The event aims to illustrate to MEPs and interested parties, through concrete examples, how the private sector, with the participation of stakeholders, can be stimulated and associated to improve resource efficiency. 

Household consumption of goods and services represents indeed a major challenge in reducing our impact on the climate and the environment. Introducing an environmental component in consumer purchasing choices and providing the entire production and distribution chain with new indicators should in turn intensify their efforts to better eco-design products and improved resource efficiency. 

The European Commission is developing a common methodology for the environmental footprinting of consumer products. This methodology was tested by a panel of 10 companies on a voluntary basis in the second half of 2011. Also, in France there is an ongoing pilot project (started 01-07-2011) on consumer product environmental information. More than 160 European companies, of all sizes and from all sectors, participate on a voluntary basis. 

The workshop aims to show how an innovative and operational tool such as product environmental footprinting can contribute to better resource efficiency and to greening of the value chain. Two companies will present their projects, and  the European Commission and the French Sustainable Development Ministry will also present their policies. 

In the context of the Commission Flagship under the EU2020 Strategy and the Roadmap on a "Resource Efficient Europe", and the revision of the EU Action plan on Sustainable Consumption and Production, this event is an opportunity to discuss what should be done at EU level concerning product environmental footprinting and consumer information.