How do we account for product samples sent to buyers and trade fairs?
Samples you make are already in your Scope 1 and 2 through plant energy, and their materials are in Category 1 with your other purchases. Courier and air freight you pay to send them is Category 4. Count sample freight separately: air couriers to overseas buyers can be noticeable.
Avoid counting twice
- Sampling done in your own unit uses your fuel and electricity: already in Scope 1 and 2.
- Fabric, yarn and trims for samples are part of your purchases: already in Category 1.
- Samples bought from another maker are purchased goods: Category 1.
Freight is the visible line
- International courier invoices show weight and destination: use them for a distance and weight estimate, or the carrier's emission statement if it provides one.
- Air freight per kg is many times road or sea per kg.
Reduce it
Digital samples, consolidating samples into fewer shipments and using a local sampling office cut courier weight. Record the change in kilograms sent.
What Senseible does here
Senseible reads purchase and service invoices; it uses quantities where the invoice shows them and otherwise gives a spend-based estimate, labelled as spend-based with wider uncertainty.
Sources: GHG Protocol Scope 3 Standard, Category 1 purchased goods and services, GLEC Framework for logistics emissions (Smart Freight Centre)
Last reviewed 2026-10-20.