Electric Toothbrush

Material Composition Assumptions

A typical electric toothbrush weighs approximately 200 grams and consists of several key components. The polypropylene plastic handle comprises roughly 45% of the total weight at 90 grams, providing the primary structure and housing. The rechargeable lithium-ion or nickel-metal hydride battery accounts for about 25% at 50 grams, representing one of the most carbon-intensive components. The electric motor and circuit board electronics together make up approximately 20% at 40 grams, containing various metals and semiconductors. Nylon bristles contribute a minimal 5% at 10 grams, while the remaining 5% consists of small metal components and internal wiring totaling 10 grams. PET packaging materials are excluded from the product weight but contribute to the overall lifecycle impact.

Manufacturing Geography

Electric toothbrushes are predominantly manufactured in China, which accounts for the majority of global production due to established electronics manufacturing infrastructure and supply chains. The Chinese electricity grid operates at an average carbon intensity of 555 gCO2/kWh according to International Energy Agency data, reflecting the country’s continued reliance on coal-fired power generation. This relatively high grid intensity significantly influences the manufacturing phase emissions, particularly for energy-intensive processes like battery production and motor assembly. The concentration of component suppliers and final assembly facilities in China also minimizes intra-manufacturing transportation distances, though it increases shipping distances to global consumer markets.

Regional Variation

Manufacturing Region	Grid Intensity	Estimated CCI Score	Adjustment vs Default
China (default)	555 gCO2/kWh	96	0%
Germany	366 gCO2/kWh	86	-10%
United States	386 gCO2/kWh	88	-8%
South Korea	436 gCO2/kWh	91	-5%
India	708 gCO2/kWh	108	+13%

Provenance Override Guidance

1. Submit detailed material composition data including specific plastic types, battery chemistry, motor specifications, and exact component weights with supporting manufacturing documentation.

2. Provide electricity consumption records from actual manufacturing facilities showing energy use per unit produced, along with local grid emission factors or renewable energy certificates.

3. Supply transportation data including shipping methods, distances, and fuel types for component sourcing and finished product distribution to primary markets.

4. Document end-of-life treatment pathways including recycling rates for batteries and electronics, disposal methods, and any take-back programs offered by the manufacturer.

5. Present use-phase energy consumption measurements from standardized testing showing actual charging frequency, power draw during charging, and battery efficiency over the product lifespan.

Methodology Notes

• The CCI score represents cradle-to-grave emissions over a five-year product lifespan with daily use including manufacturing, transportation, consumer use, and disposal phases.

• Scope allocation reflects the energy-intensive nature of electronics manufacturing in Scope 3 and direct consumer electricity consumption in Scope 1 during the use phase.

• The functional unit assumes one electric toothbrush used twice daily for five years with regular charging cycles and replacement brush heads every three months.

• Brush head replacements are excluded from this assessment as they represent a separate consumable product category with distinct material flows and replacement intervals.

• Data gaps include variations in charging behavior between users, differences in local electricity grid emissions during the use phase, and uncertainty around actual recycling rates for electronic components at end-of-life.