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What is PEF?

The Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) is the European Commission’s standardized methodology for measuring a product’s environmental performance throughout its lifecycle. PEF aims to harmonize environmental assessment methods across the EU and provide consistent, comparable results.

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Key Characteristics

  • Comprehensive: Covers 16 environmental impact categories
  • Standardized: Follows detailed Product Environmental Footprint Category Rules (PEFCRs)
  • EU-focused: Developed and promoted by the European Commission
  • Data-intensive: Requires high-quality, specific data

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When to Use PEF

Consider using PEF when:
  • Operating in or targeting European markets
  • Preparing for EU regulations that require PEF methodology
  • Needing to compare products within the same product category
  • Requiring the most comprehensive environmental assessment

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PEF Impact Categories

PEF evaluates products across 16 different impact categories:

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Relationship with Other Methodologies

For a detailed comparison between PEF and our standard ReCiPe 2016 methodology, see our Deep Dive: PEF article.

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Implementation in GREENZERO Journey

While GREENZERO Journey primarily uses ReCiPe 2016 for its standard LCA calculations, we maintain compatibility with PEF requirements. Organizations requiring full PEF compliance should contact our support team for customized solutions.