FEBRUARY 2026

Dear ECOS subscriber,

This month, ECOS has joined forces with three organisations to explain the importance and value of civil society representation in European standardisation, helping to build stronger standards. We have also opened registration for a new webinar where ECOS experts will “unbox” the upcoming EU Product Act.

We have an update from our ECOS Africa office, as we continue to work with national partners on standards and a Green Public Procurement (GPP) approach to low-carbon construction, and in our latest blog we discuss our valuable collaboration with partners in Kenya to inform the EU’s end of waste criteria.

Read on to discover more – including one of our success stories – plus the usual updates from our members and calls for experts.

Four reasons why societal stakeholders and SMEs make EU standards stronger

The EU Standardisation Regulation supports representation of societal and small business interests in standards-making through Annex III. This has opened the door to a wealth of knowledge and experience that gives balance, legitimacy, and real-life insight into standardisation, ensuring that European standards are fit for a future-proof Single Market.

Used textiles and textile waste: Lessons and insights from Kenya

To better understand the trade in used textiles and textile waste in importing countries, we are engaging with and learning from key partners in Kenya. Their valuable insight contributed to shaping our input into developing effective end-of-waste criteria in the EU and holistic perspective in addressing the negative impacts of importing used textiles and textile waste.

An inclusive approach to standards-making

A climate neutral, resilient, and circular economy will not happen without standards developed in an inclusive way, with environmental stakeholders at the table. In 2025, we connected with more and more stakeholders at international, regional, and national level to strengthen the voice of civil society in standardisation.

From the ground up: Decarbonising infrastructure and buildings

Africa's population will increase 60% by 2050, and two-thirds of the necessary infrastructure is yet to be built - ushering in an unprecedented wave of construction. We are working with national partners and experts in Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa to build a strong standards framework and explore a Green Public Procurement (GPP) approach to scale up the wide range of low-carbon construction materials.

Unboxing the EU Product Act

14 April 2026

The European Commission has proposed the revision of the New Legislative Framework, the Market Surveillance Regulation, and the Standardisation Regulation under the so-called ‘EU Product Act’. It is unclear if this process will lead to a merger of legislative texts or if they will be kept separate – but what is certain, is that these revisions are necessary to ensure coherence and consistency and this is an opportunity not to be missed to further reinforce EU product policy.

Join this ECOS webinar as our experts unpack this framework of EU legislation and discuss how to build a competitive and future-proof Single Market that is fit for circular economy and the digital transition.

• EU Carbon Removals and Carbon Farming – delegated act

• Market surveillance and compliance of products
• Food as a strategic sector: Strengthening EU commitment to sustainable food procurement

Get involved with ECOS

Call for expert - Methane emissions

ECOS is seeking experts on methane emissions to represent and defend environmental interests in the development of standards and related policies.

Deadline: 09 March

Apply today >>

Call for tender - External audit services

The purpose of this call for tender is to appoint an external audit firm, through a framework contract, for the provision of external audit services for a three-year period.

Deadline: 13 March

Apply today >>

One year of reporting suspected planned obsolescence

With over 3,000 submissions in the first year, Halte à l’Obsolescence Programmée (HOP, France) has published an analysis of reports of planned obsolescence [FR] - with smartphones representing the majority of multimedia products reported.

Two concrete proposals to make European emissions trading work for cement

A well-designed and effective carbon pricing and trading system is the cornerstone to a clean and competitive European industry, writes the Alliance for Low-Carbon Cement & Concrete in their latest position paper.

Industrial Accelerator Act risks missing the mark for concrete and steel

A coalition of industry, civil society, and public authorities - Buy Better to Build Better say that quotas in the Industrial Accelerator Act are disconnected from what is feasible and needed to create strong lead markets for concrete and steel in Europe.

Community day on carbon accounting

12 March, Brussels

ECOS Head of Environmental Transparency Mathilde Crêpy is one of the invited experts who will speak at Carbon+Alt+Delete’s Community day about GHG accounting standards and in particular, scope 3 emissions accounting.

4th High-level Forum on European standardisation

19 March - Brussels, Belgium

ECOS Executive Director, Justin Wilkes will participate in the 4th meeting of the High-level Forum on European standardisation. Members will look back at the achievements of the first mandate and discuss shaping priorities for the second mandate - including the European Standardisation Regulation revision.

The future of EPR and reuse systems in achieving circular packaging

24-26 March - Brussels, Belgium

Our Senior Programme Manager Fanny Rateau will speak at the Packaging Waste & Sustainability Forum. Drop by the panel session: ‘The future of extended producer responsibility systems’ and say hello!