What does the product environmental footprint (PEF) primarily focus on?

The Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) primarily concentrates on assessing the environmental impacts associated with a product throughout its entire life cycle. This includes the extraction of raw materials, manufacturing processes, distribution, use, and end-of-life disposal or recycling. By quantifying factors such as greenhouse gas emissions, resource consumption, and waste generation, the PEF provides a comprehensive overview of how a product affects the environment.

This focus on environmental impacts sets the PEF apart from considerations such as economic performance, social impacts, or consumer satisfaction, which are related but distinct aspects of product assessment. Understanding the PEF is crucial for organizations aiming to minimize their environmental footprint and enhance sustainability in their production and consumption practices.