate-damaging emissions caused by a person, company or individual product. The emissions can be calculated and expressed as CO2 equivalents – after all, not only CO2 is harmful to the climate, but also other substances such as methane and nitrous oxide.
When calculating the carbon footprint of a Dresdner Essenz shower product, the entire product life cycle is taken into account and the following processes are included in the result:
63 % less CO2 emissions thanks to the Less Waste shower concentrate
For a direct comparison, we considered the CO2 equivalents of Wellness Shower Cream Delicate Peony and Less Waste Shower Concentrate Delicate Peony.
We left consumers out of the comparison because there were no differences in the direct use of the products and the CO2 equivalents depend greatly on individual showering habits in terms of water consumption and water temperature.
If one considers all phases of the product’s life cycle and excludes use by the consumer, the Less Waste Shower Concentrate produces 63% less CO2 emissions than the conventional shower gel. Emissions are reduced throughout all stages of the product life cycle.
For a direct comparison, we considered the CO2 equivalents of Wellness Shower Cream Delicate Peony and Less Waste Shower Concentrate Delicate Peony.
We left consumers out of the comparison because there were no differences in the direct use of the products and the CO2 equivalents depend greatly on individual showering habits in terms of water consumption and water temperature.
If one considers all phases of the product’s life cycle and excludes use by the consumer, the Less Waste Shower Concentrate produces 63% less CO2 emissions than the conventional shower gel. Emissions are reduced throughout all stages of the product life cycle.
Production
All processes in connection with the manufacture of the product fall under production – from mixing and filling up to and including secondary packaging for larger sales units. The Less Waste Shower Concentrate can save 47% of CO2 emissions in production compared to liquid shower gel.
Packaging and raw materials
Product packaging accounts for a significant portion of the carbon footprint. After all, a 200ml shower gel tube causes 1.8 times as much CO2 emissions compared to Less Waste Concentrate. It is made of a thin, readily recyclable plastic foil (monomaterial) and is available with a refillable rPET bottle. With the calculation, we assumed that the rPET bottle we offer will be filled a total of 5 times on average. The fact that we purchase our raw materials and packaging from Europe – preferably from Germany – had a positive effect on both comparison products. It saves transport routes and as a result CO2 emissions.
Transport
The area of transport covers the distribution of the manufactured products from the production site to retail outlets. As the result of water savings, the lower transport volume and weight of the Less Waste Shower Concentrate are significantly reduced. The shower powder results in a total of 79% fewer CO2 emissions during transport compared to the cream shower in the tube.
Disposal/waste
The area of disposal covers all cardboard and plastic waste as well as the waste transport incurred in connection with the products. In this case, using the Less Waste Shower Concentrate can improve the carbon footprint by up to 4.7 times.
Comparison of CO2 footprint of Shower Gel and Shower-Powder
What can you as a consumer do to improve your carbon footprint?
As a consumer, you have a considerable influence on the carbon footprint of a product – regardless of whether it is a conventional shower gel or less waste shower powder. The greatest portion of CO2 emissions is attributed to the wastewater treatment of shower water (which falls under the area of waste). Another key factor is the heating of the shower water.
We therefore recommend taking steps to save water such as turning the shower off while working the shower gel into a lather. Furthermore, special showerheads are now available, which reduce the flow quantity without any noticeable loss in comfort.
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Preparation & Use
