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What is the PEFCR Apparel & Footwear Methodology?

A European Standard for Fashion Sustainability

The PEF Single Score, based on the Product Environmental Footprint Category Rules (PEFCR) for Apparel & Footwear, provides a harmonized methodology for calculating and comparing the environmental impacts of fashion products across Europe. The objective is to create one single, standardized approach for the entire industry.

Score

The PEF Single Score is expressed in micro-points, ensuring high precision in environmental scoring. This aligns with the broader EU PEF framework applied across different product categories.

Methodology & Database

  • Based on PEFCR Apparel & Footwear 3.1.

  • Uses the EF 3.1 database for LCA data.

  • Functional units:

    • One product over its full life cycle (multiple uses).

    • One product with a single day of use (a scenario unique to the EU method).

Products & Indicators

  • Covers ready-to-wear clothing, shoes, and accessories, making it broader in scope than the French system.

  • Uses the same 16 LCA indicators.

Additional Calculations

The EU methodology integrates durability and repairability differently from the French system:

  • Durability: Based on Intrinsic Durability Multiplier (IDM), using lab quality test results.

  • Repairability: Called the “Repairability Multiplier”, calculated based on brand-provided repair services and integrated into the duration of service (DoS).

  • Microfibers: Accounts for fiber fragments released during the use phase. This is not integrated within the LCA results and is only required in the PEF study report as an additional result.

Communication & Compliance

  • B2C communication: PEF Single Score must not be displayed to customers. PEF results may be displayed but it must always include the 4 impact categories that are contributing the most to the single score.

  • Sanctions: Not currently foreseen.

  • Third-party verification: Not explicitly mentioned.

  • Score format: No official format yet, leaving flexibility for future adoption.