Rice (1kg bag)

Material Composition Assumptions

The analysis assumes a standard 1kg bag containing milled white rice with typical nutritional composition. The rice grains consist primarily of starch forming the bulk of the material at approximately 660-700 grams per kilogram. Protein content represents a smaller fraction at roughly 60-80 grams per kilogram of finished product. The remaining mass comprises cellulose and hemicellulose structural components that survive the milling process. This composition reflects commonly consumed white rice varieties after removal of bran and germ layers during processing.

Manufacturing Geography

Rice production for this assessment centers on China, which represents the world’s largest rice producing region with diverse cultivation zones. The Chinese electricity grid operates at an average carbon intensity of 555 gCO2e per kilowh, reflecting the country’s coal-dominant energy mix. This grid intensity significantly influences emissions from irrigation pumping systems and post-harvest processing facilities including milling operations. China’s rice production spans from intensive southern multi-season regions to northern single-season areas, providing representative data for global rice supply chains.

Regional Variation

Manufacturing Region	Grid Intensity	Estimated CCI Score	Adjustment vs Default
China (Southern Multi-season)	555 gCO2e/kWh	380	+56%
China (Northern Single-season)	555 gCO2e/kWh	210	-14%
Southeast Asia Average	650 gCO2e/kWh	250	+3%
India (Basmati Regions)	690 gCO2e/kWh	315	+30%
Thailand	450 gCO2e/kWh	220	-9%

Provenance Override Guidance

1. Direct measurement data from flooded field methane monitoring systems showing actual anaerobic decomposition emissions during growing seasons.

2. Fertilizer application records with specific nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium quantities applied per hectare along with production emission factors.

3. Water management documentation demonstrating alternate wetting and drying practices or other methane mitigation techniques.

4. Energy consumption records from irrigation pumping systems and post-harvest processing facilities including milling operations.

5. Transportation distance and mode data from farm gate through distribution to retail packaging facility.

Methodology Notes

• The CCI score represents cradle-to-grave emissions including field cultivation, processing, packaging, and transportation to retail distribution centers.
• Scope 1 emissions capture direct methane releases from anaerobic soil conditions in flooded rice paddies during cultivation periods.
• Scope 2 reflects electricity consumption for irrigation water pumping systems and mechanical processing operations including milling and drying.
• Scope 3 encompasses upstream fertilizer production impacts and downstream transportation through retail distribution networks.
• The functional unit covers one kilogram of milled white rice in consumer packaging ready for retail sale.
• Assessment excludes consumer cooking energy and end-of-life waste management impacts.
• Data gaps exist for emerging cultivation techniques and regional variations in organic matter decomposition rates.