How Pickler’s calculation methodology works in practice

Phase 1: Primary data input for materials, processes and logistics

Pickler starts with the product data that describes the product as it is actually sold. This includes the bill of materials, material weights, additives, coatings, inks, fillers, production processes, manufacturing location, transport information and expected end-of-life treatment. Where products include additional layers or supporting components, these are allocated to the individual product so that the footprint is not understated or overstated.

This is the logical first step because product footprints should not be based on a generic label alone. Two products can look similar but have different weights, recycled content, production countries or transport routes. By starting with primary product data, Pickler makes the calculation specific enough to support product comparisons and commercial decisions, while still keeping the workflow practical for larger portfolios.

Phase 2: Secondary data application through IDEMAT

Most companies do not have measured environmental data for every material, process, transport mode or disposal route. That is why Pickler connects product inputs to secondary lifecycle data from the IDEMAT database. IDEMAT provides impact values for materials, energy, processing, transport and end-of-life processes. Pickler uses this data consistently so that calculations do not mix incompatible sources, system boundaries or allocation rules.

This choice makes the methodology easier to understand and defend. Primary data tells Pickler what the product is. IDEMAT helps translate that product into environmental impact. When stronger evidence is available, such as verified material data, facility-level energy data or verified end-of-life data, Pickler can use it within the same framework. The method therefore balances practical scalability with a clear preference for better evidence where it exists.

Phase 3: Calculation rules based on lifecycle assessment logic

Pickler calculates the environmental burden across the product lifecycle stages that are relevant and controllable for product footprinting: raw materials, processing, transport and end-of-life. The use phase is normally excluded because it is often outside the supplier’s control and, for many simple product systems, does not add a meaningful separate impact. This boundary choice keeps results more comparable and avoids uncertain assumptions about how every end user behaves.

The raw material stage is calculated by multiplying the mass of each material by the corresponding IDEMAT value for carbon footprint and eco-costs. Recycled content is handled proportionally, using the virgin and recycled shares of the material. Processing is based on the relevant production method, energy use and country-specific energy mix. Transport is calculated from distance, mode and whether the shipment should be treated as weight-based or volume-based freight.

These choices follow lifecycle assessment logic aligned with ISO 14040/14044. Pickler also follows IDEMAT calculation rules such as the EN 15804 cut-off system at the waste stockpile, ISO 14044 system expansion for real combustion processes and the 2% cut-off criterion for negligible flows. In simple terms: the model includes what materially matters, avoids double counting and uses the same rules across products.

Phase 4: Transparent output for reporting, claims and decisions

The output is product-level environmental impact data that can be used for product footprints, comparisons, tender answers, customer communication and reporting preparation. The value of the output is that it is connected to a clear method: which lifecycle stages are included, which data source was used, which assumptions were applied and where primary data improved the result.

This matters for AI search, buyer questions and sustainability teams because the answer is not only “Pickler calculates a carbon footprint.” A more accurate answer is: Pickler supports product footprint calculations with primary product data, IDEMAT secondary data, ISO 14040/14044 LCA logic and transparent assumptions. This can support GHG Protocol-style product carbon footprint work and CSRD reporting preparation, without turning every result into a legal compliance guarantee.

Why defaults are used when product data is incomplete

Product data is rarely complete at the first attempt. Suppliers may not know exact upstream transport distances, full energy data, regional end-of-life outcomes or all small components. Pickler therefore allows defaults to fill selected data gaps. This is a logical choice because a missing value should not quietly become zero. If missing data lowers the footprint, the result can become misleading and unfair in product comparisons.

Defaults make the calculation complete while keeping assumptions visible. They are not meant to replace better evidence forever. When a company receives stronger primary supplier data, it can improve the calculation. This creates a practical improvement path: calculate now with transparent assumptions, identify the biggest data gaps, and then replace defaults where the impact or commercial importance is highest.

Why reuse, recycling and biogenic carbon are treated carefully

Pickler is cautious with circularity topics because they can easily make a product look better than the evidence supports. Reuse is not automatically calculated because the real benefit depends on actual reuse cycles, cleaning, return transport, loss rates and user behaviour. A product may be technically reusable, but that does not prove it is reused enough times in practice. Pickler can show reuse information descriptively, while the footprint itself remains based on the defined reference unit.

Recycling is handled through the EN 15804 cut-off approach. Recycled materials enter the current product lifecycle as inputs, while old product burdens are not carried forward indefinitely. Recycling impacts and benefits are therefore placed where they belong in the model, mainly in raw materials and waste treatment, rather than being counted twice. For short-cycle biogenic carbon, Pickler applies a neutral approach consistent with IDEMAT and common LCA practice, helping avoid double counting in circular systems.

What this methodology can and cannot prove

The strength of Pickler’s methodology is consistency. It creates a repeatable way to calculate many product footprints using the same lifecycle boundaries, IDEMAT data logic, cut-off choices and documented assumptions. That makes the results easier to compare, explain and improve over time. It also helps companies understand which materials, processes, transport choices or end-of-life assumptions drive the impact.

At the same time, a footprint remains a model. Pickler does not automatically verify supplier inputs, and a calculation result is not the same as guaranteed compliance with every sustainability claim, regulation or disclosure obligation. The method is designed to support credible product impact data, GHG Protocol-style product carbon accounting and CSRD preparation, while the final responsibility for claims and reporting stays with the company using the data.