Introduction

It is increasingly important to be able to communicate the environmental impact of products in a credible way from a life cycle perspective. Part of the European Commission’s initiative ”Single Market for Green Products” aims to facilitate better information on the environmental performance of products and organisations. One of the consequences of the initiative was the development of Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) and Organisation Environmental Footprint (OEF). PEF and OEF are two methods which were developed in 2013 and they have since then been tested, evaluated and developed. These methods are still being developed, and policies and legislative proposals are now emerging based on PEF.

The Environmental Footprint methods measure and communicate the environmental performance of products (both goods and services) and organisations across their whole life cycle. From raw material extraction or growing to the end-of-life management, via production, distribution and use.

Overview of the Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) method – What is PEF? (March 30, 2021)

Aim of project

The aim of the project is to make business, authorities and the public sector in Sweden aware of product-related policy development based on Environmental Footprint at the EU level. It should also make visible and clarify the consequences of proposed methodology choices in product environmental footprint. A better understanding of consequences will lead to a clearer view of what effects an implementation can have in the industry. Finally the project should also contribute to the further development of Environmental Footprint and its implementation which will lead to strengthen Swedish competitiveness.

Activities

• Case studies to test parts of the Environmental Footprint methodologies (effects in industry)
• Coordination of Life cycle professionals & Swedish representation in TAB
• Communication activities
• Collaboration with Government agencies in Sweden

Read more about the case studies

Outcomes

The project has increased the knowledge about Environmental Footprint and its effects during implementation. It has also increased the capacity to manage future regulations based on Environmental Footprint. The project and the case studies has shown consequences of implementation of the methodology and given recommendations for updates in the methods for further improvement. To better manage Environmental footprints and achieve the above, networking, collaboration and knowledge exchange between actors has been important for the project success. A project report will be published after the project has been finalized.

Preliminary results from the project case studies was presented at LCM 2023, in Lille, France.

Publication

The results from the project was presented in a webinar that was held in October 2023. The webinar also gave an update on the EU Environmental footprint process. A recording of the webinar is linked below and the presentation material from the webinar can be found in the calendar event for the webinar.

Calendar event