FEFAC, the European Compound Feed Manufacturers’ Federation, Announces Updated Product Environmental Footprint Category Rules (PEFCR) of Feed
The European Compound Feed Manufacturers’ Federation (FEFAC) has recently published the updated Product Environmental Footprint Category Rules (PEFCR) of Feed for food-producing animals. These updated guidelines, which detail the methodology for calculating the environmental footprint of compound feed, can be accessed on the FEFAC website.
Published on 14 February 2025, the updated PEFCR Feed document is valid until at least December 2026. The updates to the rules are primarily technical in nature and do not introduce significant changes to the methodology itself. The revised PEFCR Feed will also be available on the European Commission’s Environmental Footprint Methods webpage. FEFAC has indicated that this extension provides ample time for a more comprehensive review of the guidelines, with additional clarity expected regarding when a full review will take place. Throughout the technical update process, FEFAC has initiated an inventory of potential improvements and encourages experts to provide further suggestions in the coming years.
Commitment to Environmental Performance
FEFAC President Pedro Cordero emphasized the importance of this technical update, stating, “The technical update of the PEFCR Feed was a formal necessity, but the restored validity is nonetheless of great importance. It reinforces FEFAC’s commitment to facilitating companies in effectively communicating the environmental performance of compound feed production. This initiative aligns with the recently endorsed Green Feed Labelling Code and the GFLI Database, which serve as two key pillars in our strategy.”
In recognition of the collaborative efforts that contributed to this update, FEFAC expressed gratitude to all participants in the PEFCR Feed Technical Secretariat, the review panel, and the consultants from Mérieux NutriScience | Blonk. Their collective expertise and guidance were instrumental in finalizing the updated rules.
Future Developments in Environmental Footprinting
Looking ahead, FEFAC has announced the imminent release of the newly developed PEFCR Marine Fish guidelines, for which it has also participated in the Technical Secretariat. With the introduction of PEFCR Marine Fish and the previously established PEFCR Dairy, there will now be two categories of animal products with a published methodological framework for environmental footprinting endorsed by the European Community.
The ongoing efforts by FEFAC to refine and enhance the PEFCR guidelines reflect a broader commitment to transparency and sustainability within the compound feed industry. By providing a structured approach to measuring the environmental impact of feed production, FEFAC is not only aiding manufacturers in improving their practices but also fostering a culture of accountability and sustainability in food production systems across Europe.
In conclusion, the updated Product Environmental Footprint Category Rules represent a significant step forward for the feed industry. By establishing a clear framework for calculating environmental impacts, FEFAC is paving the way for more sustainable practices and greater transparency in the feed supply chain. The federation looks forward to continued collaboration with industry stakeholders to enhance these guidelines and promote sustainable development in the future.
