FreshProducePEFCR methodology - next steps for implementation in the fruit and vegetable sector
23 Feb 2026
The FreshProducePEFCR was created to provide a harmonised, EU‑aligned environmental footprint methodology for the fresh fruit and vegetable sector, responding to rising regulatory and transparency demands.
Led by Freshfel Europe’s Environmental Footprint Initiative, the project developed a shared methodology, database, and digital tools accepted across the supply chain.
Over several years, the Technical Secretariat worked with Wageningen University & Research to align the approach with the EU’s Product Environmental Footprint framework, covering 16 environmental impact indicators. The technical work concluded in late 2025 with workshops that established exergy allocation as the most accurate method for assessing Combined Heat Power systems. The final methodology is now publicly available via WUR Library.
As the development phase of the methodology comes to an end, the project now moves to the next step for the FreshProducePEFCR: its adoption and implementation by the wide variety of actors in the fresh produce business. An online webinar with interested digital tool providers is being planned for Q1 of 2026, to be followed by a meeting with the retailers.
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