Default state: “Unspecified”.
Product data that is not mapped yet, is mapped as 'unspecified' by default. For this value, we either use "worst-case scenario" data or “no data”.
1. What is worst-case scenario data?
This is the worst possible environmental impact data for that part of the lifecycle. It is used as a default value for location (#kms), production (worst-case energy consumption), and end-of-life data.
2. What does 'no data' mean
For materials, Pickler can’t use worst case data, since the bandwidth is too large.
E.g. there are materials with a massive impact, but those usually take up only a few percentages in packaging. Using those values as worst case for 100% of a product would give extremely unlikely/incorrect results.
In this case, Pickler applies "no data". As a result, the impact calculations for your packaging cannot be performed. You'll have an empty impact report that cannot be shared until the materials are filled out and mapped.
3. Why do we use default values?
To still have the necessary data to calculate environmental impact (in case of worst-case data).
To prevent greenwashing: you can never make a claim that is better than the worst-case data.
To encourage mapping and specify your data.