Learn how disaggregated EF 3.1 datasets improve Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) accuracy, eco-design, and compliance for fashion & footwear brands.
Continue readingWhat Disaggregated Data means for LCAs, Eco-Design & DPP
Lemaitre Sécurité : Une démarche d’éco-conception guidée par la transparence
Comment un fabricant de chaussures de sécurité transforme sa communication environnementale grâce à l’ACV
Dans un contexte où les entreprises B2B font face à des exigences croissantes en matière de transparence environnementale, Lemaitre Sécurité, fabricant français de chaussures de sécurité, a choisi d’adopter une approche méthodique et rigoureuse. Leur partenariat avec Peftrust illustre comment les outils d’Analyse de Cycle de Vie (ACV) peuvent transformer non seulement la communication d’une entreprise, mais aussi ses processus internes.
Une pression du marché devenue conviction d’entreprise
« À la base, c’est surtout une demande des clients », explique Manuela, responsable de la modélisation chez Lemaitre. Mais cette motivation initiale s’est rapidement transformée en engagement profond. « C’est plutôt même personnel. Il faut que l’on fasse tous un effort pour l’environnement, pour réduire notre impact environnemental »
Cette évolution reflète une tendance plus large dans le secteur B2B. Comme le souligne Cynthia, responsable marketing : « Tous nos clients nous posent multiples questions sur l’ACV, l’éco-conception, nos politiques environnementales. Le logiciel Peftrust reste quand même un plus pour nous. Tous nos confrères n’ont pas la possibilité de générer une fiche ACV qui donne les différents impacts. »
De la réglementation à l’action concrète
L’entreprise a développé son label interne LSG (Lemaitre Safety Green) pour identifier ses produits éco-conçus, une démarche validée a posteriori par Peftrust. « Le modèle a été créé avant », précise Cynthia, « et il nous a confirmé que nous avions engagées les bonnes démarches et sélectionné les bons produits éco pour lancer la gamme. »
Cette approche pragmatique s’est intensifiée avec l’arrivée de réglementations comme la loi AGEC en France. « C’est bon, tout le monde y est. Tous nos clients nous demandent tout », confirme Cynthia, illustrant comment la pression réglementaire catalyse la transformation du secteur.
Un outil qui transforme les processus internes
L’adoption de Peftrust a créé une cascade de changements organisationnels chez Lemaitre :
• Impact sur les achats : « Ça a changé les données que nous demandons à nos fournisseurs », explique Manuela. « Nous avons créé un processus que nous n’avions pas avant. Nous n’avions pas forcément de fiche technique du fournisseur que nous demandons lorsque nous créons une nouvelle référence de matière. »
• Transformation de la communication : L’entreprise a récemment intégré toutes les informations d’ACV sur son site internet pour les produits modélisés. « Cela nous permet de communiquer plus rapidement. Le client peut voir les données directement sur notre site », note Cynthia.
• Lutte contre le greenwashing : L’équipe a dû repenser sa communication marketing. »Nous avons dû modifier des logos ainsi que les textes. Nous avons également légèrement modifié la charte graphique », détaille Cynthia, soulignant l’importance d’éviter les termes et visuels trompeurs.
Les défis de l’éco-conception dans le secteur
Lemaitre fait face à des obstacles spécifiques à son industrie :
1/ La disponibilité des matières : « La recherche de matières recyclées n’est pas simple. Tout le monde n’en fait pas », témoigne Manuela, citant l’exemple d’un fournisseur de doublure 100% recyclée qui a cessé sa production.
2/ Les contraintes normatives : « Nous sommes soumis à une norme européenne qui nous autorise ou non la mise sur le marché de nos chaussures. Nous ne pouvons pas prendre n’importe quelle matière », explique Cynthia.
3/ L’approvisionnement local : L’entreprise privilégie les fournisseurs européens et méditerranéens, limitant ainsi ses options mais restant cohérente avec sa démarche environnementale globale.
Une utilisation pragmatique et évolutive
Aujourd’hui, nous utilisons principalement le logiciel pour notre communication. C’est la première étape. La deuxième consistera à utiliser l’outil de comparaison pour modéliser un produit initial et le faire évoluer dans le but de diminuer notre impact environnemental. », précise Cynthia.
L’importance du support expert
Un aspect crucial souligné par l’équipe est l’accompagnement fourni par Peftrust. « Ce sont quand même des sujets complexes. Être encadré par une équipe qui connaît le sujet et surtout toutes les réglementations ; qui est en plus capable de répondre à toutes nos questions, c’est rassurant et cela nous aide beaucoup », témoigne Cynthia.
Conseils aux pairs du secteur
Pour Manuela, le message est clair : « Ça ne doit pas être une contrainte. Il faut le voir en positif, c’est pour l’avenir de tout le monde, pas de nous forcément, mais de notre descendance. » Cynthia ajoute une mise en garde importante : « Trouver une solution fiable qui est basée sur des données vérifiées et respecter aussi ce qui a été demandé par la Commission européenne […] C’est vraiment d’être humble dans la démarche et de respecter ses confrères et pas forcément essayer de raconter tout et n’importe quoi. »
Conclusion : Une transformation en cours
L’expérience de Lemaitre Sécurité avec Peftrust illustre parfaitement la transition que vivent de nombreuses entreprises B2B. Partie d’une contrainte client, la démarche s’est transformée en conviction profonde, modifiant les processus internes et la culture d’entreprise.
