Ski Goggles

Material Composition Assumptions

The carbon footprint assessment assumes a typical ski goggle weighing approximately 150 grams with the following material composition:

• Polycarbonate lens and frame components: 90 grams (60%)
• Nylon and polyester strap materials: 25 grams (17%)
• Synthetic foam padding: 20 grams (13%)
• Bio-based plastic elements: 10 grams (7%)
• Recycled ocean plastic components: 5 grams (3%)

Advanced models may incorporate specialized lens coatings derived from sustainable sources like agar or include algae-based foam padding alternatives. The prevalence of polycarbonate reflects industry preferences for impact resistance and optical clarity in winter sports applications.

Manufacturing Geography

Primary production occurs in China, where established manufacturing infrastructure supports both large-scale plastic processing and precision optical component assembly. The Chinese electrical grid operates at 555 gCO2/kWh intensity, significantly influencing the carbon footprint of energy-intensive polycarbonate production and injection molding processes.

Chinese facilities benefit from integrated supply chains that reduce transportation between component suppliers and final assembly operations. However, the coal-heavy energy mix contributes substantially to the overall carbon intensity compared to manufacturing regions with cleaner electricity sources.

Regional Variation

Manufacturing Region	Grid Intensity	Estimated CCI Score	Adjustment vs Default
China	555 gCO2/kWh	3.5	Baseline
Germany	366 gCO2/kWh	2.9	-17%
France	79 gCO2/kWh	2.1	-40%
United States	386 gCO2/kWh	3.0	-14%
South Korea	436 gCO2/kWh	3.2	-9%

Provenance Override Guidance

1. Submit detailed material composition data including percentages of recycled content, bio-based materials, and specific polymer types used in lens and frame construction.

2. Provide manufacturing facility energy consumption records with documentation of renewable energy usage, grid electricity sources, and energy efficiency measures.

3. Document transportation logistics including shipping distances from material suppliers, manufacturing locations, distribution centers, and final retail destinations.

4. Supply packaging specifications detailing material types, weights, recyclability, and any initiatives to reduce packaging volume or eliminate single-use components.

5. Present product design features that extend lifespan such as replaceable lens systems, modular components, or repair programs that reduce replacement frequency.

Methodology Notes

• The CCI score represents cradle-to-gate emissions for a single ski goggle unit including raw material extraction through manufacturing completion
• Scope 3 emissions dominate at 70% due to polycarbonate production and upstream material processing requirements
• Functional unit covers one complete goggle system including lens, frame, strap, and standard packaging
• Transportation assumes average shipping distances from Asian manufacturing to North American and European markets
• End-of-life disposal and consumer use phase impacts are excluded from the current assessment boundary
• Limited industry transparency creates uncertainty around material sourcing and manufacturing process variations across brands