Legislative developments
02 July 2025
EU Product Environmental Footprint (PEF): An introduction
Legislative developments
02 July 2025
Regulation and public governance
Aerospace and defence
Agri-food
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This is a short overview of the EU’s Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) framework, which standardises the measurement of environmental impacts across a product’s entire life cycle, covering 16 impact categories. The framework supports businesses in improving transparency, innovation, and compliance, making it a vital tool for leaders and professionals navigating Europe’s evolving sustainability requirements.
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As EU sustainability regulations increase, companies must demonstrate credible environmental performance.
What is the PEF?
The Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) is a harmonised, life-cycle based method ensuring consistent, trustworthy environmental claims.
It evaluates 16 environmental impact categories, of a product:
- climate change (global warming potential)
- ozone depletion
- human toxicity (cancer and non-cancer effects)
- particulate matter formation
- ionising radiation
- photochemical ozone formation
- acidification (land and water systems)
- eutrophication (marine, freshwater, terrestrial)
- ecotoxicity (freshwater)
- land use
- water use (scarcity)
- resource use (fossils, minerals and metals)
This broad scope supports informed decision-making for companies, consumers, and regulators.
Sector-Specific PEF Category Rules
Product Environmental Category Rules PEFCRs tailor the methodology for sectors like dairy, beer, paints, batteries, apparel, aviation, marine fish, and tourism.
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