What is the value of the PEF and PEFCR?
There are a plethora of methodologies, certifications, and product labels used in the apparel & footwear industry.
The Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) methodology measures 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 discussing environmental impacts.
> It ensures consistency and comparability for product environmental footprints by enabling the industry to evaluate products’ environmental impacts using harmonised calculation rules.
> 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 can 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 and footwear industry were:
- 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.
- The PEFCR for apparel and footwear create 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, this 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, a scientifically validated methodology for measuring environmental impacts at 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 (including the item’s durability), and its end of life.
