FloriPEFCR approved by the European Commission

There is a growing demand for reliable insights into the environmental impact of products. To meet this need, Wageningen University & Research (WUR), in collaboration with Royal FloraHolland, has developed the FloriPEFCR method for the floriculture sector. The Floricultural Product Environmental Footprint Category Rules (FloriPEFCR) enable the environmental impact of cut flowers and potted plants to be calculated using 16 environmental indicators. This is done in accordance with the Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) standard recognised by the European Commission, under which the FloriPEFCR falls. The FloriPEFCR provides a harmonised framework for comparing environmental impacts within the floriculture sector and helps prevent misleading environmental claims. With its publication on 14 February 2024, the FloriPEFCR has become the new standard method for environmental footprint calculations for flowers and plants.

To develop this PEFCR, a strict guideline was followed. A Technical Secretariat (TS), with at least 51% representation from the European sector, must lead the process. Albert Haasnoot (Royal FloraHolland) serves as Chair.

Next steps

Now that the FloriPEFCR has been endorsed by the European Commission, the Floriculture Sustainability Initiative (FSI) will begin verifying the FloriPEFCR-compliant footprint tools currently under development. These tools will enable the entire floriculture sector to work towards the ultimate goal of the FloriPEFCR: to present the environmental impact of floriculture products in a fair and comparable way, and to reduce that impact across the sector.

History of FloriPEFCR

In 2018, the project was launched under the name “Hortifootprint” by Royal FloraHolland, GroentenFruit Huis, and WUR. It was co-funded by the Dutch Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature. The project group also includes Union Fleurs, MPS Group, Glastuinbouw Nederland, Natuur & Milieu, FSI, Florverde, ABN AMRO, and Rabobank. PRé Sustainability and Blonk Consultants provided LCA-specific support.

In 2019, following the publication of the Hortifootprint category rules, FloriPEFCR was further developed within the framework of the European Commission’s Product Environmental Footprint (PEF). Under the policy proposed by the EU, companies making green claims will in future be required to assess their products using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)-based methods. The Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) method is explicitly referenced in this policy, putting the floriculture sector ahead of the curve.

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