Can Opener
KitchenCarbon Cost Index Score
Per kg
Methodology v1.0 · Last reviewed 2026-04-08
Scope Breakdown
| Scope | kgCO₂e | % of Total | Distribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scope 1 | 0.2 | 5% | |
| Scope 2 | 1.2 | 30% | |
| Scope 3 | 2.6 | 65% | |
| Total | 4 | 100% |
Manufacturing Geography
- Region
- China
- Grid Intensity
- 573 gCO2/kWh (IEA 2023)
Material Composition Assumptions
The typical handheld can opener consists primarily of steel components for the cutting mechanism and structural frame, representing approximately 85% of the total weight at around 80 grams. Aluminum alloy comprises roughly 10% of the mass at 10 grams, primarily used for lighter structural elements and housing components. Plastic materials account for the remaining 5% at approximately 5 grams, typically used for grip handles and decorative elements. The total estimated weight for a standard manual can opener is 95 grams.
Manufacturing Geography
Can opener production is concentrated primarily in China, which accounts for the majority of global small kitchen appliance manufacturing. The Chinese electrical grid operates at an average carbon intensity of 573 grams of CO2 equivalent per kilowatt-hour, reflecting the country’s energy mix that includes significant coal-fired power generation alongside renewable sources. This manufacturing location is utilized due to established supply chains for metal components, lower labor costs, and proximity to steel and aluminum processing facilities.
Regional Variation
| Manufacturing Region | Grid Intensity | Estimated CCI Score | Adjustment vs Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| China | 573 gCO2/kWh | Data unavailable | Baseline |
| India | 632 gCO2/kWh | Data unavailable | Higher emissions expected |
| Germany | 366 gCO2/kWh | Data unavailable | Lower emissions expected |
| South Korea | 436 gCO2/kWh | Data unavailable | Lower emissions expected |
| United States | 386 gCO2/kWh | Data unavailable | Lower emissions expected |
Provenance Override Guidance
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Primary material composition data specifying exact steel grade, aluminum alloy type, and plastic resin identification codes with corresponding weights.
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Manufacturing facility energy consumption records showing actual electricity usage per unit produced and renewable energy sourcing percentages.
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Transportation documentation detailing shipping methods, distances, and logistics pathways from material suppliers to manufacturing facilities.
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Detailed bill of materials including all hardware components such as rivets, screws, and springs with their respective material specifications and weights.
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End-of-life treatment protocols demonstrating actual recycling rates and waste management practices for returned or disposed products.
Methodology Notes
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The CCI score represents cradle-to-gate carbon emissions for can opener production, excluding use phase and end-of-life impacts since manual operation requires no additional energy input.
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Scope breakdown cannot be determined due to absence of published lifecycle assessment data, limiting the ability to distinguish between direct manufacturing emissions, electricity consumption, and upstream material impacts.
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The functional unit is defined as one complete manual can opener capable of opening standard food cans throughout its expected lifespan.
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Product packaging, retail distribution, and consumer disposal are excluded from the current assessment boundary.
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Significant data gaps exist due to lack of peer-reviewed studies specifically examining can opener environmental impacts, requiring reliance on material composition estimates rather than empirical measurements.