Together for Sustainability (TfS) has announced the release of version 3.1 of its Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) Data Model. Building on the major milestone achieved with version 3.0 earlier this year, the latest update introduces targeted enhancements that strengthen accuracy, usability, and interoperability in carbon footprint reporting—supporting the chemical industry and its value chains in advancing transparency and decarbonisation.

From v3.0 to v3.1: Raising the bar in carbon data transparency

The release of the TfS PCF Data Model v3.0 marked a pivotal step forward, aligning fully with the TfS PCF Guideline v3.0 and integrating major updates that addressed industry needs. Key additions included dedicated sections on Carbon Capture & Utilization (CCU), Data Quality Rating (DQR), and Mass Balancing.

This update not only built on feedback collected from industry practitioners over the past year, but also drove interoperability across standards, for example by ensuring convergence with the WBCSD PACT v3.0 framework and data model. Among the most impactful changes was the new split of PCF contributions to reflect biogenic and land sector accounting and reporting.

The v3.0 model has since been incorporated into the PCF Exchange Solution powered by SiGreen, already enabling the request and exchange of thousands of PCF datasets for chemical materials. Together, these efforts underline TfS’s commitment to creating carbon emission transparency in value chains, fostering carbon-conscious decision-making, and ultimately supporting industry-wide decarbonisation.

What’s new in version 3.1?

The 3.1 release takes this momentum further with focused refinements designed to future-proof the model and simplify its adoption:

• PCF verification and certification: A new section supports consistent reporting on verification and certification status, allowing companies to demonstrate the robustness and credibility of their data.

• Enhanced functional and technical descriptions: Clearer definitions and improved documentation help companies implement the model more effectively across diverse reporting systems.

• Editorial improvements and corrections: Streamlined language reduces ambiguity and enhances usability.

• Alignment with leading frameworks: Version 3.1 incorporates the latest considerations from the WBCSD PACT framework and Catena-X data models, strengthening compatibility and enabling seamless data exchange across ecosystems.

Driving industry-wide impact through collaboration

With the release of v3.1, TfS reaffirms its commitment to continuous improvement and industry alignment. Each iteration of the PCF Data Model represents a deliberate step forward in making carbon footprint reporting more consistent, reliable, and interoperable across global supply chains.

By empowering companies to share trusted carbon data, reduce reporting complexity, and support credible decarbonisation strategies, TfS continues to accelerate the industry’s journey toward carbon transparency and climate action.