Trekking Poles (aluminum, pair)

Material Composition Assumptions

Material composition estimates are based on a typical pair of adjustable aluminum trekking poles weighing approximately 800 grams total. The aluminum alloy shaft represents the primary structural element, comprising roughly 600-620 grams or 70-75% of total weight. Cork or foam grip handles contribute approximately 80-100 grams, while plastic and composite locking mechanisms add another 60-80 grams. Metal pole tips and baskets account for 30-40 grams, with nylon or cork fabric wrist straps making up the remaining 10-20 grams. The aluminum content drives the majority of environmental impact due to energy-intensive smelting processes required for metal production.

Manufacturing Geography

Primary manufacturing occurs in China, where established supply chains and specialized facilities support outdoor equipment production. The Chinese electrical grid operates at approximately 555 gCO2e per kilowatt-hour, creating substantial emissions during aluminum processing and pole assembly. Chinese facilities benefit from integrated supply chains that reduce transportation between production stages, though the carbon-intensive grid significantly impacts the overall environmental footprint. Manufacturing concentration in this region reflects cost efficiencies and technical expertise developed over decades of outdoor equipment production.

Regional Variation

Manufacturing Region	Grid Intensity	Estimated CCI Score	Adjustment vs Default
China	555 gCO2e/kWh	4.2	Baseline
Norway	25 gCO2e/kWh	2.8	-33%
Germany	380 gCO2e/kWh	3.6	-14%
United States	390 gCO2e/kWh	3.7	-12%
India	650 gCO2e/kWh	4.8	+14%

Provenance Override Guidance

1. Submit detailed material specifications including percentage of recycled aluminum content and alloy composition with supporting supplier documentation.

2. Provide electricity grid data or renewable energy certificates for primary aluminum smelting facilities and final assembly operations.

3. Document transportation modes and distances from raw material extraction through final assembly, including shipping methods between facilities.

4. Supply manufacturing process energy consumption data covering extrusion, machining, anodizing, and assembly operations with equipment specifications.

5. Include packaging material specifications and weights with end-of-life treatment assumptions for all components.

Methodology Notes

• The CCI score represents cradle-to-gate emissions for one pair of aluminum trekking poles including raw material extraction, processing, and manufacturing through retail distribution
• Scope 3 emissions dominate due to energy-intensive aluminum smelting processes and complex supply chain logistics across multiple facilities
• Functional unit encompasses two poles sold together as a matched pair with standard accessories including tips, baskets, and straps
• Excluded factors include user transportation to retail locations, maintenance activities during service life, and variability in end-of-life treatment scenarios
• Data gaps exist for specialized alloy processing techniques and regional differences in aluminum recycling infrastructure integration
• Score estimates assume conventional manufacturing without advanced recycled content or renewable energy sourcing