Sport Water Bottle (tritan)
Consumer GoodsCarbon Cost Index Score
Per kg
Methodology v1.0 · Last reviewed 2026-04-08
Scope Breakdown
| Scope | kgCO₂e | % of Total | Distribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scope 1 | 1.75 | 5% | |
| Scope 2 | 3.5 | 10% | |
| Scope 3 | 29.75 | 85% | |
| Total | 35 | 100% |
Emission Hotspots
| Emission Hotspot | Scope | Est. % of Total |
|---|---|---|
| material production | S3 | 55% |
| use phase washing | S1 | 20% |
| blow molding and bottle manufacturing | S3 | 15% |
| distribution and transport | S3 | 8% |
| end-of-life treatment | S3 | 2% |
Manufacturing Geography
- Region
- China
- Grid Intensity
- 555 gCO2/kWh (IEA 2023)
Material Composition Assumptions
This assessment covers sport water bottles manufactured from Tritan copolyester, a BPA-free plastic commonly used in premium reusable bottle brands. The typical bottle weighs approximately 200 grams and consists of the following components:
- Tritan copolyester body: 150g (75%)
- Plastic cap and lid assembly: 30g (15%)
- Silicone sleeve or grip elements: 15g (7.5%)
- Stainless steel or plastic hardware: 5g (2.5%)
The Tritan material provides durability and chemical resistance while maintaining clarity and impact resistance comparable to polycarbonate alternatives. Optional components such as carrying straps or measurement markings contribute minimally to the overall material footprint.
Manufacturing Geography
Primary manufacturing occurs in China, which dominates global plastic bottle production due to established supply chains and processing infrastructure. The Chinese electricity grid operates at an average intensity of 555 gCO2/kWh, significantly influencing the carbon footprint of energy-intensive processes like plastic polymerization and injection molding.
Chinese facilities benefit from economies of scale and proximity to petrochemical feedstock sources, though the coal-heavy electricity mix increases emissions compared to regions with cleaner grids. Manufacturing consolidation in this region also affects transportation distances to global markets.
Regional Variation
| Manufacturing Region | Grid Intensity | Estimated CCI Score | Adjustment vs Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| China | 555 gCO2/kWh | 35 | Baseline |
| European Union | 275 gCO2/kWh | 28 | -20% |
| United States | 385 gCO2/kWh | 32 | -9% |
| India | 650 gCO2/kWh | 38 | +9% |
| Nordic Countries | 85 gCO2/kWh | 22 | -37% |
Provenance Override Guidance
Suppliers can provide the following data types to override the default CCI score:
- Detailed material composition with specific Tritan grade and additive content
- Manufacturing facility location with verified electricity consumption and grid mix data
- Transportation modes and distances from production to distribution centers
- Actual production energy consumption per unit with breakdown by process step
- End-of-life recycling rates and treatment methods in target markets
Methodology Notes
- The CCI score represents cradle-to-grave emissions including material production, manufacturing, distribution, use phase washing, and end-of-life treatment
- Scope 3 emissions dominate due to upstream material production and downstream use patterns
- Functional unit assumes 500 uses over typical product lifetime with bi-daily washing cycles
- Excludes packaging materials, retail storage, and consumer transportation to purchase location
- Use phase washing assumes energy-efficient dishwasher operation rather than hand washing
- Regional recycling infrastructure variations create uncertainty in end-of-life impact calculations
- Data gaps exist for emerging bio-based Tritan alternatives and closed-loop recycling programs
Related Concepts
Sources
- Carl Oscar 2025 Carbon Life Cycle Assessment Report — Comprehensive analysis of reusable bottle materials showing Tritan's moderate carbon footprint compared to alternatives.
- Papong et al. 2014 Journal of Cleaner Production — Academic study demonstrating the environmental benefits of reusable bottles over single-use alternatives.
- NAPCOR 2023 Life Cycle Assessment — Industry analysis of plastic bottle production processes and their associated carbon emissions.
- Grindel 2017 University of Wisconsin Refillable Water Bottle Study — Research identifying breakeven points for reusable bottles and optimal use patterns for emission reduction.
- Plastic Education 2023 Water Bottle LCA Analysis — Educational resource examining washing behavior impacts on the overall environmental footprint of reusable bottles.