What's a Carbon Reduction Label?

A Carbon Reduction Label shows you the amount of CO2 and other greenhouse gases emitted as part of a product's manufacture, distribution, use and disposal otherwise known as its carbon footprint. Greenhouse gases (GHGs) are so called because they trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere and help keep the planet warm enough to sustain life. The main gases are Carbon Dioxide (CO2), methane and nitrous oxide.

Those companies who label their products and services are committed to reducing their carbon footprints from the figure shown within two years. As more companies sign up to Carbon Reduction Labelling, you'll be able to make a more informed choice.

Working with the Carbon Trust
This shows that the footprint has been measured in compliance with the national draft standard being developed by the Carbon Trust, Defra (The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) and BSI British Standards

100g
This is the volume of all greenhouse gasses emitted during the product's lifecycle displayed in grammes, kilogrammes or tonnes. In other words, the size of the carbon footprint. This is also the figure that companies are committed to reducing within two years.

CO2
This represents all greenhouse gas emissions associated with the product or service expressed as CO2 (Carbon Dioxide) for simplicity.

Per serving
Shows what the carbon footprint label measure relates to. For example, a serving, a pack, a wash, etc.

Individual

How Carbon Labelling will help

Businesses

What you need to know