Ceramic Mug

Material Composition Assumptions

The standard ceramic mug evaluated contains approximately 280 grams of stoneware or porcelain clay representing 93% of total weight. Commercial ceramic glaze accounts for roughly 15 grams or 5% of the finished product weight. Optional decorative elements including cobalt oxide for colored glazes contribute minimal weight at approximately 3 grams. Gold luster decoration when present adds negligible mass. Packaging materials consist of plastic bubble wrap weighing 5 grams and cardboard packaging at 15 grams, representing the remaining 2% of total shipped weight.

Manufacturing Geography

China dominates global ceramic tableware production due to abundant clay deposits, established manufacturing infrastructure, and lower labor costs. The country’s electricity grid operates at 555 gCO2/kWh intensity, significantly impacting emissions from energy-intensive kiln firing processes. Chinese ceramic manufacturing clusters in Jingdezhen, Chaozhou, and Tangshan regions benefit from proximity to raw materials and specialized supply chains. The high grid carbon intensity directly influences the substantial Scope 1 emissions associated with ceramic production.

Regional Variation

Manufacturing Region	Grid Intensity	Estimated CCI Score	Adjustment vs Default
China	555 gCO2/kWh	47	Baseline
Germany	366 gCO2/kWh	39	-17%
Brazil	85 gCO2/kWh	28	-40%
India	708 gCO2/kWh	52	+11%
Norway	26 gCO2/kWh	25	-47%

Provenance Override Guidance

1. Kiln energy consumption data in kWh per kilogram of fired ceramic products with documentation of firing temperature profiles and cycle times.

2. Electricity source verification including renewable energy certificates or direct power purchase agreements for manufacturing facilities.

3. Clay sourcing distance and transportation mode with specific supplier locations and logistics documentation.

4. Actual washing machine efficiency ratings or hand-washing protocols for use-phase impact calculations.

5. Product lifespan data including average number of uses before replacement or breakage rates from customer surveys.

Methodology Notes

• The CCI score represents cradle-to-grave emissions including production, transportation, use-phase washing, and end-of-life disposal for a standard 300ml ceramic mug.

• Scope 3 dominates at 80% due to use-phase washing emissions over an assumed 5-year product lifespan with daily use.

• Functional unit assumes 1,825 uses based on daily usage over five years with proper care and maintenance.

• Excludes retail storage emissions, user transportation to purchase location, and potential recycling credits for ceramic waste.

• Data gaps exist for decorative processes, regional clay processing variations, and actual consumer washing behavior patterns across different markets.