Plastic Doll

Material Composition Assumptions

The typical plastic doll weighs approximately 100 grams and consists primarily of petroleum-based polymers. Polyvinyl chloride forms the largest component at roughly 40 grams, comprising the main body and limbs due to its flexibility and durability. Polyethylene terephthalate accounts for approximately 25 grams in rigid components like the torso structure. Polypropylene contributes about 20 grams in articulated joints and smaller parts. Painted and dyed coatings add roughly 10 grams across all surfaces to provide color and finish details. Nylon hair fibers complete the remaining 5 grams, providing the characteristic texture and appearance of doll hair.

Manufacturing Geography

Most plastic dolls originate from manufacturing facilities concentrated in China, which produces over seventy percent of global toy output. This geographic concentration stems from established supply chains for plastic resins, specialized injection molding equipment, and skilled labor for assembly and finishing processes. Chinese manufacturing regions rely heavily on coal-powered electricity grids, with an average carbon intensity of 555 grams of carbon dioxide per kilowatt-hour. The energy-intensive nature of plastic resin production and injection molding processes means that grid electricity sources significantly influence the overall carbon footprint of each doll produced.

Regional Variation

Manufacturing Region	Grid Intensity	Estimated CCI Score	Adjustment vs Default
China	555 gCO2/kWh	3.2	Baseline
Vietnam	514 gCO2/kWh	3.0	-6%
Mexico	459 gCO2/kWh	2.6	-19%
Germany	366 gCO2/kWh	2.2	-31%
Costa Rica	99 gCO2/kWh	1.8	-44%

Provenance Override Guidance

1. Submit detailed material composition data with specific plastic resin types, weights, and supplier carbon intensity values for virgin versus recycled content percentages.

2. Provide manufacturing facility energy consumption records with documentation of renewable electricity usage or grid decarbonization certificates.

3. Document transportation logistics including shipping distances, freight modes, and fuel efficiency data from raw material suppliers to final assembly locations.

4. Supply injection molding process specifications with energy consumption per unit, cycle times, and equipment efficiency ratings for production machinery.

5. Submit end-of-life treatment data showing actual disposal, recycling, or recovery rates in target markets rather than industry average assumptions.

Methodology Notes

• The CCI score represents cradle-to-grave emissions for a standard 100-gram plastic doll including raw material extraction, manufacturing, transportation, and disposal phases.
• Scope 3 emissions dominate the footprint due to upstream plastic resin production and international shipping from concentrated manufacturing regions to global markets.
• The functional unit assumes a single doll with typical material composition and packaging, excluding electronic components or batteries that may be present in some variants.
• Current methodology excludes retail storage, consumer transportation from store to home, and potential reuse or secondary market circulation.
• Data gaps exist around regional disposal practices and actual recycling rates, requiring conservative assumptions about landfill versus incineration treatment.