Colander (stainless)

Material Composition Assumptions

A typical stainless steel colander weighing approximately 500 grams contains iron as the primary constituent at 60-70% by weight, representing roughly 300-350 grams of the total mass. Chromium comprises 16-18% of the alloy composition for standard 300 series austenitic grades, contributing approximately 80-90 grams to corrosion resistance properties. Nickel content ranges from 8-10%, adding about 40-50 grams to enhance ductility and structural stability. Minor alloying elements include manganese at up to 2% by weight, silicon below 1%, and trace amounts of molybdenum under 2% for enhanced corrosion resistance in specialized applications.

Manufacturing Geography

China serves as the primary manufacturing region for stainless steel colanders due to its dominant position in global stainless steel production capacity and established kitchen utensil manufacturing infrastructure. The country’s electrical grid operates at an intensity of 555 gCO2e/kWh according to International Energy Agency data, reflecting the continued reliance on coal-fired power generation for industrial processes. Chinese manufacturers benefit from integrated supply chains that include both ferroalloy production and finished goods assembly, reducing transportation costs while maintaining competitive pricing for international markets.

Regional Variation

Manufacturing Region	Grid Intensity	Estimated CCI Score	Adjustment vs Default
China	555 gCO2e/kWh	42	Baseline
European Union	295 gCO2e/kWh	38	-9%
South Korea	436 gCO2e/kWh	40	-5%
India	708 gCO2e/kWh	45	+7%
United States	386 gCO2e/kWh	39	-7%

Provenance Override Guidance

1. Steel mill carbon footprint data showing actual emissions per ton of stainless steel produced, including detailed breakdowns of energy consumption and recycled content percentages used in the specific production batch.

2. Ferroalloy supplier documentation detailing the carbon intensity of chromium and nickel inputs, particularly distinguishing between recycled scrap-based versus primary ore-based material sources.

3. Manufacturing facility energy audit results demonstrating actual electricity consumption patterns, renewable energy utilization rates, and process efficiency metrics for forming and finishing operations.

4. Transportation logistics data covering the complete supply chain from raw material extraction through final product delivery, including shipping distances and modal transport choices.

5. End-of-life recycling certificates or material flow analyses showing the actual recyclability performance and circular economy contributions of the specific product design and material specifications.

Methodology Notes

• The CCI score represents cradle-to-gate emissions for a standard stainless steel colander weighing 500 grams, encompassing raw material extraction through manufacturing completion but excluding use phase and disposal impacts.

• Scope 3 emissions dominate the carbon footprint at 77% due to upstream mining and ferroalloy production processes, while direct manufacturing represents only 8% of total emissions.

• The functional unit assumes a single colander suitable for household food preparation tasks with standard perforation patterns and durability specifications.

• Regional manufacturing variations primarily reflect differences in electrical grid carbon intensity rather than process technology differences.

• Data gaps include specific forming energy requirements and packaging material impacts, which represent minor contributors to the overall carbon footprint.

• The assessment excludes potential carbon benefits from extended product lifespan and complete recyclability at end-of-life, focusing solely on embodied emissions.