GNT Group has reached an important milestone in ingredient transparency by obtaining independent third-party verification for its Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) calculation methodology.
TÜV SÜD verified the methodology against the internationally recognised ISO 14067 standard, making GNT one of the first food colour producers globally to secure independently validated carbon accounting for its plant-based EXBERRY colouring range.
The assessment confirms GNT’s “cradle-to-gate” approach, which calculates greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions throughout the supply chain. This includes raw material cultivation and harvesting, as well as ingredient processing and manufacturing through to the point at which products leave the factory.
Independent validation responds to market expectations
Growing regulatory scrutiny and rising demand for environmentally responsible products are increasing pressure on food and beverage manufacturers to substantiate their sustainability claims. By basing its approach on ISO 14067, GNT gives brands consistent, scientifically validated carbon data instead of relying on estimates or unsupported assumptions.
The verification also strengthens GNT’s broader sustainability credentials. The company recently received an EcoVadis Platinum rating, placing it among the top 1% of food manufacturing businesses worldwide for environmental, social, and ethical performance.
“This major milestone ensures our customers can rely on independently verified carbon footprint data aligned with ISO standards,” stated Petra Thiele, managing director of GNT Group.
Practical benefits for brands and manufacturers
For consumer packaged goods companies, ingredient producers, and brand owners, GNT’s verified PCF methodology supports more effective product development, supply chain reporting, and regulatory management. It also aligns with wider food manufacturing trends, food processing technology developments, and growing expectations across the food and drink industry innovation landscape.
- More precise Scope 3 reporting: Primary ingredient data helps procurement and sustainability teams calculate upstream supply chain emissions with greater accuracy, reducing dependence on industry averages and proxy figures.
- Compliance-ready information: Alignment with ISO 14067 means the carbon data follows rigorous international requirements and can support ESG disclosures, Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), and emerging measures such as the EU Ecodesign framework. This is increasingly important as food and drink regulations continue to evolve.
- Stronger protection against greenwashing: Independently verified cradle-to-gate figures give marketing teams credible evidence for environmental statements made on food and drink packaging or in promotional campaigns, helping reduce the risk of regulatory challenges.
- More targeted decarbonisation: Detailed ingredient-level carbon profiles allow developers and formulators to complete more accurate life cycle assessments (LCAs), compare recipe options, and improve product eco-design.
“We work closely with our customers on their decarbonisation journeys, and our verified PCF data gives them the information they need to maximize product sustainability,” noted Akshat Rawat, Senior Sustainability Specialist at GNT.
Ingredient transparency becomes the standard
As food manufacturers work toward net-zero commitments, ingredient-level environmental data is becoming an essential requirement rather than a market advantage. GNT’s TÜV SÜD-verified PCF methodology for EXBERRY demonstrates how suppliers can deliver practical, audit-ready information to support a more transparent and accountable food supply chain.
The development also reflects wider food distribution trends, food and drink sustainability priorities, and changing food and drink consumer trends. As companies respond to these pressures through supply chain strategy and food and drink marketing, independently verified data will play an increasingly important role in responsible product development.
