Tape Dispenser + Roll

Material Composition Assumptions

A standard office tape dispenser with roll contains approximately 300 grams of total material. The tape roll comprises roughly 200 grams, consisting primarily of polypropylene or polyethylene plastic backing material and synthetic rubber-based or acrylic adhesive compounds. A silicone-coated paper release liner protects the adhesive surface. The dispenser itself weighs approximately 100 grams and contains polyethylene terephthalate or similar plastic components for the main body, along with metal or plastic internal gearing mechanisms and a serrated cutting edge. The plastic components represent approximately 85% of the total product weight, while metal components and paper materials constitute the remaining 15%.

Manufacturing Geography

Production predominantly occurs in China, which maintains extensive petrochemical infrastructure necessary for plastic resin and adhesive manufacturing. The region benefits from integrated supply chains that include crude oil refining, plastic film extrusion, adhesive formulation, and final product assembly within relatively close proximity. However, China’s electricity grid remains heavily dependent on coal-fired power generation, resulting in a carbon intensity of 555 grams of carbon dioxide equivalent per kilowatt-hour. This high grid intensity significantly impacts the manufacturing phase emissions, particularly during energy-intensive processes such as plastic film extrusion, adhesive coating, and lamination operations.

Regional Variation

Manufacturing Region	Grid Intensity	Estimated CCI Score	Adjustment vs Default
China	555 gCO2e/kWh	55	Baseline
Germany	366 gCO2e/kWh	48	-13%
Canada	120 gCO2e/kWh	42	-24%
Brazil	89 gCO2e/kWh	40	-27%
Costa Rica	35 gCO2e/kWh	38	-31%

Provenance Override Guidance

1. Submit electricity grid mix data and renewable energy certificates for the specific manufacturing facility, including both tape production and dispenser assembly operations.

2. Provide detailed material composition specifications, including the percentage of recycled plastic content in both tape backing and dispenser components.

3. Document adhesive formulation chemistry, specifically whether water-based or solvent-based systems are employed, along with volatile organic compound emission rates.

4. Supply transportation logistics data covering distances and modes for raw material sourcing, intermediate processing, and finished product distribution.

5. Present end-of-life management protocols, including any take-back programs, recycling partnerships, or biodegradable material alternatives.

Methodology Notes

• The CCI score represents cradle-to-gate emissions for a complete tape dispenser and roll unit, including raw material extraction through finished product manufacturing
• Scope 3 emissions dominate due to upstream petroleum extraction and plastic resin production required for both tape and dispenser components
• The functional unit assumes a standard desktop tape dispenser loaded with a single roll of general-purpose adhesive tape
• End-of-life disposal impacts are included but represent a minor contribution compared to upstream material production
• Dispenser-specific lifecycle assessment data remains limited in academic literature, requiring estimation based on similar plastic office products
• Regional variation calculations focus primarily on manufacturing electricity grid differences, as raw material sourcing patterns remain relatively consistent globally