The Commission welcomes the new Product Environmental Footprint Category Rules (PEFCR) for apparel and footwear, which were presented by stakeholders from the sector in Brussels, Wednesday.

These rules introduce a science-based and impartial method to assess the environmental impact of clothing and shoes across their entire lifecycle, from raw material extraction, production and logistics to use and end-of-life.

Developed over five years with input from industry, NGOs, national bodies and support from the Commission, the new rules treat all materials equally, favouring no specific type of product or fibre.

They provide a consistent, impartial method for companies to measure their environmental footprint. This helps businesses identify where improvements can be made, encourages more sustainable design and production practices, and supports the EU’s transition to a competitive circular economy.

The rules will continue to be refined in the future, with a view to incorporating considerations, such as microplastics shedding and impact on biodiversity, to strengthen the framework further.

The initiative supports the EU’s Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles and aligns with the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation, which aims to make products more durable, repairable, and resource-efficient.

More information

PEFCR for Apparel and Footwear | PEF page

The Microfibre Consortium | TMC page