The Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) is a new method for measuring sustainability performance developed by the European Commission in co-operation with companies and sustainability experts. The aim is to make it easier for consumers to understand how environmentally friendly a product, service or company is.
Thus, PEF improves the validity and comparability of environmental performance assessment compared to existing methods. Ultimately, it will lead the EU to strengthen the market for green alternatives within the framework of environmental policies.
Thus, PEF improves the validity and comparability of environmental performance assessment compared to existing methods. Ultimately, it will lead the EU to strengthen the market for green alternatives within the framework of environmental policies.
Similar to LCA, the PEF methodology is robust and science-based: it measures all environmental impacts over the life cycle of your product, including emissions to water, air and soil, resource use and depletion, and impacts from land and water use.
However, PEF has stricter rules than a normal LCA and can have product category specific rules, all set by the European Commission. Therefore, PEF assessments are more robust and comparable. This makes PEF more suitable for benchmarking products or services.
Product Environmental Footprint's Objectives
Reducing the negative environmental impact of the production system
Optimization of the production process and detection of problematic fields
Simplifying B2B and B2C communication
Reducing the negative environmental impact of the production system
Optimization of the production process and detection of problematic fields
Simplifying B2B and B2C communication
Mainstreaming environmental performance assessment with low expenditures
Cost savings on environmental analysis
Reducing the negative environmental impact of the production system
Optimization of the production process and detection of problematic fields
Simplifying B2B and B2C communication
Mainstreaming environmental performance assessment with low expenditures
Cost savings on environmental analysis
Mainstreaming environmental performance assessment with low expenditures
Cost savings on environmental analysis
You can contact us for more detailed information about PEF.
Meet our Product Environmental Footprint Expert Consultants
Ali Rüzgar
Sustainability Senior Advisor
What is a Product Environmental Footprint?
A Product Environmental Footprint is a comprehensive assessment of the environmental impact of a product throughout its life cycle, including factors such as resource depletion, greenhouse gas emissions, water usage, and waste generation.
How is a Product Environmental Footprint determined?
Determining a Product Environmental Footprint involves conducting a life cycle assessment (LCA) that analyzes the environmental effects of a product from raw material extraction to manufacturing, distribution, use, and disposal. This assessment quantifies the product’s impact on various environmental indicators.
Why is it important to evaluate a Product Environmental Footprint?
Evaluating a Product Environmental Footprint is essential for making informed decisions about sustainable production and consumption. By understanding the environmental impact of products, businesses and consumers can identify opportunities to reduce resource consumption, minimize pollution, and promote eco-friendly alternatives that contribute to a more sustainable future.