Leur approche pragmatique – commencer par la communication avant d’intégrer l’outil dans la conception – offre un modèle réaliste pour les entreprises qui souhaitent s’engager dans cette voie. Car comme le résume Cynthia : « C’est une certaine prise de conscience. Avant, on cherchait juste à fabriquer […] Maintenant, on commence quand même à se dire qu’il faut faire quelque chose, on ne peut pas continuer comme ça. »
À propos de Lemaitre Sécurité : Fabricant français de chaussures de sécurité, l’entreprise a investi dans de nouvelles infrastructures éco-responsables depuis 2016 et développé le label LSG pour ses produits éco-conçus.
À propos de Peftrust : Peftrust est une solution de gestion de l’impact environnemental conçue pour l’industrie de la mode. Nous aidons les marques à passer d’estimations approximatives à des données précises, produit par produit, afin de mesurer, améliorer et communiquer leur performance environnementale. De la fiche produit à la stratégie, nous combinons les meilleurs outils d’ACV, des données vérifiées et un accompagnement expert pour accélérer la transition durable de la mode.
Lemaitre Sécurité: Eco-Design & Transparency Through LCA
How a Safety Footwear Manufacturer is Transforming its Environmental Communication Through LCA
In a context where B2B companies face growing demands for environmental transparency, Lemaitre Sécurité, a French safety footwear manufacturer, has chosen to adopt a methodical and rigorous approach. Their partnership with Peftrust illustrates how Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) tools and Eco-design can transform not only a company’s communication, but also its internal processes.
Market Pressure Becomes Corporate Conviction
« Initially, it was mainly a client demand, » explains Manuela, modelling manager at Lemaitre. But this initial motivation quickly transformed into deep commitment. « It’s actually rather personal. We must make every effort for the environment, to save the planet. »
This evolution reflects a broader trend in the B2B sector. As Cynthia, marketing manager, emphasises: « All our clients ask us loads of questions about LCA, eco-design, all our environmental policies. And there, the Peftrust software remains a real advantage for us because I know that all our colleagues don’t have the possibility to generate an LCA sheet that gives the different impacts. »
From Regulation to Concrete Action
The company developed its internal LSG label to identify its eco-designed products, an approach validated retrospectively by Peftrust. « The model was created beforehand, » Cynthia specifies, « but it confirmed that we had taken the right steps and made the right selection of eco products to launch the range. »
This pragmatic approach intensified with the arrival of regulations such as the AGEC law in France. « Right, everyone’s on board now. All our clients are asking us for everything, » confirms Cynthia, illustrating how regulatory pressure catalyses sector transformation.
A Tool That Transforms Internal Processes
The adoption of Peftrust created a cascade of organisational changes at Lemaitre:
• Impact on Purchasing: « It changed the data we ask from our suppliers, » explains Manuela. « We created a process we didn’t have before. We didn’t necessarily have supplier technical sheets that we request as soon as we create a new material reference. »
• Communication Transformation: The company recently integrated all LCA information on its website for modelled products. « It allows for quicker communication. The client can see directly, » notes Cythia.
• Fighting Greenwashing: The team had to rethink its marketing communication. « We had to modify logos. We modified texts. We changed the graphic charter a bit, » details Cynthia, underlining the importance of avoiding misleading terms and visuals.
The Challenges of Eco-Design in the Sector
Lemaitre faces obstacles specific to its industry:
• Material Availability: « The search for recycled materials isn’t simple. Not everyone makes them, » testifies Manuela, citing the example of a 100% recycled lining supplier who ceased production.
• Regulatory Constraints: « We are subject to a standard that allows us to sell shoes on the market. We can’t take just any material, » explains Cynthia.
• Local Sourcing: The company favours European and Mediterranean suppliers, thus limiting its options but remaining consistent with its overall environmental approach.
Pragmatic and Evolving Usage
Currently, Lemaitre uses Peftrust primarily for communication rather than for upstream eco-design. « We use it more to communicate today, more than to eco-design. That’s step 1. And step 2 will be product eco-design, » specifies Cynthia.
The Importance of Expert Support
A crucial aspect highlighted by the team is the support provided by Peftrust. « These are still complex subjects. And being guided by a team that knows the subject, that’s capable of answering all our questions, that’s aware of all regulations, that helps, » testifies Cynthia.
Advice to Industry Peers
For Manuela, the message is clear: « It shouldn’t be a constraint. You have to see it positively, it’s for everyone’s future, not necessarily ours, but our descendants’. » Cynthia adds an important warning: « Find a reliable solution that’s based on verified data and also respect what was requested by the European Commission […] It’s really about being humble in the approach and respecting your colleagues and not necessarily trying to tell all sorts of nonsense. »
Conclusion: A Transformation in Progress
Lemaitre Sécurité’s experience with Peftrust perfectly illustrates the transition that many B2B companies are experiencing. Starting from a client constraint, the approach transformed into deep conviction, modifying internal processes and company culture.
