The Challenge
Spandex wanted to support the development of a new, more sustainable product with credible carbon data.
The business was working on a PVC-free product and needed to understand how its environmental impact compared with an existing PVC product. While PVC-free materials are often viewed as a more sustainable choice, Spandex wanted evidence to support that position.
For Helen Dalton, Director of Sustainability at Spandex, the priority was clear. The business needed a robust product carbon footprint that could compare products, inform product development and provide customers with the confidence that sustainability claims were backed by data.
This was not simply about producing a number. It was about creating credible evidence that could support product design, strengthen customer conversations and help Spandex respond to growing demand for carbon information across its portfolio.
Having access to product carbon footprints and EPDs helped us win quite considerable business with a key customer. It was absolutely critical – a turning point in that relationship.
Building product carbon evidence across the portfolio
CarbonQuota began working with Spandex to assess the carbon impact of its products and provide the evidence needed to support more informed decisions.
Since then, the relationship has developed significantly. Spandex has completed more than 10 product carbon footprints with CarbonQuota, with Helen noting that the total may now be closer to 20 across the product portfolio.
This work has helped Spandex move beyond assumptions and build a clearer understanding of product-level carbon impact. The data has supported product design and development, helping the business make more informed choices about materials, manufacturing and product credentials.
CarbonQuota has also supported Spandex with an Environmental Product Declaration, taking the work to a deeper level of detail and providing further proof around the environmental credentials of specific products.
Results
The work has delivered both sustainability and commercial value for Spandex.
For one major customer in the UK market, carbon data was a critical requirement. The customer was looking for product carbon footprints and Environmental Product Declarations for the products it purchased from Spandex.
Having access to credible product carbon data helped Spandex respond to that requirement with confidence. Helen describes this as a turning point in the customer relationship, helping the business win and retain considerable business.
Just as importantly, the work has given Spandex a stronger foundation for future product innovation. By understanding product carbon impact in greater detail, the business can continue to develop products that meet customer expectations, support brand requirements and respond to the growing demand for transparent sustainability data.
Key Outcomes
- More than 10 product carbon footprints completed across the Spandex portfolio, with the total moving closer to 20
- Credible data to compare the carbon impact of new and existing products
- Evidence to support the development of PVC-free product alternatives
- Product carbon footprint data that helped win and retain considerable business with a key UK customer
- Environmental Product Declaration completed with CarbonQuota
- Stronger proof around product credentials for customers and the brands they serve
- Greater confidence in sustainability-led product development
- A practical foundation for continued innovation and better product choices
Specialist knowledge of the printing industry
One of the things that has made the relationship work well for Spandex is CarbonQuota’s specialist understanding of the printing industry.
For Helen, this sector knowledge has made the process faster and more effective. CarbonQuota understands the manufacturing process, the deliverables and the full lifecycle of Spandex’s products. That means the team can work through the detail behind each carbon footprint with greater efficiency and relevance.
This has been supported by a strong partnership approach. Helen highlights CarbonQuota’s attention to detail, responsiveness and willingness to go the extra mile as important parts of the working relationship.
Rather than a transactional supplier relationship, the work has felt collaborative, with both teams able to share feedback, solve challenges and improve the process together.
Looking ahead
Despite political shifts and changing sustainability agendas, Spandex continues to see strong demand for carbon data from its customers.
For Helen, the need for carbon accounting has not gone away. Customers are still asking for more information, pushing for better data and looking for suppliers that can help them make more informed choices.
By continuing to work with CarbonQuota, Spandex can keep building the carbon insight needed to support product innovation, customer requirements and industry progress.
This is particularly important in a sector where change is increasingly being driven by customers and the brands they serve. With credible product carbon data in place, Spandex is better equipped to understand environmental impact, respond to customer expectations and make better choices across its product portfolio.
The element that’s been particularly strong about our work with CarbonQuota has been the attention to detail, but also going that extra mile
If your business needs credible product carbon footprint data to support product development, customer requirements or Environmental Product Declarations, CarbonQuota can help.
Contact our team to find out how CarbonQuota can support your product carbon footprints and carbon data goals.