### The Carbon Footprint of Bioplastics: A New Tool for Sustainability

In recent years, the growing awareness around environmental sustainability and climate change has led many companies to explore alternative and innovative solutions to reduce their ecological impact. Among these, bioplastics, particularly those produced by Novamont under the Mater-Bi brand, have stood out for their eco-friendly characteristics. Today, thanks to the collaboration between Novamont and Deloitte Climate & Sustainability, a new tool has been developed to calculate the carbon footprint of products made with these bioplastics, an important step towards achieving concrete sustainability goals.

### What Are Bioplastics and Why Are They Important

Bioplastics are materials derived from renewable sources, such as starch, cellulose, or vegetable oils, in contrast to traditional plastics that come from fossil resources. Bioplastics not only contribute to a decrease in dependence on fossil fuels, but they also have the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions throughout their life cycle. However, not all bioplastics are the same: it is essential to evaluate the entire product life cycle to understand its real environmental impact.

### A New Tool for Sustainability

The new tool developed jointly by Novamont and Deloitte will allow Novamont’s converters and customers to accurately measure the carbon footprint of finished products. But how does this tool work? The process begins with the input of key data related to the production of the item, which includes:

– **Amount of Mater-Bi incorporated:** The bioplastic used in the product.
– **Energy consumption:** The energy used during the production process.
– **Water consumption:** The amount of water used.
– **Transport usage:** The modes and amounts of transport required for the product distribution.
– **Production and waste disposal:** The management of waste generated by the product itself and its production stages.

Once this data is entered, the tool calculates a numerical value representing the item’s carbon footprint. This result not only provides Novamont’s partners with a clear picture of their environmental impact but also allows them to comply with recent directives aimed at preventing greenwashing, a phenomenon that occurs when companies misleadingly promote their sustainable practices.

### The Role of Transparency and Verification

Transparency is crucial in the journey towards genuine sustainability. Having the ability to calculate and certify the carbon footprint of products is not only useful for improving business practices but also serves as a benchmark for increasingly environmentally conscious consumers. Greater awareness of the impact of the materials used and the life cycle of products can guide purchasing choices, encouraging companies to invest in more sustainable practices and materials.

### Benefits for Novamont’s Converters and Customers

The ability to measure and communicate the environmental impact of products offers numerous advantages. On one hand, converters can use this data to enhance their production efficiency, optimizing energy and water consumption. On the other hand, customers can benefit by ensuring they choose products that meet high sustainability standards.

Moreover, adopting more sustainable practices not only fosters a responsible approach to the environment but can also lead to economic benefits. Companies that embrace sustainable practices can improve their market reputation, attract new customers, and access incentives or tax breaks related to the adoption of green technologies.

### Towards a Sustainable Future

The introduction of this tool represents a significant step towards a more sustainable future, where companies are held accountable for their environmental impact.