Up until now efforts within the fresh produce sector addressing product sustainability through environmental footprint were incompatible. Defining system boundaries and default assumptions is crucial when comparing different scores. With the development of the PEFCR, including specific category rules for fruit and vegetables, this will ensure comparable results via Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) calculations.

The methodology will be developed with the support of Wageningen Economic Research in the next two years. Once developed, the shadow PEFCR for fruit and vegetables will be available for sector-wide use as an open resource.

During the two-year period, the project will be open for public consultation twice. The European Commission’s official PEFCR-process will be closely followed, to ensure alignment for future approval of the EU sector standard PEF-methodology.

Greenyard is convinced that the new methodology will help retailers even more to work on the sustainability of this for them important category and that it will help to guide consumers to make healthier choices in their daily diet, without having to compromise on taste.

Read the full Freshfel press release here.