Environmental Food Label

The project is designed to facilitate the transformation of the European food system towards greater sustainability, health, and transparency. It aims to empower consumers and stakeholders by providing clear, science-based information to support more sustainable and healthier choices.

Europe presents a complex environment for the adoption of a unified holistic environmental labelling standard. To address this challenge, EFL aims to enhance the EIT Food Eco-Impact framework with novel, non-LCA indicators focused on agroecology (biodiversity, soil health, and circularity) and exploring the integration of microplastic pollution data along the value chain. In addition, the project investigates how nutritional information can be combined with environmental performance to support the One Health approach and promote healthier and more sustainable dietary patterns, by linking planetary and human health.

The project applies a multi-stakeholder methodology involving scientific partners, NGOs, producers, retailers, LCA practitioners, and policymakers.

Through technical roundtables, pilot testing with European food companies, and analysis of consumer perceptions, the project aims to validate the new indicators and ensure their feasibility, usability, and relevance for the food sector.

Real-world consumer testing will evaluate how different label formats and sustainability messages influence understanding, trust, and purchasing behaviour. Evidence gathered contributes to the refinement of the EIT Food environmental labelling framework and informs potential pathways for wider European adoption.