Safety Razor (stainless)

Material Composition Assumptions

The stainless steel safety razor consists primarily of high-grade stainless steel components totaling approximately 100 grams. The handle and main body utilize 316L-grade stainless steel comprising roughly 85 grams or 85% of total weight. Internal spring mechanisms account for an additional 10 grams of stainless steel components. Replaceable double-edged blades contribute minimal weight at approximately 2 grams per blade. Packaging materials utilize recycled cardboard and paper-based materials, avoiding plastic components entirely. This material composition reflects premium safety razor construction designed for multi-decade durability.

Manufacturing Geography

Primary manufacturing occurs in Germany, where established metalworking infrastructure and precision engineering capabilities support quality stainless steel razor production. The German electrical grid operates at 485 gCO2e per kilowatt-hour, benefiting from substantial renewable energy integration including wind and solar sources. German manufacturing facilities leverage advanced CNC machining and automated finishing processes that require significant electrical input for precision metalworking operations. This regional concentration exists due to centuries-old blade manufacturing expertise centered in Solingen and surrounding industrial areas.

Regional Variation

Manufacturing Region	Grid Intensity	Estimated CCI Score	Adjustment vs Default
Germany (default)	485 gCO2e/kWh	12.0	baseline
China	650 gCO2e/kWh	14.2	+18%
United States	550 gCO2e/kWh	13.1	+9%
Norway	150 gCO2e/kWh	10.3	-14%
Japan	500 gCO2e/kWh	12.3	+3%

Provenance Override Guidance

1. Submit certified stainless steel composition analysis with specific alloy grades and material sourcing documentation including upstream smelting facility locations and energy sources.

2. Provide manufacturing facility energy consumption records detailing electricity usage per unit produced along with renewable energy certificates or on-site generation data.

3. Document transportation logistics including shipping distances, modal split between air, sea, and ground transport, and distribution center locations for complete supply chain mapping.

4. Supply blade production specifications with expected blade replacement frequency over product lifetime to accurately calculate amortized blade manufacturing impacts.

5. Present end-of-life recycling partnerships or take-back programs demonstrating actual material recovery rates rather than theoretical recycling potential.

Methodology Notes

• The CCI score represents cradle-to-gate embodied carbon for a complete safety razor system including anticipated blade replacements over a 25-year service life.

• Scope 3 dominance reflects substantial upstream stainless steel production impacts including iron ore extraction, chromium and nickel alloying, and steel mill processing energy requirements.

• Functional unit assumes one safety razor serving a single user for multi-decade lifetime with periodic blade replacement approximately every 50-100 shaves.

• Score excludes user-phase impacts such as hot water heating for shaving and soap or cream consumption during product use.

• Data gaps include regional variation in stainless steel production methods and emerging recycled content availability in premium-grade stainless alloys.

• Manufacturing efficiency improvements through automation and renewable energy adoption present significant decarbonization opportunities for future production.