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Sustainability Insights #18

Written By: Marketing SML

3 Min Read

Concerned about navigating the new PEFCR for Apparel and Footwear and its implications for your business?

Contact us today for expert guidance on compliance, sustainability optimization, and staying ahead of EU regulatory changes.

In May 2025, the European Commission approved the Product Environmental Footprint Category Rules (PEFCR) for Apparel and Footwear. These rules, tailored to 13 unique product categories, are designed to standardize the environmental impact assessment of textile products, ensuring comparability and consistency across the industry.

What is PEF?

The Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) methodology uses a science-based and standardized framework to measure the environmental impact of products throughout their life cycle.

Key Features of PEFCR for Apparel and Footwear:

1. 16 Impact Indicators: These include climate change, resource use, human toxicity, and eutrophication. The indicators are combined into a single, comprehensive score for easy comparison of similar products.

2. Digital Product Passport (DPP): PEFCR streamlines compliance with the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulations (ESPR), as the DPP will include PEF-based environmental footprint data.

3. Data Reporting Requirements:

Primary Data: Specific to companies (e.g., Bill of Materials covering 95% of the product, air cargo distance).
Secondary Data: Industry averages or PEFCR-provided default values.

The PEFCR serves as a critical tool for businesses, helping them not only comply with EU legislation but also communicate their environmental efforts effectively to consumers.

Source:
PEF Apparel & Footwear – The Product Environmental Footprint

💡 Understanding PEF and Life Cycle Assessments (LCA)

Why does Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) matter?

LCA evaluates environmental impacts across a product’s life cycle, from raw material extraction to disposal. It supports informed decision-making, regulatory compliance, and sustainable product design.

How does PEF differ from Product Carbon Footprint (PCF)?

While PCF focuses on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and climate change, PEF offers a holistic assessment of environmental impacts, covering 16 key indicators.

What are the 16 PEF impact categories?

Categories include but are not limited to climate change, water use, human toxicity, resource depletion, and eutrophication.

These insights highlight the importance of understanding and utilizing PEF to align with sustainability goals.

Source: European Platform on LCA | EPLCA

Our Digital Heat Transfer Labeling Technology sets a new standard for efficiency and eco-friendly operations.

Sustainability Benefits of Digital Heat Transfer:

Energy Efficiency: Saves approximately 49 kWh per hour compared to traditional methods.
Water Conservation: Requires no water, saving ~45 liters per machine.
Resource Use: Eliminates the need for screens or plates, reducing raw material consumption.

This technology not only boosts operational efficiency but also aligns with the growing demand for sustainable practices. By adopting these methods, we actively contribute to reducing the environmental footprint of our products while maintaining high production capacity.

On April 16, 2025, the European Commission adopted the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) and the Energy Labelling Working Plan 2025-2030.

Key Updates on ESPR:

Textiles/Apparel Prioritized: Adoption of ESPR rules for apparel and textiles is targeted for 2027.
Footwear Under Review: A study is underway to evaluate its potential to improve the environmental sustainability of footwear under the ESPR by the end of 2027.
Repairability Scores Introduced: Products with high repairability potential will be scored to encourage sustainable design.

The ESPR complements the ongoing review of the Textile Labelling Regulation, ensuring a cohesive approach to sustainability and transparency in the textile industry.

Source: The European Commission Press Corner

Key Takeaways for Your Business:

Understand Regulatory Changes: The PEFCR provides critical guidelines for assessing and improving your products’ environmental footprints.

Adopt Sustainable Practices: Innovations like Digital Heat Transfer Technology can significantly reduce environmental impacts while improving efficiency.