FloriPEFCR: The new standardised method for environmental footprint calculation

The advent of FloriPEFCR will result in Europeans calculating the environmental footprint in the floriculture sector in the same standardised way. This will yield reliable results that can be compared and also create equality across the sector. In addition, the FloriPEFCR-based footprint will help companies meet the sustainability needs and requirements of customers – end or otherwise – and government bodies. The European Commission is expected to approve the use of FloriPEFCR in mid-2023.

Until now, the Horti Footprint Category Rules have been the basis for calculating footprints in horticulture in the Netherlands. Although this method hasn’t yet led to full harmonisation, it has nevertheless been a good place to start for the Dutch horticultural sector. Now that the demand for sustainable products is growing internationally, the need for European standardisation is also increasing. A consortium of companies, including Wageningen University & Research and Royal FloraHolland, is currently working on European calculation rules for calculating the environmental footprint of ornamental plants or flowers; the FloriPEFCR.

The Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) is a method based on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), and contains clear standard calculation rules for 16 impact categories when calculating the environmental footprint. Specific calculation rules have been worked out for each product category, such as the environmental impact of production on the climate, land use and depletion of resources. This method calculates the environmental impact of a product stem or pot, from the extraction of raw materials to the end of the product’s life cycle. We expect the PEF to be approved by the European Commission as the reference method by mid-2023. As a result, FloriPEFCR will become the leading standard for footprint calculations for the entire European market.

The aim of the FloriPEFCR is to provide the basis for verified and reliable sustainability claims, and to prevent greenwashing by companies. It will lead to reliable results, comparable findings and a level playing field. Comparability is only possible if the results are based on the same calculation rules. Therefore, comparing apples with apples, and not with pears. The FloriPEFCR enables a fair systematic comparison between different cut flowers and between different pot plants. As such, its results represent a starting point for learning more about the environmental footprint of a particular product. It not only leads to greater awareness, but also shows which opportunities for improvement exist. It is also possible to save money by making processes more sustainable.

Especially for those in the sector who are interested and/or specialise in sustainability, the “Addressing sustainability in Floriculture” fact sheet has recently become available.