All carbon footprints

What’s the carbon footprint of a basketball?

The average basketball emits
0.50-2.50 kg CO₂e

Available to measure with Arbor’s platform
The carbon footprint of a basketball ranges from 0.50 to 2.50 kg CO₂e, highlighting the environmental impact of manufacturing and sourcing sports equipment. Understanding these emissions can help brands and consumers make more sustainable choices.
Why do product carbon footprints (PCFs) matter?
Carbon Equivalent Calculator

What is a basketball's carbon footprint equivalent to?

Using Arbor’s Carbon Equivalent Calculator, let’s see what the average a basketball’s carbon emissions are equivalent to, assuming an average of 1.50 kg CO2e.

How can you reduce a basketball's carbon footprint?

Here are 3 ways you can lower the carbon or decarbonize your a basketball’s carbon footprint.

Sustainable Materials

Choose recycled rubber or natural cork for the outer surface.

Eco-friendly Inks

Opt for lightweight, energy-efficient manufacturing equipment to reduce emissions.

Material Optimization

Source raw materials locally to reduce transportation emissions.

Arbor's platform

Want to measure the carbon footprint of your basketball?

We make product-level carbon accounting simple, reliable, and tailored to sports equipment.

Basketball
Manage
Basketball
Carbon footprint
1.50 kg CO₂e
Versions & Prototypes
Versions
Carbon footprint
Basketball
Active
1.50 kg CO₂e
Basketball 2024
1.50 kg CO₂e
Basketball 2023
1.50 kg CO₂e
Prototypes
Carbon footprint
Basketball - 20% Recycled
1.50 kg CO₂e

FAQs

What is the carbon footprint of a basketball?

A typical basketball has a carbon footprint of about 2 kg CO2e. This includes manufacturing and transportation impacts, making it a relatively low footprint compared to larger sporting equipment. The range can be between 0.5 and 2.5 kg CO2e, depending on the materials and production methods used.

How much CO₂ does a basketball emit?

A standard basketball has a carbon footprint of approximately 0.50 to 2.50 kg CO2e. The average emission for manufacturing and transportation is around 1.50 kg CO2e, making it a relatively low-impact sports item in terms of greenhouse gases.

What are the main sources of emissions from a basketball?

The primary emissions from a basketball mainly come from the manufacturing process, including rubber, synthetic leather, and air production, contributing to about 1.50 kg CO2e on average. Transportation and packaging also add to its footprint but are less significant compared to material production.

How do I calculate the carbon footprint of a basketball?

Arbor offers a reliable method to calculate the carbon footprint of a basketball, but you can also use emission factors and follow LCA standards for accuracy. Typically, a basketball's footprint ranges from 0.50 to 2.50 kg CO2e, with an average of about 1.50 kg CO2e.

Is a basketball sustainable?

A basketball's sustainability depends on materials and manufacturing. Typically, it produces around 1.50 kg CO2e, but this can vary from 0.50 to 2.50 kg CO2e. Choosing eco-friendly brands or recycled materials can help reduce its environmental impact.

How can companies reduce the carbon footprint of a basketball?

Companies can reduce a basketball's carbon footprint by using sustainable materials like recycled rubber or natural latex. Additionally, optimizing manufacturing processes and sourcing locally can significantly cut emissions, which typically range from 0.50 to 2.50 kg CO2e per ball. This helps lower environmental impact while maintaining product quality.

Are basketballs bad for the environment?

Basketballs typically have a carbon footprint of about 1.50 kg CO2e, mainly from manufacturing and sourcing materials. While they are not the worst environmental offenders, choosing sustainably made or secondhand options can help reduce their impact. Overall, basketballs have a moderate footprint compared to other sports equipment.

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