Trash Bag (roll of 20)

Material Composition Assumptions

A standard roll of twenty trash bags contains approximately 250 grams of plastic material distributed across the individual units. The primary constituent represents low-density polyethylene accounting for roughly 180 grams or seventy-two percent of the total mass. Linear low-density polyethylene serves as reinforcement material comprising about 50 grams or twenty percent of the composition. Alternative formulations may substitute high-density polyethylene for enhanced durability applications. The polyethylene components derive from crude oil or natural gas feedstock through petrochemical processing chains. Additional materials include minimal amounts of colorants and processing additives totaling less than 20 grams combined.

Manufacturing Geography

China dominates global trash bag production due to established petrochemical infrastructure and cost-competitive manufacturing capabilities. The country’s electrical grid operates at an intensity of 555 grams of carbon dioxide per kilowatt-hour, reflecting the continued reliance on coal-fired power generation. Chinese facilities benefit from proximity to major polyethylene resin producers and integrated supply chains spanning from oil refining to finished goods manufacturing. The concentration of production in industrial zones also enables economies of scale for both raw material procurement and distribution logistics.

Regional Variation

Manufacturing Region	Grid Intensity	Estimated CCI Score	Adjustment vs Default
China	555 gCO2/kWh	42	Baseline
United States	386 gCO2/kWh	36	-14%
Germany	366 gCO2/kWh	35	-17%
India	708 gCO2/kWh	48	+14%
Canada	120 gCO2/kWh	28	-33%

Provenance Override Guidance

1. Primary raw material carbon intensity data showing polyethylene resin emissions per kilogram including feedstock extraction impacts
2. Manufacturing facility energy consumption records with local grid emission factors or renewable energy certificates
3. Transportation mode and distance documentation from production facility to distribution centers
4. Post-consumer recycled content percentages with verification from certified recycling facilities
5. End-of-life waste management data indicating disposal methods and associated methane capture rates

Methodology Notes

• The CCI score encompasses cradle-to-grave emissions including raw material extraction through end-of-life disposal for one roll containing twenty individual trash bags
• Scope 3 emissions dominate the footprint due to upstream petroleum extraction and downstream waste management impacts
• The functional unit represents typical consumer purchasing patterns where bags are sold in standardized roll quantities
• Manufacturing energy consumption excludes facility construction and equipment depreciation due to data availability constraints
• Regional transportation variations beyond the primary manufacturing country to retailer relationship are excluded from the baseline assessment