In the initial phase of the scheme the label will be trialled by a number of companies. The approach will be extended to other businesses who want to reduce the carbon footprint of their products. For further information on the carbon label please visit the Carbon Label website.

The carbon footprint of a product is the sum of the carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases emitted across the supply chain for a single unit of that product. For example, the carbon footprint of cola is the total amount of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases emitted to source, produce and dispose of a single can of cola.

The Carbon Trust has found that on average the UK uses products and services with a total footprint of 648 million tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions each year. This means that the average Briton’s annual carbon footprint is 10.92 tonnes of CO2, which can result from products they buy, leisure activities, travelling and heating their homes amongst others.

People are becoming more aware about product carbon footprints, presenting an opportunity for businesses to meet the demands of their customers and start to lead the way in reducing carbon emissions. 66% of consumers want to know the carbon footprints of the products they buy, and 67% said they’d be more likely to buy a product with a low carbon footprint.

For further information please visit the Carbon Label website.