Behind the data

This is the lowest level of data accuracy in our database. For these products we have had to estimate the weight of each  component ingredient, due to a lack of more accurate publicly available data. Each ingredient has then been matched to our open source carbon footprint database - an aggregate of ADEME’s Agribalyse data, Poore & Nemecek (2018) data, and Clune (2017) data. With these generalised scores, we will allow users to actively challenge the relevant brands to provide greater transparency on the climate impact of their products.

Low accuracy scores are generic ratings based on the product sub-type. These scores are attributed to branded products for which we lack comprehensive data. As such, a Chocolate Magnum would carry the carbon score for a generic “Packaged Ice cream on stick, with chocolate coating ”. The majority of these generic scores in our database derive from ADEME's Agribalyse database.

Moderate accuracy scores are given to products and recipes that are carbon scored in real time using the Reewild Foodprint Calculator (generally under 5 seconds). To do so, we leverage the power of generative AI to find an estimated serving size and a weighted ingredient list for the specific product/recipe. Using our proprietary matching system, we then assign carbon footprint values to each ingredient, drawing from three databases: Foodsteps platform data (2023), ADEME’s Agribalyse data, and Poore & Nemecek (2018) data. An overall product/recipe carbon score is then calculated by summing the ingredient carbon values. These scores are subsequently saved in our system to enable users to access them more rapidly in the future. These scores are of greater accuracy than simply matching to a generalised Agribalyse datapoint (Medium Category), as they take each ingredient into account with more accurate weight measurements.

Medium accuracy scores are attributed to products and recipes that have undergone a “cradle-to-shelf” Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). This study only takes into account a product's carbon emissions up until the point of sale. To harmonise the data within our app, and ensure comparability between products, we have estimated the emissions associated with its final stages, including its consumption and disposal. The accuracy of the score is therefore diminished. These products are, however, produced by responsible brands who have decided to be transparent about their carbon emissions.

LCAs can be conducted along different lengths of a recipe or a product's supply chain, with the two most common being cradle-to-shelf and cradle-to-grave. Products with high accuracy scores are backed by data collected and assessed through a cradle-to-grave LCA. These scores take into account a product's entire lifecycle, including its farming, processing, transport, packaging, retail, consumption, and disposal. These products are sold by brands who are committed to full climate transparency.

These are the most accurate scores in our database, as the products have undergone a rigorous bespoke LCA. This is the gold standard of carbon footprinting. These brands have committed to collecting primary data, through a detailed analysis of each product’s unique lifecycle and supply chains. Products in this category use a methodology that is aligned with the European Commission’s Product Environmental Footprint (PEF).