Steel Wool Scrubbing Pad
KitchenCarbon Cost Index Score
Per kg
Methodology v1.0 · Last reviewed 2026-04-08
Scope Breakdown
| Scope | kgCO₂e | % of Total | Distribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scope 1 | 0.14 | 5% | |
| Scope 2 | 0.28 | 10% | |
| Scope 3 | 2.38 | 85% | |
| Total | 2.8 | 100% |
Emission Hotspots
| Emission Hotspot | Scope | Est. % of Total |
|---|---|---|
| steel production and processing | S3 | 55% |
| wool fiber production | S3 | 20% |
| packaging and distribution | S3 | 15% |
| manufacturing assembly | S1 | 10% |
Manufacturing Geography
- Region
- China
- Grid Intensity
- 555 gCO2e/kWh (IEA 2023)
Material Composition Assumptions
The assessment assumes a typical steel wool scrubbing pad weighing approximately 10 grams with the following composition:
- Steel wool fibers: 6 grams (60% by weight) providing the primary abrasive function
- Natural wool fibers: 3 grams (30% by weight) offering cushioning and cleaning properties
- Cardboard packaging: 1 gram (10% by weight) for retail presentation and protection
This composition reflects standard household scrubbing pads commonly found in retail kitchen cleaning sections.
Manufacturing Geography
The primary manufacturing region is assumed to be China, which dominates global steel wool production due to established steel processing infrastructure and low-cost wool fiber availability. Chinese manufacturing facilities typically operate on a grid intensity of 555 gCO2e per kWh, reflecting the country’s coal-heavy electricity generation mix. This region benefits from integrated supply chains connecting steel mills with wool processing facilities and downstream assembly operations.
Regional Variation
| Manufacturing Region | Grid Intensity (gCO2e/kWh) | Estimated CCI Score | Adjustment vs Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| China | 555 | 2.8 | Baseline |
| India | 632 | 3.1 | +11% |
| Germany | 366 | 2.4 | -14% |
| United States | 386 | 2.5 | -11% |
| Brazil | 154 | 2.0 | -29% |
Provenance Override Guidance
Suppliers can provide the following data types to override the default emissions estimate:
- Steel wool production method documentation showing electric arc furnace versus blast furnace processing with energy consumption data
- Wool fiber sourcing certificates indicating geographic origin and processing facility efficiency metrics
- Manufacturing facility energy audit reports detailing actual electricity consumption per unit produced
- Transportation manifests documenting shipping distances and modal split from raw material sources to assembly facilities
- Packaging specifications with material weights and recycled content percentages for cardboard components
Methodology Notes
- The CCI score represents cradle-to-gate emissions for one steel wool scrubbing pad including raw material extraction, processing, and manufacturing
- Scope 3 emissions dominate the profile due to steel production’s energy intensity and wool fiber processing requirements
- The functional unit assumes a single-use disposable product weighing 10 grams
- End-of-life disposal impacts are excluded from the current assessment boundary
- Limited lifecycle assessment data exists specifically for steel wool scrubbing pads, requiring estimation from component material studies
- Regional variations primarily reflect differences in electricity grid carbon intensity affecting steel production processes