Environmental labelling involves assigning a score to a product or service that reflects its environmental impact throughout its life cycle. This score can be displayed in-store or online to provide consumers with clear and accessible information.
It is calculated using a rigorous method: life cycle assessment (LCA). This takes into account several criteria, such as greenhouse gas emissions, water and natural resource consumption, effects on biodiversity, and the various forms of pollution generated. The necessary data is sourced from specialised databases, assessment tools and information reported by the companies themselves.
The aim of this scheme is twofold. On the one hand, it enables consumers to better understand the environmental consequences of their purchases and to favour products with the lowest environmental impact. On the other hand, it encourages manufacturers to improve their practices, in particular by incorporating eco-design approaches and reducing the negative effects of their production.
Methodology for the food sector
In France, the environmental labelling scheme covers all food products and is based on five stages of the product life cycle:
- Ingredients
- Processing
- Packaging
- Distribution
- Consumption
The methodology developed by ADEME and the ministry responsible for the food sector is based on the life-cycle assessment (LCA) indicators defined at European level within the framework of the Product Environmental Footprint (PEF). These indicators enable the assessment of environmental impacts linked to energy and water consumption, as well as agricultural practices such as irrigation or the use of pesticides and fertilisers. They are grouped around four key issues: climate, biodiversity, environmental health and resources.
Additional Indicators
Currently, certain agricultural practices can generate positive externalities that the PEF (Product Environmental Footprint) does not include in its impact calculation methodology. These relate, for example, to issues of territorial biodiversity and resilience, the limitation of habitat fragmentation, the maintenance of green corridors and refuge areas, or the natural regulation of crop pests.
To obtain an environmental cost tailored to reality, these 16 PEF indicators are supplemented by 4 elements specific to the food sector, considered to be ecosystem services:
- Hedgerows: Considered essential refuge and biodiversity areas.
- Permanent grasslands: Considered refuge areas and sources of floral biodiversity.
- Plot size: Smaller plots increase buffer zones and landscape diversity.
- Territorial diversity: Calculated using the Simpson index, it reflects the integration of crops into diverse landscape mosaics favorable to biodiversity versus homogeneous areas (monocultures).
For each of these indicators, default values are proposed for each type of production (e.g., wheat, corn, sunflower, etc.), distinguishing at this stage between conventional and organic agriculture. Other certifications may be integrated later.
Additional indicators related to "ecosystem services" are converted into "impact points" and are deducted from the "impact score." They can represent up to 30% of the environmental score.
The calculation method for the environmental cost of food products has been officially finalized as of May 13, 2026.
To understand the relationship between the Agribalyse and Ecobalyse databases, please see the relevant information sheet: Agribalyse–Ecobalyse information sheet for the general public (in French).