Digital Product Passport (PEFCR v3.1 Explained): What It Means for Fashion
On May 14, 2025, the EU oficially approved the PEFCR v3.1 for apparel and footwear, marking the first harmonized LCA standard for fashion in Europe.
The Product Environmental Footprint Category Rules (PEFCR) v3.1 is the new gold standard for measuring product impact that will directly power the Digital Product Passport (DPP). What does it mean?
What does this mean for fashion brands?
Brands are now expected to measure the environmental impact of each product across its entire life cycle: from raw material extraction and production to transport, use phase, and end-of-life.
According to PEFCR v3.1, brands must calculate impact based on factors such as:
How does this link to the Digital Product Passport (DPP)
The Digital Product Passport will not just be a compliance tool but also a transparency and brand differentiation tool, linking impact data to consumer trust, repair services, and resale.
The outcomes of your PEF study will feed directly into the mandatory Digital Product Passport, part of the upcoming Eco design for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR).
What must the DPP include?
What can your brand do now?
1. Start mapping your data: Across materials, processes, suppliers, and product lifespans.
2. Explore multiple DPP providers: Compare offerings, prices, integration, and usability
3. Align impact data with your CSRD strategy and upcoming Green Claims Directive.
4. Prepare for eco-modulated EPR fees: products designed for durability and recyclability will pay less once EU-wide textile EPR is fully in place (France has this in place).
Need help?
At RethinkRebels and The Circle Club, we've already guided brands in implementing these frameworks, from circularly designed jackets and bags to upcycling collaborations within The Circle Club. Furthermore, we support brands with:
We don’t build DPP tools, but we help you ask the right questions, navigate tools, and choose a solution that fits your brand’s goals and resources.
Curious to learn more or ready to get started?
Email rachel@rethinkrebels.com for a free intake.
On May 14, 2025, the EU oficially approved the PEFCR v3.1 for apparel and footwear, marking the first harmonized LCA standard for fashion in Europe.
The Product Environmental Footprint Category Rules (PEFCR) v3.1 is the new gold standard for measuring product impact that will directly power the Digital Product Passport (DPP). What does it mean?
- New metrics: durability, repairability, recycled content.
- Microplastic release module
- Stricter data requirements (primary BOM data, supplier details)
What does this mean for fashion brands?
Brands are now expected to measure the environmental impact of each product across its entire life cycle: from raw material extraction and production to transport, use phase, and end-of-life.
According to PEFCR v3.1, brands must calculate impact based on factors such as:
- Climate impact (CO₂ equivalents)
- Water use, land use, and fossil resource depletion
- Toxicity, acidification, and particulate matter
- Microplastic release
- Intrinsic durability, repairability, and lifespan
How does this link to the Digital Product Passport (DPP)
The Digital Product Passport will not just be a compliance tool but also a transparency and brand differentiation tool, linking impact data to consumer trust, repair services, and resale.
The outcomes of your PEF study will feed directly into the mandatory Digital Product Passport, part of the upcoming Eco design for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR).
What must the DPP include?
- A unique QR code or digital ID per product
- Data on material composition, origin, and impact figures (e.g. CO₂, water use)
- Usage tips, repair instructions, and end-of-life options
- Information on chemical substances (if applicable)
- Any sustainability claims or certifications, supported by verified data
What can your brand do now?
1. Start mapping your data: Across materials, processes, suppliers, and product lifespans.
2. Explore multiple DPP providers: Compare offerings, prices, integration, and usability
3. Align impact data with your CSRD strategy and upcoming Green Claims Directive.
4. Prepare for eco-modulated EPR fees: products designed for durability and recyclability will pay less once EU-wide textile EPR is fully in place (France has this in place).
Need help?
At RethinkRebels and The Circle Club, we've already guided brands in implementing these frameworks, from circularly designed jackets and bags to upcycling collaborations within The Circle Club. Furthermore, we support brands with:
- Building PEF-compliant impact data
- Collaborating with DPP providers and making informed choices
- Integrating everything into your CSRD strategy, Green Claims-proof storytelling, and due diligence systems
We don’t build DPP tools, but we help you ask the right questions, navigate tools, and choose a solution that fits your brand’s goals and resources.
Curious to learn more or ready to get started?
Email rachel@rethinkrebels.com for a free intake.
Author
Rachel Cannegieter
Sustainability & Circularity Board Advisor | Fashion & ESG Expert | Founder, Circular Impact Consultancy RethinkRebels | CSRD | GRI | B Corp Leader | Driving sustainable leadership, strategic impact & lasting change.