Ecover
Overall Rating:
Average
Location:
Belgium
about the brand
Ecover has long been recognized as a pioneer in eco-friendly cleaning products. In 2017 it was bought by SC Johnson.
certifications
learn more about these certifications*
Ecover
Brand Rating & Evaluation
Overall Rating:
Average
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. These are a few factors influencing this brand's score:
sustainability practices
Ecover sources primarily plant-based ingredients, such as corn sugars and plant oils like palm, coconut, and rapeseed, which are chosen for their biodegradability.
Ecover is a member of the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), sourcing only certified palm oil to ensure that their ingredients do not contribute to deforestation. Additionally, Ecover has made progress toward reducing reliance on palm oil by utilizing alternatives, like locally sourced rapeseed oil. In their manufacturing process, Ecover has achieved TRUE Platinum Zero-Waste certification, diverting over 98% of solid waste away from landfills.
At the same time, association with SC Johnson has caused some consumers to rightly question the integrity of these practices under corporate ownership. Ultimately, Ecover's profits ultimately do flow up to SC Johnson. These profits can find their way into political donations that pressure institutions to limit sustainability initiatives and into broader corporate intiatives that harm that environment.
Corporate ownership by SC Johnson severely limit Ecover's score in this category.
ingredients & materials
Ecover claims to use biodegradable ingredients across its product lines, including plant-based ingredients free from phosphates, optical brighteners, and other harmful chemicals commonly found in conventional cleaning products.
The company holds certifications such as Leaping Bunny and PETA-Certified Cruelty-Free, ensuring that its products do not contain animal-derived ingredients or undergo animal testing.
However, in 2021, Ecover issued a recall for certain batches of its Ecover Zero Non-Bio Laundry Liquid. This recall was due to elevated levels of potassium hydroxide that posed risks of skin irritation or eye damage, highlighting a lapse in quality control. Environmental Working Group (EWG) rates potassium hydroxide with moderate health concerns due to its caustic properties.
It's inclusion as an ingredient and the 2021 recall lower Ecover's score in this area.
social responsibility
The company’s products are certified by Leaping Bunny and PETA as cruelty-free. However, since SC Johnson’s acquisition, Ecover does not hold additional social responsibility certifications like Fair Trade or B Corporation, which would independently validate labor and ethical practices. Despite these limitations, Ecover maintains a level of transparency in its ingredient sourcing and aims to balance social responsibility
certifications
Leaping Bunny
Cruelty-Free Certified (PETA)
some certifications are product specific*
learn more about these certifications
