In the transition to a circular economy, it is crucial that we not only reduce waste – but also address harmful chemicals in products to minimise negative health impacts and improve reusability. ECOS works to prevent and reduce waste and prioritise efficient product recovery for longer product and material lifecycles. From development and design to end-of-life and recycling, we push to minimise the impact of products. We want products to be as toxic-free as possible to help realise a clean, circular economy and material cycles with minimal impacts on human health and the environment. Keeping material flows non-toxic from the start makes managing products’ end-of-life easier and prevents creating legacy chemicals.
View moreECOS campaigns for an ambitious implementation of the ecodesign & energy labelling policies, which is vital for the success of the circular and clean energy agendas.
View moreOur goal is to ensure an effective participation of the environmental voice in a more transparent and inclusive standardisation system resulting in standards fit to support EU policy objectives and environmental challenges.
View moreThe entire plastics value chain must undergo a deep transformation, including an absolute reduction of plastic production and demand for plastics.
View moreCurrent market dynamics favour short-term profits over the long-term well-being of the planet. Bringing our economies within planetary boundaries requires an urgent shift in how business is done. However, without strong and standardised methodologies to assess the environmental impacts of investments, companies and financial institutions cannot minimise their negative impacts, and stakeholders cannot make informed business decisions. Our aim is to ensure sustainable finance and corporate reporting frameworks are accurate, accessible, and usable for key stakeholders - including investors, competitors, and consumers - to play their vital roles in transitioning towards a truly green economy.
View moreECOS is looking for experts in the field of circular bio-based construction to represent and defend environmental interests in the development of standards and related policies. Our experts provide us with technical and scientific input and represent ECOS in standardisation processes and multi-stakeholder discussions.
Through our Africa Office, we are developing partnerships with key regional players in standardisation and policy in the African region. A new Memorandum of Understanding between ECOS and ARSO, the African Organisation for Standardisation, will facilitate our closer collaboration on standardisation activities and the promotion of the effective participation of environmental stakeholders in the development of standards in Africa.
In 2023, the European Commission established the High-Level Forum on European Standardisation to advise on strategic political matters in this field. Ever since the Forum was created, ECOS has been championing inclusiveness and capacity building of civil society actors in standardisation.
Companies that make no changes to their usual practices but claim their products or operations are climate neutral by buying carbon offsetting credits are greenwashing. The European Union recently took the same stance with new rules on green claims and empowering consumers. Our report reveals that a leading international standard rubberstamps practices that contradict these laws and are not aligned with the goals of the Paris Agreement.
Download the pdfECOS is an international network of environmental NGOs. Our members support our mission to defend environmental interests in the development of standards and product regulations. The ECOS membership package offers a range of benefits and unique access to information and events. Meet our members, learn about the ECOS membership packages and find out about how to become a member.
Become a MemberECOS is co-funded by the European Commission and EFTA Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or EISMEA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
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