Their pragmatic approach—starting with communication before integrating the tool into design—offers a realistic model for companies wishing to embark on this path. As Cynthia summarises: « It’s a certain awakening. Before, we just sought to manufacture […] Now, we’re starting to tell ourselves that we must do something, we can’t continue like this. »
About Lemaitre Sécurité: French safety footwear manufacturer, the company has invested in new eco-responsible infrastructure since 2016 and developed the LSG label for its eco-designed products.
About Peftrust: Peftrust is an environmental impact management solution designed for the fashion industry. We help brands move from rough estimates to precise data, product by product, to measure, improve and communicate their environmental performance. From SKU to strategy, we combine the best LCA software, verified data and expert support to accelerate fashion’s sustainable transition.
France’s Eco-Score for Textiles Is Now Official
Peftrust Launches Beta Integration to Help Brands Prepare
It’s official: on May 15, 2025, Agnès PANNIER-RUNACHER, Minister for Ecological Transition, Biodiversity, Forests, the Sea, and Fisheries, announced that the European Commission has validated France’s regulatory framework for voluntary environmental labelling of clothing. This milestone marks a major advancement in sustainability, eco-design, and transparency for the European textile sector.
What Is the Environmental Cost Label?
Known as the coût environnemental (environmental cost), the new labelling system evaluates the entire life cycle of a garment, from material production to end-of-life. It measures emission factors such as:
* Carbon footprint
* Water use
* Fossil resource depletion
* Agrochemical usage
* Microfibre emissions
The methodology is based on the Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) developed by the European Commission, with additional metrics tailored to the fashion sector, including durability and non-EU exports.
Following a public consultation in late 2024, the framework is now set for voluntary rollout in the second half of 2025. The goal is to empower consumers with clear environmental information and support manufacturers in driving eco-design improvements.
“With this measure, consumers will be able to know the environmental impact of what they buy, and sustainable producers will stand out,” said Agnès Pannier-Runacher.
Peftrust: Helping You Get Ready Today
To support this transition, Peftrust has launched a beta version of the official eco-score, fully integrated into its platform: ready for real-world testing and implementation.
With Peftrust, brands can:
* Preview official scores using real product data
* Upload product data in bulk: no reformatting headaches
* Generate official environmental scores automatically
* Create eco-labels for e-commerce, packaging, and in-store displays
* Push data directly to the declaration portal: no extra steps
No additional setup needed, if you’re already using Peftrust, you’re ready.
As France takes the lead in environmental labelling and the EU moves closer to harmonised sustainability scoring, Peftrust remains committed to making PEF, LCA, and eco-design accessible, automated, and scalable for every brand.
Why BUT & Conforama Chose Peftrust to Lead Their Product Sustainability Efforts
Originally published in Information Enterprise No. 194 (April–June 2025), this English translation features an interview with Peftrust® co-founder Laurent Bocahut and highlights how the company supports one of France’s largest home goods retailers, BUT and Conforama, scale their environmental initiatives.
Using data-driven Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), these companies are not only measuring product impact with unmatched precision—they’re redefining what sustainable product development looks like at scale.
The high-precision environmental impact of products
Reducing the environmental footprint of products is no longer a choice—it’s a necessity. With stricter regulations and consumers demanding greater transparency, companies must find ways to assess and reduce their impact accurately.
Yet, precise measurement remains a complex challenge, largely due to scattered and hard-to-use data. Peftrust® offers an innovative answer to this challenge: a powerful technology that automates Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) at scale—with unmatched precision.
Information Enterprise: Why has Life Cycle Assessment become essential for evaluating a product’s environmental impact?
Laurent Bocahut (CEO, Peftrust®): It all starts with measurement. As the saying goes, you can only reduce what you can measure, and you can only improve what you can evaluate. Until the 2020s, product-level environmental impact wasn’t well quantified. The focus was mostly on corporate footprints, especially carbon reporting.
But over time, it became clear that for companies—fashion brands, for example—around 90% of their impact came from the products themselves. That shifted the key question to: How do we measure that footprint? The answer is Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), which provides a thorough, reliable view of a product’s environmental profile.
I.E.: Can you explain how Peftrust® addresses this?
Laurent Bocahut: Traditionally, LCA has been performed one product at a time using specialized software—often slow and requiring expert input. But for large retailers like Carrefour, Kiabi, BUT, or Conforama, managing tens or hundreds of thousands of SKUs, this isn’t sustainable.
That’s where Peftrust® comes in. Our platform enables companies to perform LCAs at scale—efficiently and dynamically. Unlike traditional tools that offer a static score, our technology evolves with the product, its supply chain, and data sources.
Our real strength? We’re a data-first solution, purpose-built to handle massive datasets and deliver high-precision environmental assessments.
I.E.: How does Peftrust® turn raw company data into meaningful, actionable LCA results?
