July 2025

Dear ECOS subscriber,

The European Standardisation Regulation holds strategic importance for ECOS and is now under revision. Watch this space, as the public consultation is expected in the coming weeks. We will keep our members informed and up to date on how they can contribute to the consultation.

In other news this month, we have a new European standard for testing the durability of washing machines and we also discuss ‘the big question’ - what kinds of hydrogen now qualify as ‘low-carbon’ in the EU? All this and more, plus the usual updates from our members and partners across the globe.

European standards: Inclusive, fit for purpose, and environmentally ambitious

The revision of the European Standardisation Regulation holds strategic importance for ECOS. In our response to the call for evidence, we offer valuable insights into the main challenges facing the European Standardisation System and we propose targeted improvements to help address these challenges effectively.

New European standard lays the basis for more durable washing machines

To manage global resources sustainably, we must make our appliances more energy and material efficient and last longer. A new European standard introduces a new method to test the durability of washing machines. This is a first step towards unlocking the full load of environmental and consumer benefits.

Defining low-carbon hydrogen: How to do it right

The European Commission has just published new rules on how to calculate greenhouse gas emissions from hydrogen production, defining what can be classified as ‘low-carbon’. What methods and definitions are the most accurate, and how can they be integrated into EU law? Find out in our blog.

Cemented in reality: Ensuring credible and accurate Environmental Attributes Certificates

Ensuring real emissions reductions goes hand in hand with accurate and credible emissions accounting. There is a lot of focus on the use of Environmental Attribute Certificates to show companies are playing their part – but not all EACs are made equal. Learn more in our new factsheet.

Commission drafts exemptions to ban on destroying unsold clothes

The European Commission’s draft exemptions for the ban on destroying unsold clothes could allow the continued destruction of branded clothes. ECOS Programme Manager Luca Boniolo told ENDS Europe that this is “a potentially big and very concerning loophole because it risks enabling the status quo, with brands destroying perfectly functional products with impunity.”

6 September 2025

How data centre expansion risks derailing climate goals - and how to fix it

The popularity of AI and digital technologies is driving a boom in the need for data centres. The unchecked evolution of AI risks undermining climate goals, destabilising energy systems, and deepening environmental and social inequalities. Join us online as we launch a new report on the environmental impacts of data centres and possible EU policy responses.

• Durability of reusable packaging
• Creating lead markets for the construction sector through effective public procurement
• No further weakening of due diligence rules in the EU Batteries Regulation
• Civil society concerns about the Sixth Omnibus on chemicals
• Businesses and NGOs call on EU to save Green Claims Directive
• How standards can support a sustainable circular economy

Millions of euros and valuable raw materials wasted without electronics repair

Better repair policies could add millions of euros to the Dutch economy and create hundreds of jobs, says a new report from Natuur en Milieu. Their research shows that targeted repair policies [NL] - for mobile phones alone - could generate €35 million and over 500 jobs in the Netherlands, and longer lasting smartphones could save consumers €50 annually.

Bulldozers and tractors threaten biodiversity and safety on Italy’s beaches

Every day, Italian coastline are ploughed in the name of decorum, destroying natural habitats and nests and even jeopardising the safety of swimmers. Legambiente is calling for an immediate moratorium on this silent but devastating process [IT] - occurring in open violation of European directives and Italian law

Over 600 civil society groups worldwide demand robust plastics treaty

A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to truly end plastic pollution, civil society groups have renewed calls for the plastics treaty to ensure significant cuts in global plastic production. At least 600 organisations from around the world have signed a manifesto, outlining key demands for a strong global treaty that shall end plastic pollution through significant reduction in plastic production.

Heat Pump Forum

24 September, Brussels

Attending this year’s Heat Pump Forum?, Say hello to our Senior Programme Manager, Luka De Bruyckere who will be moderating an afternoon panel discussion on system integration and how to unlock the flexibility of heat pumps so they can support the grid.