Global Initiative on UPCYCLE Carbon Footprint Certification and Label Systems for Creative Waste Management and Greenhouse Gas Reduction

Abstract

Upcycling aims at turning scraps and wastes into new materials or products with equivalent quality or better than original through creative design. The upcycling processes are based on the direct use or the technology and production processing with consideration of potential environmental impacts and greenhouse gas. This is in line with the national policy on waste management by applying the principle of 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle), as well as the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions associated with waste management. In addition, upcycling is seen as one way to add values on wastes and promote the development of creative economy. Under this context, the UPCYCLE Carbon Footprint certification and verification system was initiated and developed in June 2015 under the leadership of the Department of Environmental Quality Promotion, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. There are five criteria in the UPCYCLE Carbon Footprint certification scheme: (1) scraps and wastes, (2) upcycling process, (3) product quality, (4) creative design, and (5) carbon footprint. For the requirement of carbon footprint, the avoided GHG emissions of upcycle materials or products shall be higher than their life cycle GHG emissions. A case study of upcycled glass tiles was used to demonstrate how to calculate the associated carbon footprint. It aims to be used as a communication and marketing tool to ensure that the certified upcycled materials or products are made from wastes/scraps, fit for use, have a good quality, and friendly to the environment.