Laurent Bocahut: Most brands already hold a wealth of data—they just don’t always realise it. It’s scattered across departments like product development, supply chain, ERP systems, and traceability tools.
Our role at Peftrust® is to equip brands with the tools to identify, process, and analyse this data to perform LCAs. Importantly, companies don’t need to pre-format anything. Our system automatically converts and structures the data before sending it to our high-frequency computing engine. Throughout the process, brands retain full control and visibility over their data.
I.E.: What effect does environmental labeling have on consumer behavior?
Laurent Bocahut: It’s becoming a major force for change. Consumer behavior is evolving rapidly, especially in response to eco-scores.
Recent studies show that environmental labeling—similar to the Nutri-Score system in food—significantly influences buying decisions in non-food categories. We’re seeing that roughly 40% of purchasing decisions shift toward products with environmental information, and that trend is even stronger for top-rated items (A or B).
This momentum is being reinforced by regulation. France recently submitted a decree on textile environmental labeling to the EU (February 13), setting the stage for rollout in 2025. Fashion will be the first sector, but there’s already discussion of expanding it to home goods and cosmetics.
At Peftrust®, we’re already supporting our clients through this shift, offering reliable, data-powered eco-design tools tailored to today’s rising consumer expectations.
Client perspective: BUT-Conforama on Eco-Design
What’s driving BUT-Conforama toward eco-design?
Brondon Tchienkoua, Eco-design Project Manager, BUT Conforama Group: BUT and Conforama are two longstanding key players in the French home goods market. Our commitment to the ecological transition reflects our position in the industry. We see this moment as an opportunity—to mobilise the sector, innovate, and reimagine how we do business in line with the future.
The products we put on the market account for over 80% of our Scope 3 carbon footprint. That’s why environmental impact has become a critical factor in how we design and develop our products—to meet the urgent demands of decarbonisation.
How are you measuring and reducing the environmental impact of your products?
B.T: We’ve created an environmental performance benchmark for our products called Habitons Mieux. This method, grounded in Life Cycle Assessment, helps us pinpoint the key areas where eco-design can make a difference, based on defined criteria.
To further this initiative, we’ve partnered with Peftrust® to roll out Life Cycle Assessments at scale across our product range. This collaboration allows us to industrialise the process, bring greater accuracy and regulatory alignment to how we measure environmental impact, and track the tangible benefits of our eco-design efforts.
What are your three keys to success?
B.T: Our three keys to success are :
1/ Engaging our full ecosystem from industrial partners and sourcing teams to internal staff—in the mission to measure and reduce our products’ environmental footprint.
2/ Positioning the BUT-Conforama Group as a responsible leader in the home goods sector.
3/ Staying ahead of regulations by embedding nationally and EU-endorsed best practices into our processes.
Ecodesign Beyond Carbon: Tools for Smarter LCAs
What Should We Be Measuring in Mixed-Material Apparel?
This is a question we heard recently, directly from a client.
While our initial response was short and practical, we thought it deserved a deeper dive.
As sustainability becomes a core business requirement, brands involved in designing apparel that uses both natural and synthetic fibres must take a more comprehensive approach to environmental impact.
For example, the production of synthetic fibres, including polyester, is heavily reliant on petroleum, resulting in resource depletion and considerable greenhouse gas emissions. On the other hand, natural fibres, such as cotton, require substantial water resources and may contribute to environmental degradation
To navigate these challenges, our sustainability experts have identified several key factors that should shape ecodesign strategies:
1/ Water consumption
Critical for both fibre production and dyeing processes
2/ Human toxicity
Addresses health impacts from dyes, finishes, and synthetic components
3/ Resource depletion
Covers fossil fuels (synthetics) and biotic resources (natural fibres)
4/ Carbon footprint
Important but only one piece of the sustainability puzzle
By addressing these impact areas, brands can create more environmentally responsible products with a comprehensive sustainability perspective.
Leveraging platforms like Peftrust can further enhance this transition, providing the tools needed to improve sustainability across the industry.
Why Ecodesign Needs an Upgrade in 2025
Research indicates that up to 80% of a product’s environmental impact is determined during the design phase. Yet, many brands treat sustainability as an afterthought, focusing primarily on carbon emissions without considering other equally important factors.
As industries face increasingly complex environmental challenges, sustainability is no longer optional – it’s essential for business success and regulatory compliance. With evolving frameworks such as the Digital Product Passport (DPP) and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), brands must transition from good intentions to robust, data-driven ecodesign strategies that address the full spectrum of environmental impacts.
By implementing multi-impact assessment approaches in the design phase, brands can:
* Make evidence-based material and process selections
* Ensure compliance with emerging regulations
* Build consumer trust through transparent sustainability claims
At Peftrust, our recent Coffee Pause Webinar with industry expert, Gianluca Manago, highlighted that effective ecodesign requires a comprehensive understanding of the entire product life cycle – not just carbon reduction. This article shares key insights to help brands navigate the evolving ecodesign landscape.
