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State of SustainabilityAuthor: Saif Hameed
Saif Hameed (CEO of Altruistiq) chats with sustainability leaders and industry pioneers. Language: en Genres: Business, Education, How To, Management Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it Trailer: |
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Can The Hidden Problem With PCFs Ever Be Solved?
Episode 27
Wednesday, 16 September, 2026
Product carbon footprints promise to make Scope 3 emissions more useful, but can they really deliver the precision businesses expect?In this episode of State of Sustainability, Saif Hameed, founder and CEO of Altruistiq, revisits product carbon footprints (PCFs), exploring how they have evolved and why they are becoming increasingly important for companies, suppliers, and procurement teams.Saif explains the relationship between corporate carbon footprinting, life cycle assessments, and PCFs, describing a product carbon footprint as the carbon element of a product’s wider life cycle. He explores how the PACT initiative is helping establish common standards and data-sharing infrastructure, allowing companies to exchange comparable PCFs across complex supply chains.The conversation examines why PCFs can make Scope 3 emissions more specific, actionable, and defensible than generic emissions factors. They can help businesses move from broad footprint estimates to targeted discussions about materials, energy, sourcing, and supplier-led decarbonisation projects.Saif also addresses the challenges. PCFs are still built on emissions factors and proxies, meaning they can create a false impression of accuracy. Different providers may produce different results, while suppliers face new costs, capability requirements, and educational demands. The episode also explores the tension between procurement teams seeking practical progress and sustainability professionals seeking maximum rigor.Find out how ambitious requesters and suppliers are using PCFs strategically, not simply as compliance exercises, but as tools for stronger customer relationships, shared transition plans, and competitive advantage.Let Saif know what you think by emailing Saif@altruistiq.com.To discover how leading organisations are improving sustainability reporting and carbon management, visit Altruistiq.com.Join us at the State of Sustainability Summit: LondonOn 14 October, Altruistiq is bringing together senior sustainability, procurement and supply chain leaders from leading consumer goods companies for a day of practical discussions on the challenges shaping the future of the industry. From product carbon footprints and supply chain collaboration to AI, regulation and the next generation of sustainability leadership, the summit is designed to equip practitioners with actionable insights and meaningful connections.Register your interest here: https://www.altruistiq.com/events/the-state-of-sustainability-summit-londonThis podcast is produced by The Podcast Coach.
