The EF methodology should be used as an underlying approach in supporting product policies, rather
than a policy in itself.
Potential benefits of using the EF method in product policy:
EUROFER sees the need for a coherent product policy framework that supports a circular economy and sustainability, giving full recognition to materials at the design stage that are fit for circularity and support sustainable outcomes. We see a lifecycle approach in product policy as the only way to achieve this, and the EF method could provide the coherence if it is used in existing product policies that focus on different lifecycle stages e.g. design, production, use or end of life.
We believe the greatest benefit of PEF can be achieved when applied in end-product applications, rather than in the supply chain of semi-finished products. This is because the product design stage, including the materials used and other product design choices, has the greatest potential to improve environmental performance of a product, and in particular the degree of circularity achieved during the waste management of products at end-of-life.
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Brussels, 07 December 2023 – The inclusion of transformative industrial technologies for the decarbonisation of energy-intensive sectors, such as steel, in the list of net-zero technologies in the general approach adopted by the Council on the Net Zero Industry Act (NZIA), sends a positive signal at a crucial time when governments are deliberating urgent measures to protect the climate at COP28 in Dubai. Parliament and Council should now seize the opportunity to reach an ambitious agreement to promote EU-made green products in public auctions of net-zero technologies and to drive Carbon Capture, Usage and Storage (CCUS) in Europe. Promoting lead markets and CCUS are essential tools for sustaining the transition to low-carbon steelmaking, says the European Steel Association.
Brussels, 01 December 2023 – Further delays in implementing EU sanctions against Russian steel semifinished products would have a perverse effect, ultimately fuelling Putin’s war machine against Ukraine. The EU Council should reject additional exemption requests from a few member states defending the lucrative business model of few steel rerollers. The trade dynamic that takes advantage of cheap steel imported from Russia while aiding the supply to its military and related downstream sectors must come to an end, states the European Steel Association.
Industriall & EUROFER joint statement