Four Essential Ecodesign Principles Every Brand Should Know
1/ Multi-Impact Assessment: Moving Beyond Carbon
While carbon reduction remains crucial, focusing solely on carbon footprints creates significant blind spots in sustainable strategies. Apparel brands must evaluate the environmental trade-offs of their design choices. True sustainable design requires considering multiple environmental factors:
* Water consumption
Critical for manufacturing processes like textile dyeing, which heavily impacts freshwater resources
* Resource depletion
Affects both non-renewable resources (fossil fuels) and renewable resources (cotton, wood)
* Human toxicity
Chemicals in dyes, coatings, and finishes impact both environmental and human health
Neglecting these trade-offs leads to misleading sustainability claims and poorly informed design choices. As our demonstrations have shown, brands must adopt comprehensive impact assessments to make truly sustainable design decisions.
2/ Data-Driven Decision-Making: The Foundation of Effective Ecodesign
Accurate, structured data is the cornerstone of successful ecodesign implementation. Brands need reliable Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodologies to evaluate environmental trade-offs and identify areas for improvement.
Digital tools that streamline sustainability assessments help brands:
* Stay ahead of compliance requirements
* Enhance sustainability reporting accuracy
* Make informed material and process selections
Without high-quality data, brands risk inaccurate sustainability reporting and poor compliance with EU regulations such as the Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) methodology – the standardised approach for calculating environmental impacts.
Our LCA experts highlight that many industries struggle with obtaining granular environmental data, often relying on assumptions. Therefore, engaging diverse stakeholders is crucial for gathering accurate information and driving meaningful adoption.
Peftrust’s multi-impact LCA tools empower brands to make informed choices using structured, regulation-ready data that aligns with evolving industry standards.
3/ Colour Matters: The Hidden Environmental Impact of Colour Choices
Dyes and pigments influence far more than aesthetics—they significantly affect a product’s environmental footprint. The choice of colourants determines:
* Water usage
Some dyes require intensive water consumption, increasing resource strain
* Toxicity profiles
Certain synthetic dyes release harmful chemicals affecting ecosystems and human health
* End-of-life impact
Natural and synthetic colourants create different challenges for recycling and decomposition
By understanding these implications, designers and product teams can make more sustainable colour choices without compromising visual appeal. Integrating colour impact assessments into design processes ensures responsible material selection across industries.
4/ Human Expertise Remains Essential in the Age of AI
While artificial intelligence plays an increasingly significant role in sustainability analysis, human expertise remains indispensable. AI-powered tools can streamline data collection and basic assessments, but strategic decision-making requires human oversight:
* Interpreting complex environmental trade-offs
* Evaluating ethical considerations
* Applying industry-specific knowledge to findings
Our experts emphasise that AI is a powerful complement—not a replacement—for thorough, expert-led sustainability assessments.
Peftrust integrates AI-powered insights with expert-led decision-making, ensuring that sustainability strategies remain grounded in practical industry knowledge.
Ecodesign in Action: The Peftrust Platform Approach
Ecodesign focuses on minimising environmental impact throughout a product’s lifecycle. Our platform helps companies integrate eco-friendly materials, enhance durability, and implement energy-efficient processes. To illustrate the power of ecodesign, we examined a case study involving the redesign of a jacket, which demonstrated notable improvements in sustainability profile:
| Component | Original Material | Eco-Designed Material | Sustainability Rationale |
|---|---|---|---|
| Outer Shell | 61.86% PET (fossil-based) | 36% Post-consumer recycled PET + 24% fossil PET | Reduces carbon emissions and fossil resource use by replacing virgin PET with recycled inputs while maintaining performance |
| Padding | 25.77% Virgin polyester wadding | 21.25% Chemically recycled PET + 3.75% Recycled wool | Blending in natural recycled fiber reduces fossil use, supports circularity, and improves thermal regulation. |
| Lining | 10.31% Nylon 6 (fossil-based) | 10% Recycled nylon | Recycled nylon cuts environmental toxicity and fossil resource depletion |
| Trims | 2.06% PVC (fossil-based) | 3% Bio-based PE (e.g. sugar beet origin) | Switch to bio-based plastic reduces non-renewable input and improves circularity potential. |
| Coating/Finish | Fluorinated DWR coating (PFC-based) (assumed baseline) | 2% PVC monolithic coating (same for both) | Replacing PFC-based water repellents improves environmental and human health impacts, especially in wet weather gear. |
Key Impact Gains with Eco-Design
* ↓ 5% overall PEF score reduction
* Notable reductions in climate, resource depletion, and environmental health categories
* Strategic material swaps improve traceability, circularity, and compliance readiness (e.g. DPP, PEFCR)
Why 5% Matters
It might sound small — but apply this across a full collection with thousands of units, and the impact compounds dramatically.
One improved jacket → less carbon, less waste, better materials.
A hundred? A thousand? That’s where the future of scalable, sustainable design begins
Further improvements could be achieved by altering energy mixes, transportation modes, dyes, etc.
This example demonstrates how targeted material substitutions yield significant environmental improvements without compromising product quality.
