To harmonise the quantification of the environmental impact of products across sectors and member states in Europe, the European Commission has developed the Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) method. The PEF method has gained significant traction in the recent years, particularly following the adoption of the PEF recommendation (EU 2021/2279) by the European Commission in December 2021.
Product Environmental Footprint Category Rules (PEFCR) are specific rules based on the PEF method that detail how to perform a PEF study for products in a particular product category. Over the past 15 years, Ecomatters has provided PEFCR support to various industries leading PEFCR projects. This includes PEFCR projects undertaken as part of the PEF pilot phase (2013-2018), the PEF transition phase (2018-2025), and so called ‘shadow’ PEFCR projects, which are industry-led initiatives completed in preparation for the PEF method but not under the scrutiny of the European Commission. Below is an overview of the PEF projects we support(ed).
PEFCR support for Space (2024 – 2027)
European Commission Directorate-General for Defence Industry and Space (DG DEFIS)
Ecomatters is proud to contribute to the development of the EU space sector’s PEFCR. As part of a consortium, Ecomatters will lead the creation of EF-compliant datasets which will enable reliable, standardised assessments of environmental impacts, and perform a range of supporting studies. The project, spanning 30 months until March 2027, includes key phases such as stakeholder engagement, dataset development, and multiple review cycles to ensure robust and practical outcomes. We encourage stakeholders in the space sector to actively engage in this project as their contribution is vital to the creation of the EF-compliant datasets needed for the PEFCR.
PEFCR support for Synthetic Turf Surfaces (2019 – 2024)
EMEA Synthetic Turf Council (ESTC)
The ESTC has led the development of the PEFCR for synthetic turf surfaces for sports and landscaping applications. Ecomatters was commissioned as chair of the third-party review panel. We performed a critical review of every key deliverable in the PEFCR development process. This resulted in the publication of the final PEFCR in May 2024.
Even with the availability of a PEFCR, PEF modelling can be quite challenging and requires in-depth knowledge of the PEF requirements. To lower the barrier to completing PEF calculations, the ESTC has developed a PEF calculation tool that allows manufacturers to input their company specific data and efficiently generate PEF results for their products. Ecomatters provides tailored support to synthetic turf manufacturers that need verification of their PEF studies of specific products or an entire portfolio.
PEFCR support for Ventilation units and fans (2021 – 2024)
European Ventilation Industry Association (EVIA)
The European Ventilation Industry Association (EVIA) has taken the lead in preparing the ventilation industry for the PEF method and harmonising sustainability assessment within the sector. EVIA commissioned Ecomatters to develop the (shadow) PEFCR for several subgroups of products: fans, residential ventilation units (unidirectional and bidirectional), and non-residential ventilation units.
Ecomatters provided comprehensive PEFCR support to EVIA, including scope definition for the product groups, supporting manufacturers with data collection, conducting representative product studies, and developing their PEFCR.
PEFCR support for Aviation, passenger aircraft (2019 – 2022)
European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA)
Ecomatters and ICF were commissioned by EASA to provide PEFCR support. This involved developing the (shadow) PEFCR for aviation, specifically for commercial passenger aircraft. The PEFCR was published for public consultation on the comment response tool of EASA from March until June 2022. After processing the valuable feedback gathered in this consultation, Ecomatters and ICF updated the PEFCR and delivered it to EASA in 2022.
PEFCR support for Decorative paints (2013 – 2023)
European Council of the Paint, Printing Ink, and Artist’s Colours Industry (CEPE)
CEPE was selected to lead the Technical Secretariat of the pilot project for decorative paints. The primary goal of the project was to pilot the newly developed PEF methodologies within the European paint industry. CEPE engaged Ecomatters to provide PEFCR support, leveraging both our strong background working with the chemical industry and our PEF expertise.
We conducted representative product studies and developed the PEFCR for decorative paints which was published in 2018. We then continued the implementation within the industry by developing a PEF calculation tool. Additionally, this project led to the development of the EF complaint Chemicals for Paints database covering 88 datasets for raw materials.
Partner with Ecomatters for PEFCR Support
If your organisation needs expert PEFCR support, whether that is with developing a PEFCR, conducting a critical review, or preparing for PEF compliance, Ecomatters can help. With extensive experience across diverse industries and deep expertise in the PEF methodology, we deliver practical, results-driven solutions. Contact us today to discuss how we can support in your PEFCR project.
This article was written by sustainability consultant Wouter van Kootwijk.
