Notes and Assumptions for Carbon Footprint Calculator

1. Carbon Footprint for the Manufacture of Natural Corks

Model Based on Estimates for traditional corks from:
Ernst & Young Life Cycle Analysis prepared for Corticeira Amorim
KPMG International Life Cycle Analysis prepared for M.A. Silva

Both Models show a negative net footprint in which the stored carbon value of the product exceeds the emissions related to manufacturing. Resultst are described as "cradle to gate" and shoe an Average Carbon Footprint for Natural Cork = -4.95 g/cork

The breakdown includes an average of 2.1g GHG during manufacture and preparation. This is offset by -7.05 grams of stored carbon value found in the body of the cork

 Model does not include liners or transportation to specific markets.

2. Carbon Footprint for the Manufacture of Aluminum Screwcaps

Model Based on Estimates from:
Corticeira Amorim, PriceWaterhouseCooper, Ecobilan, “Analysis of the life cycle of Cork, Aluminium and Plastic Wine Closures - October 2008”
PWCE-LCA-Cork-Report.pdf

Carbon Footprint for Screwcaps = 37.17 g/cap

Other Estimates: Forgues, C., Carbon Appraisal of the Different Methods Used for Closing Still Wines, Australian & New Zealand Grapegrower & Winemaker, September 2007 (No. 524) Carbon Footprint for Screwcaps = 52 tons/million pieces (47.2 g/cap)
Cairn Carbon Appraisal.pdf

Walker,L., Cork and Sustainability, Wines & Vines, August 2007, p. 64 Carbon Footprint for Screwcaps = 14.37 tons/million pieces (12.95 g/cap)

Model does not include liners or transportation to specific markets.

3. Carbon Footprint for the Manufacture of Synthetic Stoppers

Model Based on Estimates from:
Corticeira Amorim, PriceWaterhouseCooper, Ecobilan, “Analysis of the life cycle of Cork, Aluminium and Plastic Wine Closures - October 2008”
PWCE-LCA-Cork-Report.pdf

Carbon Footprint for Synthetics = 14.83 g/stopper

Other Estimates: No other printed estimates were found but this estimate was corroborated by representatives of the leading manufacturer of Synthetic stoppers.

Model does not include capsule or transportation to specific markets.

4. Carbon Offset from Contribution of the Cork Forest

Rationale Based on Recommendations from EU Product Environmental Footprint Category Rules (PEFCR) for Still and Sparkling Wine:

"Carbon permanently stored in the soil and tree biomass of cork oak forests and vines shall be taken into account if this storage goes beyond 100 years. The following methods shall be applied for calculating a) carbon permanently stored in the soil and/or b) biogenic carbon sequestration in permanent structure. Results shall be reported under the impact sub-category Climate Change - biogenic"

Model Based on Estimates from:
Long term Ecosytem flux measurements from a representative cork forest in central Portugal.  Costa-e Silva, et.al 2015, Effects of an extremely dry winter on net ecosystem carbon exchange and tree phenology at a cork oak woodland (2015). Average Sequestration Carbon Sequestration Value supplied by author.

Summary Calculations

5. Carbon Footprint Conversion to Mileage

Model Based on Estimates from:

According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, Green Vehicle Guide: The Carbon footprint for the average US automobile (22mpg) is determine at a rate of 2,475.5 miles per ton of CO2 based on the given estimate of 8.9 kg CO2 per gallon of gasoline.

6. Carbon Footprint Conversion to Solar Panels

Model Based on Estimate from:

• Average Solar Panel Output - Center for Sustainable Energy - San Diego, estimates that annual kWh as a ratio of 1: 1.7 system watts. The most popular single solar panel size is 250 watts. Aysten 250 x 1.7 = 425kWh per year.
• CO2 Emmissions per kWh - PG&E 2019 estimates of .206 lbs CO2 per kWh. Equal to 0.09344 kg per kWh. An average panel offsets 39.71 kg/year. PG&E shows that CO2 per kWh has dropped by more than half since 2007. The increased efficiency causes the number of solar panels required to offset one ton of CO2 has more than doubled.
• One metric ton of CO2 is offset by the use of 25.2 standard 250 watt solar panels per year.

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