Scrub Brush (plastic)

Material Composition Assumptions

A typical plastic scrub brush weighs approximately 150 grams and consists of several petroleum-derived components. The handle comprises 90 grams of polypropylene material, representing 60% of the total product weight. The cleaning bristles contain 45 grams of nylon 6 fibers, accounting for 30% of the brush weight. Cardboard packaging materials contribute 12 grams or 8% of the total mass. The remaining 3 grams consist of adhesives and synthetic dyes used to bond components and provide color, making up 2% of the overall composition.

Manufacturing Geography

Most plastic scrub brushes are manufactured in China, where established petrochemical infrastructure and lower production costs drive competitive pricing. Chinese manufacturing facilities typically utilize an electricity grid with carbon intensity of 555 gCO2/kWh, which influences the overall emissions profile during production phases. The concentration of plastic resin suppliers and molding equipment in coastal Chinese provinces creates supply chain efficiencies that reduce transportation emissions between material suppliers and final assembly operations.

Regional Variation

Manufacturing Region	Grid Intensity	Estimated CCI Score	Adjustment vs Default
China	555 gCO2/kWh	38	Baseline
Germany	366 gCO2/kWh	41	+8%
United States	386 gCO2/kWh	40	+5%
India	708 gCO2/kWh	35	-8%
Mexico	458 gCO2/kWh	39	+3%

Provenance Override Guidance

1. Submit verified electricity consumption data and grid carbon intensity factors for the specific manufacturing facility location.

2. Provide detailed material sourcing documentation showing recycled content percentages for polypropylene handle and nylon bristle components.

3. Document transportation distances and modes for raw materials from petrochemical suppliers to manufacturing facilities.

4. Supply end-of-life disposal or recycling data specific to the target market region where products will be sold.

5. Include packaging optimization metrics showing reduced cardboard usage or alternative material substitutions.

Methodology Notes

• The CCI score represents cradle-to-grave emissions for a standard plastic scrub brush with typical 6-12 month lifespan before disposal.

• Scope 3 emissions dominate the carbon footprint due to upstream petroleum extraction and plastic resin production processes.

• The functional unit assumes normal household cleaning usage patterns with minimal potential for reuse or recycling.

• Emissions from water heating during actual cleaning use are excluded from the product-specific carbon footprint calculation.

• Data gaps exist for regional variations in plastic waste management infrastructure and disposal method carbon impacts.

• Manufacturing equipment energy consumption estimates rely on industry averages rather than facility-specific measurements.