Frequenly Asked Questions

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Q: Why not just use an air-freight label, like M&S?
A: "Food miles" is an important issue but there are lots of other sources of carbon emissions across the supply chain that can be just as important. Raw material choices, packaging, manufacturing and processing routes and methods of distribution can all be significant sources of carbon emissions. We think that by measuring all these different steps, we can create a more representative picture of the carbon impact of a product. Importantly, the label is also a commitment to reduce a product's emissions.

Q: Does the product label include offsetting?
A: The carbon reduction label includes the actual carbon footprint of the product from source to store and it does not include offsetting.
In the specific case of use of green energy, we will look at additional carbon reductions, i.e. would look at cases where ROCS and LECs have been retired. We will also ask companies to disclose their energy mix.

Q: What does a business have to do to qualify for a label?
A: To qualify for a the label, companies will need to undertake a Carbon Footprint Assessment of their product supply chain complying with the standard once it is published, and working with the Carbon Trust during the pilot phase. Companies displaying the label will sign up to a 'reduce or lose' clause whereby if they fail to reduce the carbon footprint of the product over a two year period they will have the label withdrawn.

Q: Isn't this just an easy PR route for businesses to look good?
A: No. For products to carry the label, companies will need to have a Carbon Footprint Assessment of their product supply chain following the agreed standard, and commit to reducing carbon footprint of the product over the next two years. Companies displaying the label will sign up to a 'reduce or lose' clause whereby if they fail to reduce the carbon footprint of the product over a two year period, they will have the label withdrawn by the Carbon Trust.

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