Climate labels on your food: how it works
For restaurants, caterers, retailers and brands that want to show the climate impact of their food on menus, shelves or packaging. Since 27 September 2026, the EU Empowering Consumers for the Green Transition Directive (Directive (EU) 2024/825, "EmpCo") only allows sustainability labels that are based on a certification scheme or established by public authorities. The ESFC EmpCo scheme is designed to help you meet these requirements for climate labels on food.
Pilot phase: the first certifications are under way. Until your footprint provider's pathway shows 'Certified' on this portal, labels cannot be presented as certified under the scheme.
What is a footprint provider?
A footprint provider is the company whose software calculates the climate impact of your products or recipes and gives you the rating or label, for example Eaternity or Klimato. You don't need your own climate experts: your footprint provider does the calculations, and an independent auditor checks your footprint provider. In the Rulebook and on the pathway pages, footprint providers are simply called providers.
Calculating footprints yourself? If your company does its own calculations in-house, you count as your own footprint provider.
Go to the section for footprint providersHow it works in 60 seconds
You (trader):
Show the labels and are responsible for how they are used.
Your footprint provider:
Calculates the ratings, supplies the labels and is your main point of contact, unless you agree a direct arrangement with the auditor.
Independent auditor (CAB):
checks the footprint provider's method and spot checks labels in the market.
ESFC:
sets the rules, runs this portal and handles complaints.
Your 4 steps
- 1
Choose a footprint provider in the scheme, or ask yours to join
See which footprint providers are registered. If yours is not listed yet, ask them to join the scheme.
Pathways - 2
Accept your footprint provider's terms
Once your footprint provider is in the scheme, its terms include the scheme rules, so you are covered without extra paperwork. Want your company listed by name on this portal? Ask your footprint provider, it is optional. - 3
Display your labels the right way
Follow the do's and don'ts below. Your own label design is fine as long as it follows the rules. - 4
Help with spot checks
Once a year, the auditor checks a sample of labels. If one of yours is picked, your footprint provider will ask you for proof of how it is shown, for example a photo of the menu or packaging. Please reply within 10 working days.
Keep labels up to date
Do's and don'ts
Your footprint provider knows these rules and helps you apply them, but you are responsible for how your labels are displayed.
Do:
- Say clearly what the label covers, for example "Climate impact", on the label itself, not only behind a QR code.
- State the unit the rating is based on, for example "per serving" or "per 400 g". Small print is fine.
- On menus, apps and websites, add one legend per page explaining the symbol and scale, the unit, the scheme name and your footprint provider's name.
- Label items consistently within the group you chose (for example the whole menu), not only the best ones.
- Use "climate-friendly" only for items in your footprint provider's top grade, and only together with the rating and the legend.
Don't:
- Call products "climate neutral" or "carbon neutral" based on offsetting. This is banned under EU law.
- Use vague terms like "eco-friendly", "green" or "sustainable" on their own.
- Suggest a product is better for the environment overall. The label only covers what it states, usually climate impact.
- Compare products rated by different footprint providers. Their methods differ.
- Put "Individual Assurance" or "Collective Assurance" on labels. These are internal scheme terms.
- Keep using a label after your footprint provider tells you it is suspended or withdrawn.
FAQ
Do I need to certify every product?
No. The auditor checks your footprint provider's system and a sample of labels each year.
Do I need to talk to the auditor?
No. Your footprint provider handles all contact with the auditor. If you want a direct arrangement with the auditor, that is possible as a separate agreement. In rare cases the auditor may ask, through your footprint provider, to check on site, with at least 10 working days notice.
Do I sign anything with ESFC?
No. Your footprint provider's terms are enough. Exception: if you calculate footprints in-house, you count as a footprint provider and sign a Participation Agreement with ESFC. See the section for footprint providers.
What does it cost?
There are two parts. First, the ESFC scheme fee per trader, collected by your footprint provider (see the Fee Schedule). Second, the auditor's fees: these are charged to your footprint provider, who may pass them on to you. If you choose an individual public listing, the auditor charges an additional flat fee per trader.
Will my company name be published?
Not by default. The portal shows only totals per footprint provider. You can opt in to a public listing. Anyone can ask us whether a named company is covered.
Can I use my own label design?
Yes, as long as it follows the display rules above.
What happens if someone complains about my label?
ESFC handles complaints. You cooperate through your footprint provider, for example by sharing information or correcting the label.
What is EmpCo?
The EU Empowering Consumers Directive (2024/825). Since 27 September 2026 it bans vague green claims and requires sustainability labels to be based on an independent certification scheme. This scheme was built for that.
My footprint provider is not in the scheme yet. What can I do?
Ask them to join, or contact us at info@esf-coalition.org.
Contact
Questions? Write to info@esf-coalition.org