USB-C Cable (1m)

Material Composition Assumptions

The standard one-meter USB-C cable weighs approximately 50 grams and consists primarily of copper conductors representing the largest mass fraction. Copper conductors account for 25 grams or 50% of the total cable weight, serving as the primary electrical pathway for data and power transmission. The outer insulation layer uses thermoplastic elastomer or polyvinyl chloride materials totaling 15 grams or 30% of the cable mass.

Aluminum shielding components contribute 6 grams or 12% to the overall weight, providing electromagnetic interference protection through foil wrapping and braided wire layers. Metal connector housings and pins add 3 grams or 6% to the total mass, typically composed of nickel-plated copper alloys. Nylon braiding for strain relief represents the smallest component at 1 gram or 2% of the cable weight.

Manufacturing Geography

Production occurs predominantly in China and Southeast Asian facilities where electronics manufacturing has concentrated due to established supply chains and infrastructure. The carbon intensity calculation uses China’s electricity grid factor of 624 gCO₂e per kilowatt-hour based on 2017 data, reflecting the coal-dominant power generation mix in major manufacturing regions.

This geographic assumption aligns with industry patterns where cable assembly operations cluster near semiconductor and consumer electronics production facilities. The high grid carbon intensity significantly influences the manufacturing phase emissions, particularly during energy-intensive metal processing and plastic extrusion operations.

Regional Variation

Manufacturing Region	Grid Intensity	Estimated CCI Score	Adjustment vs Default
Europe	300 gCO₂e/kWh	1.5	-17%
India	743 gCO₂e/kWh	2.0	+11%
USA	400 gCO₂e/kWh	1.6	-11%
Southeast Asia	650 gCO₂e/kWh	1.9	+6%
Nordic	50 gCO₂e/kWh	1.0	-44%

Provenance Override Guidance

1. Primary material specifications including copper purity grades, aluminum alloy compositions, and plastic polymer types with associated production emission factors
2. Manufacturing facility location with regional electricity grid carbon intensity documentation and renewable energy procurement agreements
3. Recycled content percentages for copper conductors, aluminum shielding, and plastic insulation components with certified recycling process emissions
4. Transportation logistics including shipping distances, modal split between ocean freight and air cargo, and packaging material specifications
5. End-of-life treatment pathways including material recovery rates, recycling infrastructure availability, and waste disposal methods in target markets

Methodology Notes

• The CCI score represents cradle-to-gate emissions including raw material extraction, processing, manufacturing, and transportation to distribution centers
• Scope 1 emissions dominate due to energy-intensive copper mining and aluminum smelting operations requiring substantial fossil fuel consumption
• Scope 2 emissions reflect electricity consumption during cable assembly, wire drawing, and connector attachment processes
• The functional unit covers one standard meter length with USB-C connectors on both ends rated for typical data transfer and charging applications
• Excluded impacts include consumer use phase, end-of-life treatment, and packaging materials beyond primary protective wrapping
• Data gaps exist around specific connector plating processes, regional variation in mining practices, and transportation mode assumptions for component distribution