France to launch environmental cost label on food packages by 2027

The French Ministry for the Ecological Transition and the agency ADEME have approved a methodology to calculate the “environmental cost” of food products. The score, expressed in points, reflects the full life‑cycle impact of a product on climate, biodiversity, resources and health, allowing consumers to compare items such as French honey with Chinese honey (74 vs 131 points).

The label, intended to become mandatory under the Agec law of 2020 and the Climate and Resilience law of 2021, will initially be voluntary. Five brands – Carrefour, Panzani, Bjorg, Lobodis and Compagnons du Miel – have joined the Collectif en Vérité initiative, while E. Leclerc already shows the cost online for its private‑label range. The European Commission’s approval is expected after a September notification, with a rollout on shelves planned for 2027. The collective will run consumer‑testing pilots to ensure the tool is understood, emphasizing that the “real boss is the customer.”