Scaling Ecodesign with Peftrust Platform
The Peftrust ecodesign platform provides a comprehensive toolkit for sustainability improvement:
* See the full picture
Track your product’s environmental performance across key categories in intuitive views from products to full collections
* Comparative analysis library
Facilitates detailed comparisons between product designs, materials, and energy mixes to identify ROIs and align budgetary and sustainable targets
* Scenario modelling
Enables testing of different design approaches in real-time to maximise impact reduction before anything goes to production
* Material impact assessment
Quantifies how material changes affect environmental performance
* Comprehensive database precision
Leverages our secondary database of over 5,500 environmental datasets and tools to help map your primary data faster
Why Database Precision Matters: The Peftrust Advantage
When sourcing a tool for eco-design comparison, it’s crucial to ensure that the underlying database is comprehensive and reliable. A robust platform should provide a diverse dataset across materials—offering the depth necessary for accurate and meaningful comparisons, even when primary data is limited.
Peftrust stands out by combining a robust and evolving library of high-quality secondary data, your primary data and verified supplier or manufacturer-level inputs, enhancing the precision of each assessment.
This combination enhances the precision and provides tools that enable you to pinpoint areas for improvement and ensure that your assessments are informed, consistent, and credible, ultimately leading to more effective ecodesign decisions.
This robust foundation enables:
* More relevant impact assessments across product categories
* Accurate scenario-building and alternative modelling
* Informed decision-making aligned with sustainability goals and regulatory requirements
How Peftrust Supports Your Sustainability Journey
Whether you’re beginning your sustainability journey or scaling across multiple product lines, our tools make environmental improvement both seamless and impactful. Peftrust helps brands navigate the evolving ecodesign landscape with confidence by aligning with the following:
– European PEF methodology
The EU’s standardised environmental footprint calculation approach
– PEFCR Apparel and Footwear standards
Industry-specific environmental assessment guidelines
– ISO 14026 communication principles
International standards for environmental claims
AFNOR certification (the French standardisation association) has again validated our implementation of the Environmental Footprint Methodology. This third-party verification confirms our dedication to providing regulation-ready impact assessments for apparel & footwear. This gives brands the confidence that their results are credible, communicable, and audit-ready.
Take the Next Step in Your Ecodesign Journey
We invite you to experience how Peftrust can transform your approach to sustainable product design.
Contact Peftrust today to get a free custom Environmental Product Passport
Leveraging Primary Data for Sustainable Leadership
The Ultimate Guide
Sustainability Leaders play a crucial role in guiding organisations towards environmental responsibility, with a key focus on reducing supply chain emissions. However, achieving meaningful sustainability outcomes requires accurate and reliable data.
The key to this achievement lies in collecting and utilising primary data.
Before delving into its significance, it is essential to define the three categories of data:
* Primary data: data collected directly from suppliers, manufacturers, or business operations.
* Secondary data: data derived from industry-average/third-party sources, incl. existing environmental databases & reports.
* Tertiary data: aggregated data from secondary sources, often used for broad market insights but lacks specificity.
The Significance of Primary Data for Sustainability Leaders
1/ Distinction Between Primary and Secondary Data
Primary data offers real-time, untainted, and specific insights essential for precise carbon footprint assessments (not just on CO2, but across all PEF environmental impact indicators like water, land, resource use, etc).
It enables brands to have visibility of their production ecosystem and allowing Sustainability Leads to identify and address emission hotspots to formulate targeted reduction strategies.
In contrast, secondary data relies on generalised industry averages, which may obscure critical areas for potential emissions reductions.
2/ The Impact of Primary Data on CO₂ Emission Reductions
Industry research underscores the efficacy of primary data in reducing carbon footprints. A study from McKinsey and MIT Climate Grand Challenges found that transitioning from secondary to primary data led to a 20% to 45% reduction in carbon emissions within the textile industry.
For instance, Unilever effectively integrates primary data into its supply chain management, enabling precise emissions tracking and targeted sustainability initiatives (World Economic Forum).
In a recent communication with Jessica Cederberg, a sustainability coach and founder of JCW Kommunikation, she highlighted the significant impact of primary data in shaping sustainability strategies to reduce emissions.
With more than 30 years of global experience in sustainability and business development, Jessica has collaborated with international brands to incorporate sustainability as a strategic advantage. She shared valuable insights regarding the importance of primary data in reducing carbon emissions.
« Studies and industry examples indicate that companies shifting to primary data collection from suppliers have observed emission reductions.
Primary data offers accurate insights into specific environmental impacts at each stage of the supply chain, allowing brands to better address high-impact areas like raw material sourcing, production, and transportation. »
Jessica Cederberg
3/ The Risks of Relying on Secondary Data
A lack of primary data may lead organisations to overlook significant sources of emissions, undermining the accuracy of reporting and the effectiveness of sustainability strategies.
An overreliance on secondary data may result in « carbon tunnel vision, » causing organisations to neglect broader environmental impacts, such as water usage, biodiversity, and circularity.
That said, secondary data still plays an important role in filling data gaps when primary data is unavailable. To maximise reliability, organisations should use tools like Peftrust’s Data Precision Ratio, which helps:
* Evaluate the influence of each data point on environmental scores
* Identify critical areas where primary data is essential
* Understand how missing data affects assessments and where default values may reduce accuracy
The Peftrust Data Precision Ratio (DPR) tool helps brands assess how primary vs. default data impacts their PEF and French eco-scores.
