(Grafik: imds professional GmbH & Co.KG
The Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) is gaining increasing importance across industries, especially in the automotive sector. Companies face the challenge of transparently capturing, calculating, and exchanging their CO₂ emissions throughout the entire supply chain. This raises the question: which platform currently provides the best foundation for PCF management—IMDS, Catena-X, or specialized PCF calculation tools?
The International Material Data System (IMDS) has long been the central platform for recording material and environmental data in the automotive industry. Recently, it has also enabled the input of PCF data in accordance with the Catena-X PCF Rulebook. This allows IMDS to support standardized CO₂ data collection across the supply chain, forming a key basis for further data exchange. However, IMDS does not perform PCF calculations itself, which is why certified tools are used for validated PCF determination.
Catena-X is a modern, standardized infrastructure designed specifically for the secure and interoperable exchange of sustainability data. Like IMDS, Catena-X does not calculate PCF values directly but integrates certified tools that handle this complex process. These solutions are fully aligned with Catena-X requirements and enable the exchange of precise, traceable, and validated CO₂ data across the value chain.
In practice, PCF data is often generated using specialized solutions that cover both calculation and data exchange. Providers such as BASF with PACIFIC by CircularTree, iPoint-systems with the iPoint Product Sustainability Platform (SustainHub), Siemens with SiGREEN, T-Systems International with PCF-as-a-Service, and IBM with the IBM Environmental Intelligence Suite have developed Catena-X-certified tools that integrate seamlessly into the network. Some of these tools even support real-time calculation via IoT data integration, while others use cloud-based services or AI-driven models for PCF determination. The combination of these tools with Catena-X creates an ecosystem where PCF data is standardized, secure, and transparently accessible.
A key aspect is the interaction between IMDS, PCF calculation tools, and Catena-X. Although Catena-X does not offer a direct interface to IMDS, IMDS data remains valuable and is often used as a starting point for PCF calculations. Data transfer typically occurs via intermediary systems or specialized platforms that act as connectors. For example, a company might transfer its IMDS data to a PCF calculation solution like the iPoint Product Sustainability Platform, which then validates the data and forwards it to Catena-X. Alternatively, ERP or SAP systems can serve as interfaces between IMDS, calculation tools, and Catena-X.
Additionally, PCF data can be exchanged directly within the IMDS supply chain, meaning IMDS continues to play a vital role in data communication. The result is parallel data storage: PCF information is available in IMDS, in specialized PCF tools, and within Catena-X data spaces. This multi-platform presence is beneficial, as it creates redundancy to minimize data loss and allows different user groups to access the data relevant to them. While technical developers often work directly with IMDS, sustainability managers or procurement professionals may access the information via Catena-X or specialized PCF tools. Moreover, having data available across multiple platforms improves comparability and validation of CO₂ values, enhancing data quality and building trust throughout the supply chain.
The future lies in automation. Interfaces are becoming increasingly important, enabling automated data flows. The central challenge is to design these interfaces and data flows between systems effectively. An integrated approach is needed to ensure data consistency and enable automated exchange between IMDS, PCF tools, and Catena-X. Only then the Product Carbon Footprint can be efficiently and transparently mapped and utilized across the entire value chain.
In summary, it’s not about choosing a single platform, but about the interplay between IMDS, certified PCF calculation solutions, and the Catena-X infrastructure. Together, they form the backbone of a future-proof, sustainable PCF management system—aimed at comprehensively capturing, communicating, and continuously improving the environmental footprint of products.
Expert article by Patrick Fischer Riegert, Product Compliance Expert at imds professional GmbH & Co. KG
