Carbon Footprint Accounting and Analysis of Chinese Furniture Enterprises’ Panel Cabinets

Amid global efforts to reach carbon neutrality, quantifying the cradle-to-gate carbon footprint of panel kitchen cabinets is vital for the transformation of China’s furniture industry to low carbon emissions. This study aims to quantify and compare the cradle-to-gate carbon footprints of three L-shaped panel cabinets made of different materials and to identify the most effective carbon reduction strategies for the Chinese furniture industry. The emission factor method proposed by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) was utilized. The results revealed significant differences in the carbon footprints among the three cabinet products. Specifically, Product A, featuring a DuPont stone countertop from the United States and domestically produced double-sided decorative door panels, exhibited the highest carbon footprint which was 998.5 kgCO2eq. Product B, with an Italian natural marble countertop and single-sided acrylic door panels, had the lowest carbon footprint which was 610.7 kgCO2eq. The carbon footprints indicated that key stages such as cabinet bodies, countertops, hardware, and cabinet doors were substantial contributors. Raw material production and processing emerged as the primary sources of carbon emissions, with countertop transportation also contributing significantly. Based on the results, this paper proposed several carbon reduction suggestions. These include optimizing material selection, enhancing energy efficiency in raw material production and processing, optimizing transportation methods, emphasizing the carbon reduction potential of hardware components, and strengthening carbon footprint monitoring and management.