How do we calculate the Eco-score?
With the Eco-score, we want to map out the entire environmental impact of food products. Yes, really the full impact. This enables us to continue to make our product range more sustainable, so you can make more sustainable choices. Calculating the impact involves many different data and criteria. On the one hand, factors that influence the environment throughout a product's life cycle, and on the other hand any additional pluses and minuses, for example, sustainability labels that have been awarded.
From farm to fork
If you want to know the full environmental impact of a product, you have to look at the whole path it takes. The ‘life cycle’, say, from raw material, production, distribution, consumption to waste disposal.
In order to know the ecological impact of this cycle, we use the results of the life cycle analyses in the Agribalyse database. They are calculated on the basis of the PEF (Product Environmental Footprint) method and take various factors into account.
- Climate change
- Depletion of the ozone layer
- Ionising radiation
- Land, water and energy use
- Land, water and air pollution
(fine particles, acidification, eutrophication...) - Resource depletion
Earn bonus points!
Besides the life cycle of a product, other elements influence the environment as well. The protection of biodiversity, for example, or the impact of plastic on the oceans. Just like the environmental requirements, which may vary from country to country. Therefore, it is important to take additional criteria into account when assessing the environmental impact of a product. And that is how products can earn additional plus or minus points.
Life cycle analyses (LCA)
Bonus-malus points
Collecting data
The calculation method of the Eco-score is a solid method which originated in France. As it is very complex to make a life cycle assessment of a product, the French methodology uses average values for the same product category. They can be found in the “Agribalyse” database.
The specific data needed to assign plus and minus points are usually more readily available. On the packaging, for example. However, we do not always find the necessary information there either. The producer can, of course, provide or add additional information on the label to calculate the Eco-score.
The more specific data we have, the more accurate the score will be. We therefore want to encourage brands to be transparent and to provide the necessary data. Step by step, we are working to collect even more data and thus refine the method so that the Eco-score is even better geared to the Belgian market.
An example
Two products are compared, i.e. organic honey of Boni Bio Selection in a glass jar and the liquid honey of Bio in a squeeze bottle. The first has an Eco-score A whereas the second scores worse with a B. How do we explain the difference? The liquid honey loses a lot of points when it comes to packaging. The non-recyclable plastic squeeze bottle scores 12 minus points, while the glass jar with metal lid only loses 2 points.
What is the environmental impact of this solid honey?
Life cycle analyses
Calculated based on data from 'Agribalyse' database
Bonus-malus points
Calculated from data on the label or from the producer
What is the environmental impact of this liquid honey?
Product packaged in non-recyclable material cannot be rated higher than an Eco-score B.
The maximum obtainable score is in that case 79/100.
Life cycle analyses
Calculated based on data from 'Agribalyse' database
Bonus-malus points
Calculated from data on the label or from the producer
An important footnote regarding transport and packaging
Agave syrup from Boni with Eco-score C is a good example to demonstrate how the Eco-score is based on more factors than merely transportation and packaging. These last two factors immediately stand out to the customer and therefore often raise questions among consumers. The fact that this agave syrup gets Eco-score C while honey is given Eco-score A has a lot to do with the 'Sales' factor considered in the life cycle analysis.
Other major factors influencing the Eco-score are often on the 'Agriculture' side: use of fertilisers or pesticides, processing or water consumption. Also, what you eat often remains more important than the distance the product travels. Honey for instance will typically have a lower environmental impact, even if it comes from distant countries.
In short: the use of the Eco-score gives an overall picture. The life cycle analysis is specific to each product group such as honey. The Eco-score is specific to each product within the group because it also takes into account several other factors via the bonus-malus system. That is where the added value of the Eco-score lies.
Life cycle analyses
Calculated based on data from 'Agribalyse' database
Bonus-malus points
Calculated from data on the label or from the producer
The Eco-score makes it easier to make eco-friendly choices. At a glance you can see information about the environmental impact of a product.
The Eco-score helps you to consume more sustainably. And it helps us to reduce the ecological impact of our own-brand products.
The figures on the environmental impact of food are undeniable. Fortunately, you can make a big difference with your everyday food choices.