Green claims, including those promising 'climate neutral', ‘plastic neutral’ or 'nature positive' products and companies, have gained significant prominence in the recent years. However, the credibility of these claims raises doubts and poses the question: should we believe them?
ECOS - as part of the Coolproducts coalition- has produced a position paper outlining the technical specifications needed to make the change, as well as a factsheet on why ecodesign will make the transition to clean heating happen!
Every year we generate over 10 million tonnes of e-waste in Europe ‒ it is one of our fastest growing waste streams. Only about half of the discarded appliances are collected, and just 40% are recycled ‒ far from the EU targets. Learn what we do tackle the e-problem!
In the EU alone, 167 000 tonnes of plastic pellets enter the environment every year, making it the second largest source of primary microplastic pollution after tyre wear and tear. The good news is, this can easily be prevented. How? Read our one-pager and find out!
In the EU alone, 167 000 tonnes of plastic pellets enter the environment every year, making it the second largest source of primary microplastic pollution after tyre wear and tear. The good news is, this can easily be prevented. How? Read our one-pager and find out!
The simplest, lightest and most plentiful element in the universe, hydrogen quickly rose on the political agenda as an easy way to decarbonise energy systems. Unfortunately, it is rather far from being a clean solution. Learn about our work on hydrogen and why we need to make sure that it is sourced from renewables.
Biodegradable plastics are often seen as improved versions of regular plastics. There is a certain comfort in thinking that our plastic products could disappear completely, as if they had never existed. However, the reality is very different. Biodegradable plastics are not an alternative to regular plastics. It is important to keep in mind that biodegradability is only an end-of-life management option. Prevention of plastic production and use, but also reuse, rank higher in the waste hierarchy and are simply a better choice.
Biodegradable plastics are often seen as improved versions of regular plastics. There is a certain comfort in thinking that our plastic products could disappear completely, as if they had never existed. However, the reality is very different. Biodegradable plastics are not an alternative to regular plastics. It is important to keep in mind that biodegradability is only an end-of-life management option. Prevention of plastic production and use, but also reuse, rank higher in the waste hierarchy and are simply a better choice.
Biodegradable plastics remain high on the political and public agenda. From a potential exemption as part of the REACH microplastics restriction, to media articles on biodegradable bags still capable of carrying shopping after being exposed to the natural environment for 3 years, and France’s decision to ban plastic table ware unless it is 50% bio-based and home compostable, the debate on biodegradable plastics is going strong.
By 2050, two thirds of the world’s households could have an air conditioner due to the effects of global warming. According to the International Energy Agency, the total number of air conditioners is expected to grow from 1.6 to 5.6 billion globally. The need to switch to climate-friendly refrigerants has never been so great!
ECOS 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.