It highlights critical data points, shows where missing data lowers precision, and optimises resource allocation for better transparency.
🌟 Why the Stars? The star ratings indicate data accuracy levels by helping brands prioritise key primary data, pinpoint missing data’s impact, and optimise eco-scores
This allow brands to identify critical primary data points, assess how missing data affects final evaluations and understand where default values may lead to reduced precision. Jessica articulates this perspective as:
« Data isn’t just about looking back at past emissions; it’s about looking forward to anticipate where changes can be made for future impact »
Six Essential Steps for Effective Primary Data Collection and Utilisation
1/ Engagement with Internal Stakeholders
Sustainability is not confined to a single area – collaboration across various departments is imperative. Aligning sustainability objectives with internal teams in areas such as procurement, logistics, and operations ensures that primary data is seamlessly integrated into existing systems such as PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) and ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning).
By actively engaging internal stakeholders, organisations can break silos, build a data-driven structure, and accelerate sustainability efforts. For instance, hosting training sessions, workshops, and discussions can ensure that employees understand the importance of primary data and how it influences compliance and carbon footprint reduction.
2/ Mapping the Supply Chain
At the heart of supply chain mapping is collecting primary data from suppliers. This involves suppliers declaring the networks they work with and source from, including subcontractors, raw material sources, and manufacturing sites. The aim is to obtain timely, accurate and comprehensive information that can be verified using transactional documents. Primary data collection is necessary to understand the specifics of the supply chain. In this regard, Jessica emphasises a pivotal shift:
« As the power dynamics shift, it’s crucial to recognise that your suppliers hold the key to data—this is no longer just a “nice-to-have” but a “must-have” for your company’s sustainability journey. »
3/ Collaborate with Suppliers
A comprehensive understanding of the supply chain, encompassing Tier 1 and deeper suppliers, is crucial. Identifying suppliers possessing sustainability certifications or advanced data systems fosters enhanced data accuracy.
It is essential to work collaboratively with suppliers to emphasise the importance of emissions data. Organisations and suppliers should work on shared goals, providing support and guidance to help suppliers improve data accuracy and explore low-impact solutions together. According to Jessica:
« The shift in power means suppliers will need to share data now, and this will directly affect their relationship with your business. It’s no longer just about data collection but fostering a mutual commitment to sustainability goals. »
4/ Implementation of Data Collection Tools
To streamline data accuracy, businesses should invest in digital platforms. Adopting digital platforms that which aid in centralising and automating the data collection process helps organisations structure their data collection. These tools can integrate directly with suppliers and traceability platforms or with internal systems (PLM, ERP), ensuring consistency and accuracy.
Beyond data collection, advanced impact calculation tools, can effectively support businesses in data mapping, enabling them to improve their sustainability performance. This should include validating data quality through consistency checks on primary data and precision assessments.
An effective data strategy should include tools which aid users in refining the depth of their data, validate inputs, and align with specific organisational objectives, thus optimising their data collection efforts.
5/ Analyse and Act on the Data
Once collected, primary data should be leveraged to identify high-emission hotspots in production. Sustainability leaders must interpret insights, identify key trends, and implement data-driven strategies to enhance environmental performance.
Analysis of primary data enables organisations to prioritise sustainable materials, optimise transportation logistics, and execute targeted measures for reducing their environmental footprints, for instance, switching to low-impact raw materials, using low-carbon transportation, and durability testings.
6/ Ecodesign Progress Monitoring and Transparent Reporting
Establishing Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) aligned with ecodesign principles and science-based targets is crucial for compliance with evolving regulations, such as the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD).
Product and Sustainability teams often operate in silos – one approaching challenges top-down, the other bottom-up – each with its own timelines, KPIs, and strategies for sustainable production. Eco-design, powered by primary data, bridges this gap. By integrating real-time, product-specific insights with a strong secondary database, companies can:
* Ensure accurate sustainability assessments
* Track material efficiency and reduce waste
* Measure real progress in lowering environmental impact
Regular assessments ensure data accuracy, track material efficiency, and highlight progress in reducing environmental impact. By integrating ecodesign into monitoring frameworks, organisations can move beyond product-level insights to assess the full sustainability footprint of their operations, fostering transparency and continuous improvement in circularity, resource optimisation, and lifecycle impact reduction.
Conclusion
Incorporating primary data into sustainability strategies is no longer optional. It is essential for accurate emissions tracking, regulatory compliance, and long-term environmental responsibility. Continuing the shift from secondary to primary data is a big leap.
Peftrust is here to support organisations so they can pinpoint emission hotspots, optimise supply chains, and drive meaningful carbon emission reductions. Moreover, collaborating with suppliers, leveraging digital tools, ensures transparency and accountability.
Sustainability Leaders must act now and start understanding what kind of primary data they should be collecting as weightening plays a huge role, at the same time, integrating an effective data collection framework can enhance their emission reduction performance.
