19 million cooling and freezing appliances (CFAs) discarded in Europe every year have a greenhouse warming potential of up to 26 million tonnes of CO2 – Incorrect treatment in Finland, Germany, Greece and Sweden poses a threat to European climate protection goals – Environmental NGOs urge EU Member States to use the requirements of the […]

A new study by the European Commission shows that European consumers are generally willing to engage in Circular Economy (CE) practices, such as repairing products, but actual engagement is rather low mainly because they lack information regarding product durability and reparability. The report, entitled Behavioural Study on Consumers’ Engagement in the Circular Economy, showed that the […]

National governments must follow suit, say campaigners. The European Parliament has leapt forward to protect people and the environment from plastic pollution, and national governments must now show the same ambition, according to the Rethink Plastic alliance. An overwhelming majority in the European Parliament voted today to strengthen the European Commission’s plan to cut pollution from […]

In October, ECOS, in cooperation with CEN, organised a training on how to promote and defend environmental interests in the development of European standards. The training gathered our members, experts and environmental NGO partners from across Europe. The participants heard from experienced ECOS experts and staff, CEN and the European Commission. Interactive sessions helped participants […]

An international standards revision to increase the charge limits on using hydrocarbons in HVAC&R systems should expand the market for these natural refrigerants, according to new market research conducted for LIFE FRONT, one of the projects where ECOS is partner. The report, entitled “Impact of standards on hydrocarbon refrigerants in Europe“, found that standards limiting […]

ECOS is pleased to see that “The annual Union work programme for European standardisation for 2019” has finally been published after being delayed by the hierarchy of the European Commission. The work programme is a key tool of the EC highlighting the priorities for 2019. We are pleased to note those priorities include actions in […]

With the effects of climate change becoming increasingly visible and the stronger determination to prevent a dramatic global temperature increase of 2°C, ECOS urges the European Union, as well as International and European standardisation organisations, to commit to a full decarbonisation and circularisation of the economy. Standards can offer the technical foundation for this to […]

European Parliament must close loopholes, say campaigners – press release from the Rethink Plastic Alliance Producers could simply market items like throwaway plastic cups as reusable, under changes to a draft EU laws on single-use plastics tabled today in the European Parliament, the Rethink Plastic alliance of NGOs has warned. The European Parliament’s environment committee […]