Pickler applies the Fast-track Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) Method and eco-cost system - created by the Foundation Sustainability Impact Metrics (a spin-off of from Technical University of Delft). Here's how it works:
1. Input data: Users fill out their available product data for their product's full life cycle (raw materials, production, transport, and end-of-life). Pickler fills any potential data gaps with unspecified, worst-case scenario data to prevent greenwashing.
Input data for Pickler
Users fill out their product:
Weight,
Bill of Materials,
Production processes,
Production locations,
Energy type per production process.
Transport unit weight and dimensions,
Transport types and distances,
*End-of-life regions + shares per region. (US, Europe, Oceania, Rest of World)
*Note: Pickler works with standard EOL scenarios' per material type to prevent greenwashing. Users can only adapt EOL scenarios, if they have clear proof of a closed loop/take-back system. Read more about our EOL scope here.
2. Impact Assessment (eco-cost assessment): Pickler then connects these inputs to market average impact values (pre-verified LCAs and EPDs) from our LCI database Idemat, which are weighed and expressed in eco costs following the eco-cost model.
This results in impact results for 12 midpoint indicators (see image below). Pickler groups these into 4 final impact categories (endpoint indicators) required by ESG reporting standards.
This results in specific impact outcomes for:
4 impact categories as defined by the eco cost model below,
As well as a separate calculation outcome for the carbon footprint.
3. Share: Users now have 6 impact results in their Pickler reports:
total carbon footprint, expressed in CO2-eq
total eco costs, expressed in eco costs €
impact on eco systems expressed in eco costs €
impact on human health, expressed in eco costs €
impact on resource scarcity, expressed in eco costs €
impact on climate change, expressed in eco costs €
Pickler's Calculation Scope
The scope of Pickler's calculations is cradle-to-grave (full life cycle) excluding the use phase.
However, many LCA software and consultants stick to assessing cradle to gate only (until a product leaves the factory, excluding the EOL).
At Pickler, we show the complete picture to combat greenwashing. Hence, all users apply the same scope of life cycle stages:
The retrieving the raw materials,
Production processes,
Transport (in between stages),
End-of-life.
Pickler doesn't include the use of packaging.
Read more:
More about Pickler's Fast-track LCA method
More about how Pickler approaches EOL (recycling, etc.)
More about Pickler's LCI database Idemat