The uptake of carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere during the photosynthesis process is a unique feature of plant biomass. The transformation of biomass (and its embodied "biogenic" carbon1) into products represents, in effect, a removal of CO2, via its continued storage in the product over a period of time. Biobased products can thus contribute towards reducing the CO2 level in the atmosphere and address global warming. For GHG accounting purposes, biogenic carbon embodied in a product should be considered as a CO2 reduction, or a "negative emission". Therefore it is essential that biogenic carbon flows are assessed in a correct, transparent, and consistent way in life cycle assessment (LCA) and product carbon footprint (PCF) tools. A lack of adequate assessment will hinder the introduction of innovative solutions to climate change rather than support it. A product carbon footprint is a compilation of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and sinks along the value chain of a product, from raw materials extraction through production, often including use and end of life. The PCF is a derivative of the more comprehensive LCA which is described in the international standards ISO 14040/14044. This position document focuses on the tracking of biogenic carbon in PCF and LCA methodology.
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