This Black Friday, carbon data is your best sales tool

August 5, 2025

Black Friday and end-of-year sales present a massive opportunity for brands to boost visibility and drive revenue. On Black Friday alone, online spend reached over $10.8 billion. During such a competitive period, it’s hard to get your products in front of shoppers.

Price isn’t the only decision factor anymore; today’s shoppers are actively seeking products that reflect their commitment to sustainability. By taking steps to reduce your carbon footprint today, you can boost Q4 sales and build loyalty that lasts well beyond the holidays.

The hidden emissions of holiday shopping

The holiday season may be peak sales time, but it comes with a hidden environmental cost. As shoppers race to get the best deals and brands ramp up advertising spend, emissions quietly rise.

Between Black Friday and New Year’s, household waste in the U.S. increases by 25%. Excess packaging often ends up in landfills rather than recycling facilities, and a third of shoppers return what they buy, often due to impulse purchases. These reverse logistics can generate up to 30% more CO₂ per item than the original delivery.

The good news? Shoppers are becoming more intentional.

According to the Business of Sustainability Index, 74% of shoppers care about the environmental impact of their purchases. During the busiest shopping season of the year, that awareness becomes a key business opportunity. Brands that lead with visible climate action have the chance to stand out, both online and on the shelves.

Sustainability is a key differentiator

From 2019 to 2024, products marketed as sustainable grew 2.3 times faster than conventional goods; clear evidence of a shift in consumer priorities. Shoppers today are looking for brands that align with their values and take responsibility for their impact.

But with increased awareness comes increased scrutiny. Consumers are quick to call out greenwashing and expect sustainability claims to be backed by credible data.

Amazon’s Climate Pledge Friendly program is a leading example of how major platforms are meeting this demand for transparency. The program highlights products that meet trusted sustainability standards with a green “leaf” badge—a simple, recognizable symbol for shoppers. Each product is certified by a third-party, such as ClimatePartner, to ensure it meets strict criteria for reduced impact.

By integrating transparency directly into the shopping experience, Amazon is making it easier for consumers to make conscious decisions. Products in the program see an average 14% boost in consumer demand and 10% increase in listing views, clear proof that sustainability sells.

Stand out with ClimatePartner certified

Products with the ClimatePartner certified label automatically qualify for Amazon’s Climate Pledge Friendly program. The 3-step process unlocks exclusive seller features and increased visibility in search results, filters, and campaigns on Amazon’s vast platform.

It starts with a carbon footprint life cycle assessment (LCA)—covering everything from raw materials and production to distribution and end-of-life. Once the Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) is calculated, ClimatePartner experts help you define reduction targets and support verified climate projects.

ClimatePartner certified gives brands a science-based framework for climate action, providing each product with a trusted label and climate-ID page to transparently communicate their carbon footprint, reductions, and contributions.

When every click counts, ClimatePartner certified gives your brand a competitive advantage.

An investment in the planet, and your strategy

Product carbon footprints are not just a box to check. They are the foundation of any credible climate strategy. They establish a clear emissions baseline, allowing businesses to track progress over time and ensure their scope 3 reduction efforts are working.

Carbon footprint calculations also provide critical operational insights that lead to cost savings, deeper supply chain engagement, and product innovation. Emissions data can reveal carbon “hotspots” that often align with inefficiencies, like energy-intensive manufacturing, wasteful packaging, or unnecessary transport routes. Addressing these areas reduces emissions and input costs at the same time.

Detailed emissions data also strengthens supplier collaboration, a key driver of long-term impact. According to the Carbon Disclosure Project, companies that actively engage suppliers in climate efforts achieve nearly twice the emissions reduction of those that don’t.

A strong PCF process can even spark upstream innovation, revealing opportunities to redesign products for lower waste, more sustainable materials, and better performance.

Start today, win tomorrow

ClimatePartner certified is more than a label—it’s a strategic tool to boost visibility on platforms like Amazon, build trust with climate-conscious customers, and unlock exclusive marketing benefits.

Key sales events like Prime Big Deal Days (October 14–15), Black Friday (November 28), and Cyber Monday (December 1) can drive sales increases of up to 352%. But visibility during these key moments doesn’t happen overnight.

ClimatePartner certified takes just a few weeks to implement—start now to make sure your products stand out when it matters most.

Get CPF today