What is the value of the PEF and PEFCR?
There is a plethora of methodologies, certifications, and product labels used in the apparel & footwear industry.
The Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) is a methodology measuring the environmental footprint of products following similar rules across the European Union.
The PEF methodology offers a science-based, standardised framework to help the entire industry speak the same language when talking about environmental impacts.
> It ensures consistency and comparability for product environmental footprints by enabling the industry to evaluate products’ environmental impacts following unique rules for calculations.
> It is comprehensive, evaluating products along 16 environmental indicators to better understand the hotspots and opportunities for improving the environmental impacts of products.
> Ultimately, it improves decision-making for all.
Using a standardised science-based approach provides clarity.
- Companies can measure, understand, and improve the environmental impacts of their products.
- When displayed, consumers are able to make more informed choices.
The PEF methodology supports the objectives of the “European Green Deal” initiated by the European Commission, which aims to establish more sustainable growth.
The PEF Category Rules (PEFCR) for the apparel & footwear industry are:
- Developed by a multi-stakeholder working group, called the Technical Secretariat
- Completed with inputs from two public consultations and several expert reviews
- Validated by the European Commission
- And it creates five benefits for the industry:
SPECIFIC RULES
Defines specific rules tailored to 13 apparel & footwear categories such as t-shirts, dresses, boots, swimwear, etc
COMPARABILITY
Increases the consistency and comparability of the environmental impact of two items
COST OPTIMISATION
Reduces cost, time, and improves accessibility for SMEs by having one standardised set of calculation rules with pre-defined, validated assumptions
ECO-DESIGN
Informs and encourages eco-design approaches by focusing innovation efforts on identified areas of improvement, and by including durability and repairability metrics
COMMON FRAMEWORK
Ultimately ensures all brands follow a common framework to calculate environmental impacts and share the same understanding of results
What is the PEF methodology?
PEF leverages the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) approach, which is a scientifically validated methodology to measure environmental impacts of each stage of a product’s life.
The LCA approach is based on four factors:
> Metrics-based approach
It allows impact evaluations and/or comparisons to be made on a quantified and credible scientific basis.
> Life cycle focus
It considers all stages of a product life cycle from the extraction of raw materials to the production, transport, sale, use (taking into account the durability of the item), and end of life of the product.
