Sticky Note Pad

Material Composition Assumptions

A standard sticky note pad weighing approximately 25 grams contains multiple material components that contribute to its overall carbon footprint. The primary material is paper fiber, representing roughly 20 grams or 80% of the total weight, sourced from either virgin wood pulp or recycled paper streams. The adhesive backing accounts for approximately 2 grams or 8% of the product weight, typically composed of acrylic or water-based polymer compounds that enable repositioning capability. Synthetic colorants and dyes comprise about 1 gram or 4% of the total, providing the characteristic yellow color and any printed elements. The remaining 2 grams or 8% consists of plastic packaging materials used for product protection and branding during retail distribution.

Manufacturing Geography

Sticky note pad production predominantly occurs in the United States, where major manufacturers operate integrated facilities that combine paper processing and adhesive application operations. The US electrical grid operates at an average intensity of 385 gCO2/kWh according to EPA eGRID data, influencing the carbon footprint of energy-intensive manufacturing processes. American production benefits from established forestry supply chains, proximity to major consumer markets, and existing pulp and paper infrastructure that reduces transportation-related emissions. Manufacturing facilities in regions like Kentucky have implemented advanced waste management systems that achieve zero landfill disposal through comprehensive recycling and energy recovery programs.

Regional Variation

Manufacturing Region	Grid Intensity	Estimated CCI Score	Adjustment vs Default
United States (Southeast)	385 gCO2/kWh	28	Baseline
Canada (Quebec)	150 gCO2/kWh	22	-21% lower
Germany	485 gCO2/kWh	32	+14% higher
Indonesia (Peatland regions)	600 gCO2/kWh	45	+61% higher
Nordic Europe (Sustainable forestry)	125 gCO2/kWh	19	-32% lower

Provenance Override Guidance

1. Submit certified mill-specific carbon intensity data for paper production operations, including energy sources and efficiency metrics for pulping processes.

2. Provide detailed adhesive composition specifications and manufacturing location data, particularly distinguishing between acrylic and water-based adhesive systems.

3. Document forestry certification status and specific fiber sourcing regions, including recycled content percentages and sustainable management practices.

4. Supply facility-level energy consumption data with renewable energy procurement documentation and grid intensity values for manufacturing locations.

5. Present end-of-life processing capabilities and waste diversion rates for both manufacturing waste streams and post-consumer disposal pathways.

Methodology Notes

• The CCI score represents cradle-to-gate emissions for a standard 100-sheet adhesive note pad including paper production, adhesive manufacturing, and assembly processes.
• Scope 1 emissions capture direct manufacturing processes including pulping operations and chemical processing, while Scope 2 reflects purchased electricity for production facilities.
• Scope 3 dominance reflects upstream forestry impacts, raw material transportation, and downstream disposal considerations that extend beyond direct manufacturing control.
• The functional unit assumes standard consumer usage patterns without accounting for reuse potential or varying adhesive strength requirements.
• Transportation from manufacturing to retail locations is excluded due to highly variable distribution patterns and regional market differences.
• Recycled paper content assumptions reflect industry averages, though actual recycled content varies significantly between manufacturers and product lines.
• Chemical de-inking processes for recycled content create additional environmental burdens not fully captured in simplified recycling benefit calculations.