CO2 Emissions Calculator

Ordering and returning packages significantly impact CO2 emissions. This calculator helps you understand the extent of this impact by analyzing various factors contributing to total emissions, such as transport and packaging.

Calculation Method

The following formulas are used to calculate the CO₂ emissions associated with each shipment:

• Transport emissions: 0.00059 kg CO₂e per km per kg × distance × weight
• Cardboard packaging emissions: 2.93 kg CO₂e per kg × cardboard weight
• Bubble wrap emissions: 3.56 kg CO₂e per kg × bubble wrap weight

Standard Package Sizes & Their CO₂ Emissions

• Extra Small (XS) – 22 × 15 × 8 cm → 270 g CO₂
• Small (S) – 29 × 19 × 10 cm → 270 g CO₂
• Medium (M) – 35 × 25 × 12 cm → 0.6 kg CO₂
• Large (L) – 40 × 30 × 20 cm → 0.9 kg CO₂
• Extra Large (XL) – 50 × 35 × 25 cm → 1.2 kg CO₂
• Padded Envelope – 25 × 35 cm → 118 g CO₂
• Mailbox Shipping Box – 32 × 23 × 2.8 cm → 190 g CO₂

These values provide an estimate of the emissions generated solely by the packaging materials used in the shipment.

Source (De Voetafdruk van Verpakkingsmateriaal – Kuwi.org, z.d.)

Environmental Context

To understand the impact of these CO2 emissions, we compare them to the amount of CO2 absorbed by a tree. A mature tree absorbs approximately 10 to 40 kg of CO2 per year (we use an average of 25 kg). For typical shipping emissions of a standard e-commerce package, this often corresponds to the amount of CO2 that a tree could absorb in approximately 1 month, depending on the tree's size and health. This gives you a tangible sense of the environmental impact of your shipping operations.

Source: "Carbon Footprint Of Package Shipping And Transport, 2023" and "Hoeveel CO2 Neemt een Boom op – Kuwi.org"