The decarbonisation firm ClimeCo has introduced the “ClimeCo Certified Product Insetting” programme, a new framework designed to verify greenhouse gas emission reductions within a company’s own value chain. The initiative aims to provide third-party validation for “insetting” efforts—projects that reduce emissions directly within a supply chain, such as regenerative agriculture or low-carbon transport—rather than relying on external offsets. By combining life cycle assessments with verified internal reductions, the programme allows businesses to display a certification badge on specific products.
This certification arrives as major corporations, particularly in the food, agriculture, and consumer goods sectors, grapple with Scope 3 emissions, which often constitute over 90% of their total carbon footprint. To qualify for the badge, companies must submit a “cradle-to-grave” analysis of their product’s carbon footprint and provide data on achieved or ongoing emissions reductions. ClimeCo then reviews this data against its established protocol, facilitating a transparent process for brands to communicate their climate progress to the public.
The programme is designed to support businesses with Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) commitments or net-zero strategies. By standardising how these internal improvements are measured and reported, the framework seeks to address the difficulty of tracking climate impact at the individual product level. The certification may also assist products in qualifying for sustainability-focused retail and e-commerce platforms that require rigorous environmental documentation.
“Companies are increasingly focused on reducing emissions within their own value chains, but until now there’s been less of a clear way to recognize that impact at the product level,” said Linda Kelly, Senior Vice President of Certification Programs at ClimeCo. “We’re thrilled to introduce another ClimeCo Certified™ Product offering, bringing rigor and transparency to insetting efforts, helping meet consumers where they are, and empowering brands to showcase their commitment to sustainability and transparency.”
Emily Damon, Chief Growth Officer at ClimeCo, added: “Addressing Scope 3 emissions is one of the biggest challenges companies face on their path to net-zero. This certification helps companies demonstrate their supply chain decarbonization progress in a way that is measurable, credible, and meaningful for both partners and consumers.”
