Electric Shaver

Material Composition Assumptions

Electric shavers are complex electronic devices containing multiple material types with varying environmental impacts. The cutting mechanism consists primarily of stainless steel components including foils and blades, estimated at 15 grams representing approximately 7% of total weight. The motor housing utilizes aluminum alloy construction weighing roughly 60 grams or 30% of the device mass. Copper motor windings contribute an additional 8 grams at 4% of total weight.

The rechargeable power system incorporates either lithium-ion or nickel-metal hydride battery cells weighing approximately 25 grams, representing 12% of the unit mass. Plastic housing materials comprise the largest single component at 80 grams or 40% of total weight. Electronic components including circuit boards, sensors, and control systems account for the remaining 12 grams at 6% of device mass. Total estimated weight per unit is 200 grams.

Manufacturing Geography

Electric shaver production concentrates heavily in Chinese manufacturing facilities, particularly in the Guangdong and Jiangsu provinces where established electronics supply chains provide access to component suppliers and assembly expertise. This concentration reflects the region’s comparative advantages in precision manufacturing and battery production capabilities required for personal care electronics.

The Chinese electrical grid operates at an average carbon intensity of 555 grams CO2 equivalent per kilowatt-hour, significantly influencing the manufacturing phase emissions profile. Coal-fired power generation remains dominant in major manufacturing regions, creating higher embodied emissions compared to production in countries with cleaner energy portfolios. The established supply chain infrastructure and technical expertise in these regions continue to drive production concentration despite the carbon intensity considerations.

Regional Variation

Manufacturing Region	Grid Intensity (gCO2e/kWh)	Estimated CCI Score	Adjustment vs Default
China	555	28	Baseline
Germany	366	24	-14%
South Korea	436	26	-7%
Japan	462	27	-4%
India	708	33	+18%

Provenance Override Guidance

1. Detailed bill of materials with supplier-specific data for battery cells, including production location and renewable energy usage percentages during manufacturing processes.

2. Manufacturing facility energy consumption records demonstrating actual electricity sources, including any renewable energy certificates or on-site generation that differs from regional grid averages.

3. Transportation logistics documentation specifying shipping methods, distances, and packaging materials used from component suppliers through final distribution channels.

4. End-of-life program participation data showing take-back rates, recycling partnerships, and material recovery percentages achieved for previously sold units.

5. Metal sourcing verification indicating primary versus recycled content percentages for aluminum, steel, and copper components with associated processing energy requirements.

Methodology Notes

• The CCI score represents complete lifecycle emissions for a typical corded or cordless electric shaver over a four-year operational lifespan with regular usage patterns.

• Scope 3 emissions dominate at 80% of total impact due to battery production, metal processing, and manufacturing energy requirements, while operational electricity consumption contributes 18% through Scope 2 emissions.

• Functional unit is defined as one complete electric shaver device capable of providing personal grooming services for the assumed operational period.

• Water heating emissions associated with traditional wet shaving are excluded as they represent avoided emissions rather than direct product impacts.

• Regional electricity grid variations during both manufacturing and use phases create significant uncertainty ranges requiring location-specific adjustments for accurate assessments.

• End-of-life recycling benefits are not credited in the base calculation due to variable global recycling infrastructure and material recovery rates.