Project 4: Carbon Footprint Reduction Program for Palm Oil–Based cleaning products (Surfactants)
The Challenge
We supported one of the major personal care manufacturer to launch a program on carbon foot print reduction of their global brands. Palm oil is a critical ingredient in soap noodles and surfactants for personal care and home care products, yet it contributes significantly to product carbon footprint due to emissions from cultivation, refining, and manufacturing. Growing expectations from customers, regulators, and corporate sustainability commitments demanded a structured approach to decarbonize the value chain. The key challenge was to quantify the environmental impact across a complex, multi-tier supply chain and define a credible, long-term roadmap to achieve measurable carbon reduction targets without compromising product performance or cost efficiency.
Our Approach
A detailed Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) was conducted across the full product value chain—from palm oil cultivation and processing to soap formulation, packaging, and logistics. The analysis identified the major emission “hotspots” and prioritized improvement levers across three dimensions:
Sourcing: Transition to certified sustainable palm oil and low-carbon raw materials; improve traceability and supplier engagement.
Processing: Enhance energy efficiency, integrate renewable energy, and optimize manufacturing operations.
Formulation: Redesign product compositions to incorporate lower-carbon alternatives while maintaining quality and performance.
These actions were structured into a 5-year decarbonization roadmap, comprising six work packages covering sustainable sourcing, process optimization, product innovation, packaging efficiency, supply chain emissions, and stakeholder alignment. The program established clear targets, governance structures, and performance tracking through carbon intensity KPIs.
The Impact
The initiative successfully launched a long-term carbon reduction program expected to deliver over 35% reduction in product carbon footprint. It strengthened supplier partnerships, improved data transparency, and embedded life-cycle thinking into product development and procurement. The program enhanced brand sustainability credentials, supported client’s net-zero commitments, and positioned the organization as a leader in low-carbon personal care products.