Freshfel launches unified environmental guidelines for fruit and vegetable sector
New standards aim to help growers measure and reduce their environmental impact.
EUROPE – The European Fresh Produce Association, Freshfel, has released its Product Environmental Footprint Category Rules for Fresh Produce, known as FreshProducePEFCR.
The guidelines offer a clear method for measuring the environmental footprint of fruits and vegetables, helping producers and suppliers meet EU sustainability targets.
Launched as part of Freshfel’s Environmental Footprint Initiative in 2022, FreshProducePEFCR provides a structured approach to tracking environmental impact across the supply chain. The methodology includes 16 indicators covering water and land use, energy, and other key factors.
“We want to give growers and suppliers a reliable framework to understand the environmental impact of their products,” said a Freshfel spokesperson. “By using these standards, businesses can make informed decisions that benefit both the planet and the industry.”
The initiative aims to respond to rising consumer demand for transparency and accountability in food production. Stakeholders across Europe, including growers, technical experts, and supply chain partners, have collaborated to refine the methodology and ensure it reflects real-world conditions.
Energy allocation and industry consensus
A key focus of the guidelines is energy allocation, specifically the use of exergy heat distribution in Combined Heat and Power systems. Technical workshops held by the end of 2025 helped confirm that this approach accurately reflects environmental impact and encourages more sustainable production methods.
“After detailed discussions, we agreed that exergy allocation gives the most realistic picture of energy use within our systems,” said one technical advisor. “It also motivates businesses to adopt practices that reduce environmental burden.”
Freshfel plans to support adoption of the guidelines through workshops, training, and practical tools. Businesses across the sector are expected to implement the standards in the coming months, aligning production with both regulatory expectations and consumer interest.
In addition to the guidelines, Freshfel has highlighted recent developments in supply chain sustainability, including efforts to cut transport emissions by up to 95 percent. These steps demonstrate the sector’s commitment to reducing environmental impact while keeping produce accessible to global markets.
“Our goal is to give the industry practical tools to act responsibly without compromising growth,” said the spokesperson. “FreshProducePEFCR is the first step toward that goal.”
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