Stay Connected
* Take the first step toward data-driven and automated compliance
* Register for our upcoming March webinar on data driven eco-design
* Schedule a demo with our team or email us at sales@peftrust.com
Understanding the Basics of the Product Environmental Footprint (PEF)
Part One:The Basics
Winter is coming.❄️
Last week we had the pleasure of presenting to joint members of the European Outdoor Group (EOG) and the Bundesverband der Deutschen Sportartikel-Industrie e.V. (BSI). We discussed why a standardized approach to environmental impact assessment is crucial for the outdoor sector. Especially as brands aim to measure and report their environmental impact accurately.
There were many great questions, and we wanted to share a snapshot of the key takeaways from that presentation here.
What is the PEF Methodology?
PEF is a standardized approach developed by the European Commission to measure and communicate products’ environmental footprint throughout their lifecycle. It ensures consistent environmental claims across the EU, enabling brands to compare their products fairly and transparently.
Where does it start? With The Environmental Footprint (EF)
The Environmental Footprint, or EF, is a method developed to help companies compare and improve their environmental impact. It provides a common set of rules tailored for the European market. They are called the Product Environmental Footprint Category Rules (PEFCR).
The PEFCR provide specific guidelines for calculating product impacts, covering 16 environmental categories such as climate change, resource use, and water consumption.
Why Is PEF Important for the Outdoor Industry?
For outdoor brands, sustainability is more than a trend—it’s a core value. The PEF methodology offers a standardized, EU-approved way to assess and reduce Scope 3 emissions, which often make up the majority of a brand’s environmental impact. By using PEF, brands can evaluate sourcing choices, material selection, and production processes to drive sustainability.
Key Benefits of PEF for (not just) Outdoor Brands:
* Standardization: PEF provides a consistent method for comparing products across sectors.
* Regulatory Compliance: As EU regulations on environmental claims tighten, PEF ensures compliance.
* Holistic Approach: The methodology covers the full product lifecycle, from raw materials to end-of-life.
* Consumer Trust: With data-backed assessments, PEF builds consumer confidence in your environmental claims.
Comprehensive Coverage for Environmental Impact
The Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) method offers a standardized approach to measuring a product’s environmental impact across its entire life cycle, aligning with ISO standards 14040 and 14044. It’s a comprehensive way to understand the full environmental impact of a product, from raw material extraction to end-of-life disposal.
PEF follows the Product Environmental Footprint Category Rules (PEFCR), which provide detailed guidelines for specific industries. For example, the PEFCR for Apparel & Footwear v2.0 covers the entire product lifecycle for this sector. PEF uses EF Mid-point Indicator 3.1 for impact assessment, which acts like “checkpoints” for environmental impacts, such as resource use and pollution, before assessing the overall harm to health or the planet. These indicators help brands identify the stages in their product’s lifecycle—like production, transportation, or disposal—that have the most significant environmental impacts.
To ensure fair comparisons and consistency, PEF uses European weighting and normalization factors, allowing it to be applied broadly across different sectors and products, while incorporating 16 distinct environmental impact indicators.
Leveraging Over 5,500 Datasets for Detailed Environmental Impact Analysis
PEF is powered by an extensive database of over 5,500 datasets from sources like Ecoinvent, Blonk, and Thinkstep, providing detailed, diverse data for accurate impact analysis. Additional databases offer further enrichment to results, enabling brands to fine-tune their assessments based on specific materials or processes.
The Importance of Product Lifespan in Calculating PEF Scores
The PEF Score reflects the total environmental footprint of a product over its expected lifespan. For instance, if you have a pair of shoes designed to last a year, the PEF will calculate the environmental impact based on that full year of use. Longer-lasting products will generally have a lower impact per day because the environmental cost is spread over a more extended period.
Conclusion: The Importance of PEF for Outdoor Brands – Stay Tuned for Part 2 on Lifecycle Analysis and Long-term Sustainability
The PEF methodology offers a powerful, standardized framework for outdoor brands to measure, reduce, and communicate their environmental impact. By using PEF, companies can ensure compliance with EU regulations, build consumer trust, and take a holistic approach to sustainability. From sourcing raw materials to managing end-of-life disposal, the PEF methodology provides a consistent way to evaluate and improve a product’s environmental footprint across its entire lifecycle.
In Part 2, we’ll dive deeper into the lifecycle analysis process. We’ll explore how PEF helps track long-term environmental progress, and look at a real-world example of PEF in action. Stay tuned to see how this methodology can drive even greater sustainability for your brand.
Cant wait for part two? Sign up for a demo
PEFtrust 2023: A Year of Innovating Fashion with Digitized LCAs
Explore PEFtrust’s 2023 achievements in revolutionizing the fashion, outdoor, and home goods industries with digital Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) solutions. Discover our global expansion, innovative features, and commitment to sustainable practices in this year’s recap.
Continue readingGetting Started with Product Environmental Impact Evaluation
Jumpstart any sustainability journey with our step-by-step guide — an essential read for professionals in product sustainability, whether affiliated with apparel, footwear, or home brands.
Continue reading