On products, carbon, and behavior

Would you buy differently if you knew the carbon footprint of every item you consume?

Carbon labelling, putting the CO₂ equivalent emissions right on product packaging, is gaining traction as a powerful tool in the fight against climate change.

Just like nutrition labels help us make healthier food choices, carbon labels can guide us toward more climate-conscious decisions. Whether it's a cup of coffee, a T-shirt, or a streaming service, every product has a carbon cost.

Yet today, most consumers are shopping blind. Without transparency, there’s no accountability and no incentive for businesses to innovate more sustainable products and supply chains.

The case for carbon labelling is strong:

A 2022 Carbon Trust study found that 67% of consumers support carbon labelling.

Brands like Oatly, Unilever, and Logitech are already leading the way.

Informed choices from consumers could drive systemic change across industries.

But for this to work, carbon labelling must be:

1. Standardized: comparable across products and companies.

2. Verified: based on credible data and methodology.

3. Understandable: with context to help consumers act on the information.

Let’s push for a future where we don’t just ask, “How much does it cost?” We also ask, “What’s the cost to the planet?”

Are we ready to make carbon labelling the new normal?