Life cycle analysis of automotive spare parts produced by molding

Climate change constitutes a serious global threat with environmental, economic, and social consequences. International frameworks such as the European Green Deal and the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) mandate concrete actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and place increasing sustainability-oriented pressure on industrial sectors. In this context, institutions and enterprises are turning to carbon footprint assessments to comply with legal regulations, meet customer expectations, strengthen corporate reputation, and gain competitive advantage. The carbon footprint refers to the quantitative measurement, expressed in carbon dioxide equivalents (CO₂e), of greenhouse gas emissions arising from energy, material, and logistics-related activities throughout a product's life cycle. This study aims to calculate and analyze the product-based carbon footprint of a progressive die, coded OP-20, used in the automotive supplier industry, through a cradle-to-grave life cycle approach. The life cycle assessment (LCA) was conducted in accordance with ISO 14040 and ISO 14044 standards, using the SimaPro 9.6.0.1 software and Ecoinvent 3.10 database. Based on the IPCC GWP 100 and CML-IA Baseline methodologies, the total carbon footprint of the OP-20 die was calculated as 62,184.42 kg CO₂e. The product recipe, input materials, and process data were comprehensively evaluated, and 18/8 hot-rolled chromium-containing steel and pig iron were identified as the components with the highest environmental impacts. The high energy demand for producing these materials and the type of electricity used (renewable or fossil-based) were found to be key determinants of the overall carbon footprint. Furthermore, the end-of-life waste disposal stage was analyzed by comparing sanitary landfill and incineration methods. In some categories, the incineration scenario yielded more favorable outcomes; however, it posed disadvantages in terms of abiotic resource depletion. The study presents emission reduction strategies, such as using alternative low-carbon materials, integrating renewable energy, optimizing processes, and implementing environmentally friendly logistics strategies. The results indicate that product design, energy consumption, and raw material choices have a direct impact on environmental performance. This analysis not only provides a sector-specific contribution to the academic literature but also offers scientific support for sustainable production strategies in industrial enterprises. Additionally, it delivers valuable insights for decision-makers in areas such as preparation for EU regulations, compliance with digital product passport requirements, and environmentally responsible supply chain management.