New publication examines what the PEFCR and France’s Environmental Cost framework mean for the apparel and footwear industry

This publication explores two emerging regulatory frameworks: the EU Product Environmental Footprint Category Rules (PEFCR) for apparel and footwear, and France’s Environmental Cost (Coût Environnemental). Both are poised to shape product-level environmental disclosures across Europe, with far-reaching implications for brands, manufacturers, and suppliers seeking to align with growing sustainability expectations and compliance requirements.

“Product-level disclosure is fast becoming a business imperative,” said Elisabeth von Reitzenstein, senior director of policy and public affairs at Cascale. “As Coordinator of the PEFCR Technical Secretariat since 2019, Cascale has helped shape a methodology grounded in industry realities and scientific evidence, and this deep dive brings much-needed clarity to help members anticipate regulatory change, understand new data requirements, and prepare for credible, data-driven claims.”

JR Siegel, vice president of sustainability, Worldly, added, “Primary data provides businesses the clearest view of their supply chain impacts and helps them prepare for regulations like PEFCR and France’s Environmental Cost. Together with Cascale, Worldly is committed to helping companies understand, disclose, and reduce the environmental impacts associated with their products.”

The deep dive explains how both frameworks build on life cycle assessment (LCA) methodologies — and where they diverge in scope and intent. While the PEFCR is positioned to support EU-wide initiatives such as the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) and Green Claims Directive, France’s national framework introduces additional product- and brand-level considerations aimed at addressing overproduction and fast fashion.

The publication also outlines the strategic implications of dual frameworks, offering recommendations on how companies can prepare by leveraging existing tools and aligning global supply chain systems. Practical recommendations include:

How to assess product and supply chain data readiness

How tools like the Higg Index and Worldly’s Product Impact Calculator support alignment with both frameworks

How to reduce future disruption by preparing now for product-level environmental disclosures

This release marks the latest in a series of joint policy deep dives from Cascale and Worldly, following previous reports on the EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CS3D), IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards, and key trends in corporate supply chain responsibility for APAC. It reflects the two organizations’ shared commitment to enabling credible, aligned, and scalable solutions across the consumer goods value chain and keeping members updated on regulatory developments.

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Get expert analysis, regulatory comparisons, and actionable recommendations to prepare your business for product-level environmental disclosure in the EU and French markets.