Carbon Trust Footprint Label

The Carbon Trust Footprint Label is a certification mark issued by Carbon Trust, an independent organisation, that verifies and communicates the carbon footprint of a product, service or organisation. Recognised internationally, it signals to consumers that a brand measures, discloses and works to reduce its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions under independent scrutiny.

Types of label

• Measured footprint: the carbon footprint has been quantified using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), in line with product-footprint standards such as ISO 14067. Note that PAS 2050, the original product carbon-footprint specification, is now obsolete and superseded by ISO 14067 and the GHG Protocol Product Standard.
• Reducing: the footprint has been verified and the organisation has committed to cut it over time, with progress re-checked.
• Carbon neutral: residual emissions are offset; credible carbon-neutrality claims now reference ISO 14068-1, the international standard for carbon neutrality that replaced the withdrawn PAS 2060.

Methodology

• GHG inventory: covers direct and indirect emissions across Scope 1, Scope 2 and relevant Scope 3 sources.
• Independent verification: Carbon Trust reviews the calculation to ensure traceability and accuracy.
• Renewal: the footprint must be recalculated periodically to demonstrate continued progress.

Why companies use it

• Credibility: third-party verification helps guard against greenwashing.
• Market differentiation: a recognised mark that supports climate transparency at the point of sale.
• Reporting: the underlying data feeds ESG and sustainability disclosure.
• Efficiency: measuring the footprint reveals energy and cost savings.

Where it is used

• Food and beverages: footprint per product or serving on retail packaging.
• Consumer goods: electronics, textiles and personal care.
• Services and organisations: corporate-level footprint and reduction.

Relationship with other tools

• EPD and ISO 14025: broader environmental product declarations that complement a carbon-specific label.
• Science-Based Targets: companies holding the label often align reductions with 1.5 C pathways.

The Carbon Trust Footprint Label is an effective way to show customers and investors a verified commitment to decarbonisation. At Manglai we help companies measure their carbon footprint to the standards these labels require. Discover how Manglai can help you.