Newly released study compares Carbon Footprint of
Recycled Antifreeze vs. Virgin Antifreeze
ORG CHEM Group commissioned a study to compare the carbon footprint of its
recycled antifreeze vs. virgin antifreeze. The carbon footprints were measured by
analyzing energy consumption from the two processes. The results pointed to
recycled antifreeze having a lower carbon footprint.
Fleet managers can help meet their organizations’ scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions
reduction targets by purchasing recycled antifreeze. Recycled antifreeze fits within
many purchasing guidelines, like those followed by the US government. Recycled
motor oil serves as a precedent for recycled antifreeze, it took time to gain acceptance
and is now commonplace.
Due to data limitations, a cradle-to-grave comparison was not possible, making the
following comparison conservative. Despite the conservative approach, results
indicate that recycled antifreeze can help reduce and meet scope 3 emission
reduction targets.
The carbon footprint of the recycled EG antifreeze was 28% less than virgin refined
EG antifreeze based on the cradle-to-gate comparison conducted.
Virgin EG (kg
CO2e/gal)
6.026
ORG CHEM
Group’s
recycled EG
(kg CO2e/gal)
4.339
% Difference
28%
Table 1: Emissions comparison
Several differences in available information (explained within the report) precipitated
a conservative approach for comparing the two products.
The lower carbon footprint of recycled antifreeze in this case can assist organizations
that seek to reduce their overall carbon impact, particularly with lowering scope 3
emissions achieved by purchasing less carbon intensive products.
For more information, contact Mark Buczek, V.P. ORG CHEM Group at
mbuczek@chem-group.com