Ethical retailer of the week: Ecover

The world’s largest producer of eco-friendly cleaning products, Ecover, is at the forefront of sustainability and was defined by the Time magazine as an ‘eco pioneer’.

Founded in Belgium in 1980 with the aim of creating a line of cleaning products based on plant ingredients that would not have negative effects on the environment and water systems, Ecover developed the first phosphate-free washing powder and several other products of high quality – but also natural and environmentally friendly.

It produces products for washing, household cleaning, bathrooms and personal care.

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) named Ecover in the Global 500 Roll of Honour for its commitment to sustainability, making it the first household cleaning firm to appear in the list.

Among the company’s measures to protect the environment and reduce waste, is the creation of plastic derived from sugarcane for bottles called Plant-astic, a renewable, reusable and recyclable that the firm has been used since 2011.

Ecover also sponsored the Observer Ethical Awards, an event that rewards firms and individuals that give a significant contribution to preserve the environment and create ethical initiatives.

In March, Ecover announced the creation of a new fossil-free plastic packing to be launched in 2014, produced from sugarcane and plastic waste collected from the sea. The initiative is part of a campaign named Message in our Bottle on preserving water.

The firm also funded a giant bee sculpture, made by the artist Ptolemy Elrington, with recycled material that was showcased at Glastonbury this year.

Ecover’s factory is powered by green electricity and has natural roof insulation made by Sedum. The firm also gained the leaping bunny certification, which makes it not only a green and ecological but also cruelty-free company.