Ecos
brand rating & evaluation
overall rating:
Top Choice
Our ratings are based on a scale from 1 (Avoid) to 5 (Top Choice). See How We Rate
The Shifting Gaia rating evaluates brands based on sustainable practices, ingredients and materials, and social responsibility, among others. Below are a few factors influencing this brand's score:
certifications:
learn more about these certifications*
overview
sustainability
non-toxic
social responsibility
8.7 out of 10
10 out of 10
9.5 out of 10
about
highlights
Carbon neutral
Non-toxic
Low-impact formulations
Certified zero-waste in production
sustainability
score:
8.7 out of 10
details:
Packaging
ECOS relies heavily on plastics, though they have taken some measures to reduce impact. All bottles, caps, and packaging are 100% recyclable. All bottles, caps, and packaging are 100% recyclable. ECOS is increasing recycled content in its plastics, targeting a minimum of 50% post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic in bottles by 2025. Additionally, ECOS offers concentrated formulas and bulk sizes that deliver more uses per package.
ECOS introduced liquidless laundry detergent sheets in 100% plastic-free, compostable packaging.
Ingredient Sustainability
ECOS formulates its cleaners with highly sustainable, plant-based ingredients. Our review of sample products shows they are composed primarily of renewable, biodegradable plant-derived surfactants and natural minerals.
All sampled formulas are readily biodegradable and greywater-safe, containing no persistent phosphates or chlorine. Notably, ECOS avoids petroleum-derived surfactants that create toxic byproducts; instead of ethoxylated sulfates (e.g. SLES) that can generate 1,4-dioxane, ECOS uses non-ethoxylated alternatives like sodium coco-sulfate from coconut oil.
ECOS has over 120 products certified by the U.S. EPA Safer Choice program.
Energy Use and Footprint
The company achieved carbon neutrality in 2013 across all operations by aggressively cutting emissions and switching to 100% renewable electricity at its facilities. ECOS operates four geographically distributed manufacturing plants (CA, IL, WA, NJ) to shorten shipping distances and reduce transportation emissions. All facilities run on renewable energy (solar and wind), and ECOS was the first company to earn LEED Zero Carbon and LEED Zero Energy certifications for its factories.
Operational transparency is high: ECOS publishes detailed sustainability reports verifying Scope 1–3 emissions and progress toward science-based targets.
ECOS has implemented a comprehensive zero-waste strategy to minimize waste from production and operations. In 2015, ECOS achieved TRUE Platinum Zero Waste certification, meaning it consistently diverts over 99% of its manufacturing and office waste away from landfills and incineration.
Waste Management
The company reports achieving zero waste in its production lines, meaning no manufacturing or assembly waste is sent to landfills or incineration. They have eliminated production scraps and redundant materials.
Beyond solid waste, ECOS conserves water and minimizes wastewater in production: through efficiency and on-site treatment, it became water-neutral by cutting usage and replenishing watersheds via partnerships.
Business Model
ECOS’s business model encourages mindful consumption and longevity rather than excessive throughput. The brand emphasizes concentrated, efficient products that reduce the resources needed per use. By offering bulk sizes and refill options (such as gallon jugs and refill packs), ECOS helps consumers buy in larger quantities to minimize single-use packaging.
non-toxic
score:
10 out of 10
details:
ECOS formulates its products to be safe for humans (and pets) with no toxic chemicals, backed by rigorous transparency and third-party safety certifications. All ECOS products are free of the most common harmful ingredients found in conventional cleaners. They contain no parabens, phthalates, formaldehyde or formaldehyde-releasing preservatives, phosphates, chlorine bleach, ammonia, triclosan, or artificial dyes and optical brighteners.
It also steers clear of risky preservatives like triclosan and parabens – in their place, ECOS uses Safer Choice-approved preservatives (e.g. potassium sorbate, phenoxyethanol, ethylhexylglycerin) at minimal concentrations. The formulations are often rated A in EWG’s Guide to Healthy Cleaning, and many carry the USDA Biobased label confirming high content of biobased (plant) ingredients.
social responsibility
score:
9.5 out of 10
details:
All ECOS manufacturing facilities in the U.S. pay well above minimum wage – in 2014 ECOS voluntarily raised its starting wage to $17/hour, one of the highest in the industry, and has continued to adjust compensation to provide a true living wage. While ECOS’s supply chain is global, it engages in responsible sourcing initiatives such as RSPO membership to ensure fair and sustainable practices in palm oil cultivation.
ECOS is 100% cruelty-free and vegan, ensuring its products have no negative impact on animals. The brand is certified by the Leaping Bunny program.
ECOS is deeply involved in community advocacy and charitable partnerships as well. It collaborates with non-profits and business coalitions to push for stronger health and environmental protections. ECOS was instrumental in passing California’s Cleaning Product Right to Know Act (2017) by working with legislators and NGOs to require ingredient transparency nationwide.
