Overview

To meet the growing demand for sustainability data in the adhesive and adhesive tape industries, Afera (the European tapes association) and IVK (Industrieverband Klebstoffe e.V., the German adhesives association) partnered with Sphera’s Sustainability Consulting to develop the TACK tool (Tape and Adhesives Calculation Kit).

This innovative, web-based solution streamlines the calculation of cradle-to-gate product carbon footprint (PCF) results for adhesives and adhesive tapes. Aligned with ISO 14040, ISO 14067 standards and the Together for Sustainability (TfS) guidelines, TACK empowers the associations and their member companies to address sustainability challenges effectively while supporting the ambitions of the European Green Deal.

IN THIS CASE STUDY
HIGHLIGHTS

A user-friendly tool designed for both life cycle assessment (LCA) experts and non-expert users.

Affordable and accessible for all  member companies of the associations.

Facilitates  PCF calculations in line with ISO 14040, ISO 14067, and TfS guidelines.

Pre-verified tool to ensure the accuracy of PCF results.

Helps identify emission hotspots to advance the industries’ sustainability goals.

Provides transparency in supply chain emissions to streamline Scope 3 reporting.

Challenges

1

Establishing a unified, industry-specific approach for PCF calculations.

2

Creating synergies to enhance the efficiency of PCF calculations within the adhesives and adhesive tapes industries.

3

Addressing the complexity of integrating comprehensive supplier data into assessments.

4

Supporting industry-specific sustainability needs by enabling detailed, member-specific PCF calculations and reports.

Solution

The TACK tool is a robust, web-based platform that delivers precision, accessibility and innovation. Built on Sphera’s advanced LCA Calculator software, the tool is underpinned by validated life cycle assessment (LCA) models developed by Sphera’s Sustainability Consultants, using the Managed LCA Content databases and LCA for Experts software.

TACK consists of two modules, tailored separately for adhesive and adhesive tape manufacturers. It incorporates comprehensive Data Quality Requirements (DQR) and Primary Data Share (PDS) for accurate carbon footprint outputs.

The tool empowers associations and their member companies to analyze the environmental performance of their products, identify areas for improvement and track Scope 3 emissions through consistent PCF data across the supply chain. By harmonizing and aligning PCF methodology across the sector, TACK provides reliable and credible data, enabling manufacturers to reduce emissions, enhance operational efficiency and strengthen their competitive advantage. Developed collaboratively with industry stakeholders, it equips users to prepare for upcoming EU regulatory requirements.

Results

The implementation of TACK has delivered significant benefits, including:

  • A standardized approach for PCF calculations specific to adhesive and adhesive tape manufacturers.
  • Simplified and cost-effective PCF analysis, accessible to all association members regardless of expertise and company size.
  • Alignment with TfS guidelines and ISO standards, enabling credible communication of results to stakeholders.
  • Strategic insights for addressing emission hotspots and achieving sustainability objectives.

“TACK is a real game changer for our member companies. Regardless of whether they are multinational or micro-enterprises, all of them can now easily calculate the PCF values of all their adhesive or adhesive tape products according to the TfS industry standard.”

— Dr. Vera Haye, Industrieverband Klebstoffe e.V.

“TACK is specifically designed for the adhesive and adhesive tape value chain, developed collaboratively across the entire supply chain under Sphera’s guidance. Downstream users value the tool for its ability to provide reliable and consistent data on environmental impact, aligned with established principles and guidelines.”

— Dr. Pablo Englebienne, Regulatory Affairs and Sustainability Manager, Afera

What made this happen?

Sphera’s 30+ years of experience in sustainability, LCA and PCF consulting projects with leading organizations in the chemical sector proved pivotal in developing the TACK tool. By leveraging their advanced LCA Calculator software and annually updated Managed LCA Content, Sphera’s experts supported Afera and IVK harmonizing their PCF approach. Grounded in best practices, the TACK tool delivers precise, credible, and actionable insights to drive sustainability transformation in the adhesive and adhesive tape industries.

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) Consulting Services

Prove the environmental claims of your products with LCA and PCF calculations supported by the world’s leading experts. Sphera’s consultants can carry out life cycle assessment or carbon footprint studies for your products or enable your company to perform LCAs and PCFs on its own. Learn more

Managed LCA Content

Our Managed LCA Content database offers over 20,000 process datasets that include 1,000 models. With access to datasets from over 60 industry associations that are modeled with Sphera’s Managed LCA Content, you gain a stronger foundation for your life cycle decisions. Learn more

LCA Calculator

A cloud-based solution that enables non-expert stakeholders to conduct life cycle assessment (LCAs), product carbon footprints (PCFs) and environmental product declarations (EPDs). Learn more

About Afera

Founded: in 1958 

Adhesive tapes industry

The Hague, Netherlands

Over 120 members

About Industrieverband Klebstoffe e.V. (IVK)

Founded: in 1946

Adhesive industry

Düsseldorf, Germany

Over 150 members

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