An approach to textile PEF and LCA analysis that is actually possible to implement?

PRESS RELEASE | The NF&TA supports a one-of-its-kind new PEF workstream involving Trimco Group, Green Score Capital and four key brands.

Trimco Group, Green Score Capital, and four prominent Norwegian apparel brands are working together to overcome the challenges of Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) and Life Cycle Assessments (LCA) calculations. Supported by the cluster for the fashion and textile industry in Norway - NF&TA, this two-year initiative aims to develop a practical framework for reliable PEF calculations in line with EU guidelines.

“While PEFs are not yet mandatory, they are central to many EU policies and upcoming legislation, so in order to support its members as well as the wider apparel and textile community, the NF&TA recognises that it is essential to address the challenges and potential barriers sooner rather than later,” states Gisle Mariani, Head of Development at NF&TA.

Since 2023, Trimco Group, a global leader in supply chain traceability, and Green Score Capital, an expert in science-based environmental metrics, have joined forces to assist brands with PEF calculations. While the PEF method is critical to standardizing environmental footprint measurement, the volume and complexity of data required have created significant hurdles for brands. Recognizing this, the NF&TA supported by Innovation Norway is funding a project designed to simplify the process and empower the textile industry.

Camilla Mjelde, Compliance & Sustainability Director at Trimco Group, explains, “Brands are willing to commit to PEF, but the barriers lie in accessing and managing the necessary data. This initiative aims to streamline data gathering and improve transparency.” Valérie Tiersen, Founder and Chairwoman of Green Score Capital, adds, “This is a first step that will help brands identify the products with the biggest impact. The goal is effectively to demonstrate it is possible to measure and then, to improve.”

To achieve this, the project has brought together four diverse Norwegian brands, each addressing specific industry challenges:

• Bergans of Norway, a leading Norwegian outdoor brand, will focus on PEF impacts unique to this sector.
• Camilla Pihl representing mid and high-end fashion, will explore how LCA and PEF can support us in making data driven material and supplier choices to reduce the environmental impact across the lifecycle of a garment. Besides it will strengthen and standardize our data gathering and data sharing, improve the digital sustainability tracking and ensure compliance with EU regulations.  
• Holzweiler, a high-end fashion brand already using Trimco’s productDNA solution, will highlight fully integrated digital approaches.
• Sverre W. Monsen, representing workwear, will explore how industrial wash and B2B requirements affect LCA and PEF.

The project aims to identify the exact data required for accurate LCAs, streamline its collection from various systems (e.g., Trimco Group’s ProductDNA®, PLM, ERP), and apply advanced tools like Green Score Capital’s technology. This ensures gaps in data can be bridged using EU-regulated emission factors and other innovative methods.

The initiative also recognizes the evolving nature of PEF regulations. While not mandatory under the ESPR (Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation) with its Digital Product Passport (DPP), PEF elements align closely with the CSRD reporting requirements. This puts the project at the forefront, helping brands prepare for future responsibilities and supporting their sustainability strategies.

The working team will share findings through regular reports, webinars, and articles throughout the collaboration. These sessions will cover key milestones, such as data collection, calculation methods, and actionable steps for improving PEF results, empowering other brands to join the journey toward increased environmental accountability.

Don’t miss the first webinar already on June 3rd, 9am (CEST), where the project will be launched and the first information will be available. REGISTER HERE.

For updates, follow the projects and webinars at www.nfta.no. This initiative sets the stage for greater transparency, collaboration, and progress in sustainable fashion.

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What the participating brands are saying:

BERGANS OF NORWAY

Bergans is participating in the PEF project to assess the availability and gaps in our data in order to comply with the EU’s upcoming requirements for textile products. Our aim is to leverage these insights to make increasingly informed choices in our product development going forward. Collaboration is key in sustainability, and we are certain that we will gain valuable knowledge from all participants in this project.

Yngvill Ofstad, Sustainability Manager at Bergans Fritid AS

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CAMILLA PIHL

For smaller textile companies like CAMILLA PIHL, PEF and LCA are essential tools for future-proofing our business. They help us make informed decisions about materials and the value chain, reduce environmental impact, and align with evolving EU sustainability regulations. By standardizing data and improving transparency, we can remain competitive in a rapidly changing industry. We are excited to join this project deepen our understanding of these topics and explore new ways to integrate sustainability into our operations.  

Margrethe VIKANES, Quality Assurance & Sustainability Manager at Camilla Pihl

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HOLZWEILER

Holzweiler is excited to see how PEF and LCA calculation can bring valuable insights on understanding the environmental impact of the different stages of our product’s life cycle,  and how this insight can allow for a strategic decision-making regarding product development and sourcing, as well as stimulate innovation.

Line Staxrud Eriksen, CSR Manager at Holzweiler

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SVERRE W. MONSEN

Understanding the impact we have on the environment is important to us, and accurate knowledge will enable us to know where to put our effort in order to reduce this impact. The knowledge about how to collect and analyse data for this purpose, is lacking, and by participating in this project, we will contribute to increased knowledge and understanding in this field.

Børre MYKLEBUST, Nordic Business Developer at SVERRE W. MONSEN

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