Synthetic Carpet (per sqm)

Material Composition Assumptions

The synthetic carpet assessment assumes a standard residential-grade carpet weighing approximately 4000 grams per square meter. The primary component is polyamide nylon fibers comprising roughly 65% of total weight at 2600 grams, providing durability and stain resistance properties. Synthetic backing materials account for 25% at 1000 grams, typically composed of polypropylene or latex compounds that secure the tufted fibers. Polyethylene terephthalate represents 8% at 320 grams, often incorporated as recycled content or blended with primary fibers. The remaining 2% consists of mineral fillers and processing aids totaling 80 grams, which enhance carpet stability and manufacturing efficiency.

Manufacturing Geography

Global synthetic carpet production concentrates primarily in China, Turkey, and the United States, with China leading worldwide output through established petrochemical supply chains and textile manufacturing infrastructure. Chinese facilities benefit from proximity to nylon polymer production sites, reducing transportation emissions while leveraging economies of scale in fiber processing. The national grid intensity of 531 gCO2e per kWh significantly impacts manufacturing emissions, particularly during energy-intensive tufting and heat-setting processes. Turkish manufacturers serve European markets with moderate grid intensity, while United States production focuses on domestic consumption with regional grid variations affecting carbon intensity.

Regional Variation

Manufacturing Region	Grid Intensity	Estimated CCI Score	Adjustment vs Default
China	531 gCO2e/kWh	53 kg CO2e/m²	Baseline (0%)
Turkey	387 gCO2e/kWh	48 kg CO2e/m²	-9% reduction
United States (Southeast)	423 gCO2e/kWh	50 kg CO2e/m²	-6% reduction
Germany	366 gCO2e/kWh	47 kg CO2e/m²	-11% reduction
Nordic countries	45 gCO2e/kWh	41 kg CO2e/m²	-23% reduction

Provenance Override Guidance

1. Submit third-party verified life cycle assessment data covering cradle-to-gate emissions with detailed breakdown of polymer sourcing, fiber production, and manufacturing energy consumption.

2. Provide documentation of renewable energy usage at manufacturing facilities, including power purchase agreements, on-site renewable generation capacity, and grid displacement calculations.

3. Supply chain transparency data showing specific polymer suppliers, transportation distances, recycled content percentages, and upstream emission factors for all major material inputs.

4. Manufacturing process specifications detailing dyeing method selection, energy efficiency measures, waste heat recovery systems, and production line optimization strategies.

5. End-of-life management documentation including take-back programs, recycling partnerships, material recovery rates, and disposal method carbon accounting.

Methodology Notes

• The CCI score represents cradle-to-gate emissions for one square meter of synthetic carpet including all upstream material production, manufacturing processes, and packaging requirements.

• Scope 3 dominance reflects the carbon-intensive nature of petroleum-derived nylon polymer production, while Scope 1 and 2 emissions capture direct manufacturing energy consumption and heat generation.

• The functional unit assumes standard residential carpet specifications with typical pile height, density, and backing materials suitable for moderate traffic applications.

• Installation materials such as adhesives, padding, and transition strips are excluded from the assessment boundary, as are transportation emissions from manufacturing facility to point of sale.

• Data gaps include regional variations in polymer production efficiency, emerging bio-based synthetic fiber alternatives, and mechanical recycling impact on subsequent product generations.