All emissions that are produced throughout the lifecycle of a packaging must be recorded when it is assessed for carbon offsetting. On the basis of these figures, the CO₂ reduction potential must be identified and implemented using suitable measures. The lifecycle of a packaging also always includes recording the CO₂ emissions that are produced during the disposal of a packaging and the emissions that can be reduced by recycling. Residual emissions unavoidably remain after the CO₂ saved by recycling has been recorded and calculated, together with the emissions following reduction measures. Carbon offsetting of these residual emissions from sales packaging is possible using suitable compensation projects (e.g. rainforest reforestation, promotion of renewable energies in developing and emerging countries, but also reforestation projects in Germany, etc.). Good publicity can be achieved using compensation labels which communicate the level of CO₂ emissions offset in compensation projects.