Harmonisation in focus: New white paper explores compatibility of PCF methodologies in the lubricants sector
The ATIEL & UEIL Joint Sustainability Committee (JSC) has released a landmark white paper comparing Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) methodologies, with a strong message: meaningful alignment is possible – even with diverse approaches.
Why product carbon footprint matters As carbon reporting becomes a business imperative— driven by regulation, customer expectations, and internal sustainability targets – clarity around Product Carbon Footprints is more important than ever. For the lubricants industry, which sits at the intersection of several major sectors, this clarity is particularly challenging to achieve.
Recognising this, ATIEL and UEIL have collaborated through their Joint Sustainability Committee to publish a white paper titled “Comparison of Product Carbon Footprint Methodologies & Harmonisation Across the Lubricants Value Chain”. This publication sets out to bridge understanding across industries and promote better alignment in carbon footprint assessments.
A complex chain, a common goal The lubricants value chain connects a wide array of sectors – including chemicals, petroleum, and automotive – each with its own standards, calculation methods, and lifecycle assumptions when it comes to PCFs. While these methodologies are tailored to suit specific sector needs, they can lead to questions about comparability and consistency across the chain. The white paper delves into these methodological differences, offering a structured comparison of the most relevant approaches currently in use. What it finds is both encouraging and actionable.
Differences that still deliver One of the key takeaways is that despite methodological variations, the results generated by these different PCF frameworks can still be meaningful – and, crucially, compatible – for downstream users. This compatibility enables companies to make informed decisions, comply with evolving regulations,
56 LUBE MAGAZINE NO.187 JUNE 2025
and track progress towards emissions goals, even if their data originates from slightly different starting points. In other words, methodological variety need not be a barrier to transparency.
Towards greater harmonisation
The whitepaper finds that, overall, the methodologies under review share broad alignment in structure and intent. This forms a strong basis for further harmonisation, and worth advancing. The white paper encourages mutual recognition of methodologies and supports ongoing dialogue to enhance comparability and reduce complexity across sectors.
Key findings from the paper were recently presented at the UMTF in Stuttgart on 8 April, where they sparked active discussion among industry stakeholders about practical steps forward.
What this means for industry stakeholders For manufacturers, formulators, and supply chain partners in the lubricants industry, the message is clear: don’t let differing methodologies deter you from engaging in carbon footprint reporting. The current landscape offers sufficient compatibility to support robust, actionable, and credible reporting across the chain. Furthermore, this white paper serves as a call to collaborate across sectors and regions to move towards a more unified approach.
Download the full white paper The full white paper is available for free download from the UEIL website. Industry professionals from the lubricants, chemical, petroleum, and automotive sectors are encouraged to explore its findings and contribute to the journey towards a more harmonised and transparent PCF future.
www.ueil.org
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