Requirements on Consumer Information about Product ... - ANEC

Consumer Information about PCF
In general, it is helpful to know the CO2e emissions over the life cycle of a product and the
range of possible differences among different product types (e.g. virgin paper versus
recycling paper). However, it does not seem to be useful – having the therewith connected
costs in mind – to request a PCF for each single product.
By promoting recycled paper in contrast to virgin paper and by addressing the reduction of
paper consumption by consumers in general (e.g. by printing double sided) the climate
change issue can also be addressed.
PCF is one starting point for the development of criteria in type I labels. Other aspects are:
resource demand (wood / recovered fibres) and herewith connected land use, water
consumption (e.g. according to ifeu 2006 recycling paper needs 32 m³ less water per ton of
paper for production than virgin paper), water emissions due to use of chemicals for
processing (e.g. COD, AOX).
However, as far as data are available, no adverse effects are to be expected by focussing on
low CO2e paper, PCF pointing in the right direction.
Overall, it can be concluded that in-depth PCF studies can serve as a starting point for the
development of criteria. A single CO2 centred label covering the whole life cycle of paper,
however, would leave out too many important issues (like water consumption, chemicals)
and include too many uncertainties resp. variables (such as. transport). Still the approach of
the EU Ecolabel to address the production phase with a CO2 limit seems to make most
sense.
6.9 Conclusions as how global warming is best addressed in the analysed
product groups
Against this background it can be concluded in general that PCF is particularly useful in the
three following cases:
Type I labels should include in-depth PCF studies as starting point for the development of
criteria. It should then be checked whether the setting of CO2e values as a direct limit,
makes sense for single life cycle phases (e.g. as for paper production) or if this is not the
case. The same can be stated for labels such as organic food label.
General recommendations on purchase behaviour and usage can be developed on the
bases of the results of in-depth PCF studies and then be communicated to consumers
(example: food).
Existing mandatory labels using CO2 values for communication (e.g. cars, electricity) should
be continued and be improved concerning their outcome, in order to convince consumers to
purchase climate friendly products. The EU energy label in contrast should not be expanded
to CO2 figures.
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