Publications » Position papers » Policy options for the Product Environmental Footprint (PEF)
Policy options for the Product Environmental Footprint (PEF)
Downloads and links
Recent updates
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.
Download this publication or visit associated links
Brussels, 22 March 2024 – The future of a strong and resilient EU can only be forged with steel made in Europe. Europe-made low-carbon steel has a strategic role as it enables a net-zero economy, but today it faces strong headwinds from high energy prices, unfair competition, global overcapacity and growing unilateral carbon costs. The year 2023 has recorded the lowest European crude steel production levels ever, with a number of idled plants and dire impact on workers. Ensuring the enabling conditions for the short-term viability and the decarbonisation of the steel sector urgently needs to be at the top of the EU agenda. This is the message delivered by the European Steel Association together with a number of high-level representatives of the sector on the occasion of the Clean Transition Dialogue on Steel in the presence of the Executive Vice Presidents of the European Commission, Maroš Šefčovič and Margrethe Vestager.
Uses, limits, and realistic potentials of demand-side response from the European steel industry along with a broad set of framework recommendations for an EU policy
Antwerp, 20 February 2024 – Today 73 industry leaders spanning almost 20 industrial sectors presented ‘The Antwerp Declaration for a European Industrial Deal’ to Belgian Prime Minister, Alexander De Croo and Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen. The declaration underlines the commitment of industry to Europe and its transformation and outlines urgent industry needs to make Europe competitive, resilient, and sustainable in the face of dire economic conditions.