ecosistant blog
Want to know more about the circular economy, packaging- and product compliance, CSR and other topics related to sustainability in e-commerce? Then this is the right blog for you!
But even for your private life we have some exciting tips and guides for a more sustainable lifestyle. Enjoy reading!
Directive (EU) 2019/904 – Single Use Plastic and Labeling Requirements
The European Union has taken a significant step to curb the plastic tide with Directive (EU) 2019/904. What does this mean for e-commerce?
Plastic tax in Italy July 2026
Based on the EU directive on the use of single-use plastic products, Italy will introduce a plastic tax in 2026. But who will be subject to this tax, which products will be affected and what else should be considered?
The Responsible Person’s role under the Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009
This article provides some insight on the role of Responsible Person (RP) of a Cosmetic Product, and everything that needs to be considered before selling your product in Europe. This is why usually importers delegate that complex role to a third party.
New EU packaging regulation PPWR: what does it mean for e-commerce?
According to the latest draft of the EU Packaging & Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), an Authorized Representative will be required in every member state. This significantly complicates online commerce, especially for smaller businesses. Read in this blog post everything about the Law and why this could become an issue!
Sustainable Polybags in Fashion e-Commerce
Fashion e-commerce and the challenge of sustainability - Read in this article, what influence polybags have regarding this and if there are any sustainable alternatives that are also economical.
UK EPR 2026 + 2027: New recycling labeling
The UK enhances its EPR recycling efforts with the introduction of mandatory recycling labeling for packaging from 2026.
EPR UK: Existing Duties and Upcoming Obligations
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is a principle that holds producers and retailers accountable for the entire lifecycle of their products, especially in terms of their environmental impacts. In the UK, EPR regulations significantly affect e-commerce sellers, particularly those from the EU selling goods to the UK. This article provides an overview of existing duties and looks ahead to future obligations.
EPR Hungary: What to consider for textiles and furniture
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) in Hungary is entering a new phase, which has significant implications for online retail in particular.
Listing suspended: What to do when Amazon does not accept the WEEE number?
We have already reported some time ago that Amazon, like other marketplaces, is now obliged to check the EPR number of sellers. In reality, this leads to problems for many sellers, especially when it comes to electronic devices. The WEEE Reg. Number, which Amazon requires as proof, is often not accepted. So, what to do when Amazon suddenly blocks the listing due to an incorrect or missing WEEE number?
EPR Denmark: Extended Producer Responsibility 2025
EPR Denmark: With Law No. 807 amending the Environmental Protection Act, extended producer responsibility will be implemented in Denmark in 2025.
EPR Sweden 2024: What’s new
Sweden shows everyone how EPR can work: The Swedish government has adopted a comprehensive change in the Producer Responsibility Regulation for packaging, which will be fully effective from 2024.
EPR Finland – What’s Changing starting from 2024
EPR Finland: Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is a crucial environmental measure that holds manufacturers accountable for the disposal and recycling of their products at the end of their lifecycle. Finland is gearing up for a new regulation aimed at reducing the environmental impact of products and promoting a circular economy.
German packaging law: Cheap packaging license 2024 for e-commerce
We are often being asked about costs for the packaging license in Germany. Costs for these licenses often put a high burden on small online retailers and startups. However, there are also cheap offers on the market...
LUCID Packaging Register: Background and Guide
The LUCID Packaging Register is an initiative of the Central Packaging Register Office, which aims to enable companies that put packaging into circulation to share in the costs of recycling packaging waste as part of their product responsibility. Detailed instructions for the LUCID Packaging Register can be found at the end of the article.
Amazon Seller Survival Kit: How to Handle the Most Common Amazon Issues
Exhausted by Amazon and how to succeed selling there? - Our Partner and Expert Seller Candy dealt with this question. Read in the following everything about How to handle the most common Amazon issues!
EU Textile EPR Directive for Fashion Brands
EU Textile EPR Directive: Extended producer responsibility (EPR) for textiles - what's behind it!
Packaging law in Spain: Guidelines for e-commerce
Due to the EU packaging waste directive, each member state has enforced their own laws that govern the recycling of packaging. In this article, we explain the key characteristics of the Spanish packaging law. Read on if you sell directly to consumers in Spain.
German Batteries Act (BattG) 2023: What online retailers must pay attention to now
The German Batteries Act (BattG) regulates the marketing, return and environmentally sound disposal of batteries and accumulators (rechargeable batteries). Starting in 2023, important changes will come into effect that will affect companies and online retailers that deal with batteries. In this article, we would like to inform you about these changes and explain how we can support you in meeting the requirements of the law.
EU Battery Regulation 2023 BATT2 – Important for Online Commerce
The new EU Battery Regulation 2023 (BATT2) is a critical topic for the e-commerce sector. In this article, we provide you with a (not so) brief overview of the regulation and its relevance for online commerce.
Waste prevention and eco-design plan France
Until 31.07.2023, e-commerce companies have to submit a waste prevention and eco-design plan in France. Read more about deadlines, penalties and help here!
Amazon COS: How to use the programme to expand
Simply expand your business to European markets with Amazon COS (Call of Stock). Markus Pfister provides information on how this works, what advantages it brings and more in this blog post.
Excise duties for online alcohol retailers in Europe
With the raising interest of selling goods online, the European market of alcohol sales via e-commerce has grown as well. But there are still a few obstacles you need to be aware of before expanding new markets. Read therefore in this article everything about being compliant with different indirect taxes around the EU.
Packaging act Estonia – Latest news and changes
Which packaging law applies to a start-up in Estonia? What applies to online traders who ship to Estonia? All the latest information and changes ...
Everything you need to know to sell cosmetics in Europe
Read everything about European Regulation on cosmetic products and what you need to do to sell your products in Europe in this article.
Textile EPR in the Netherlands – Changes in 2023
In various European countries it already exists or is about to be introduced: The EPR - Extended Producer Responsibility for textile products. In the Netherlands, this will also become reality. Read if you are affected and what you have to do!
Anti-Greenwashing Law: What does the EU Green Claims Regulation mean for brands in Europe?
EU takes action: Environmental advertising and eco-promises will be regulated in the future. Only licensed test seals will be allowed. Expert: "This will noticeably change the market."
The best e-Commerce Podcasts in 2023
Podcasts have become an unstoppable trend in recent years, as they are perfect to consume alongside household or sports activities. There are also some exciting podcasts from the e-commerce scene. We present our favourites here!
e-Commerce Trends 2023
E-commerce is booming! ... or not anymore? It´s well known that the Corona pandemic has given e-Commerce a strong push in the last years. But how does it look in the first year "after" the pandemic?
Plastic tax in Spain 2023
The plastic tax in spain has been discussed for a long time. Starting on January 1st there are now finally new laws. Read in this article which regulations have now come into force and what penalties may apply.
Black Friday vs. sustainability: 6 tips for online retailers
One of the biggest shopping events of the year - Black Friday - is just around the corner. This day is not appreciated by everyone, as it creates a lot of unnecessary(?) consumption and waste. Here are 6 tips on how you can participate and still pay attention to some points of sustainability
Changes in Austrian Packaging Law from 2023
Since 2014, the Packaging Ordinance in Austria has regulated what the Packaging Act is in Germany. In this articel we explain which fundamental changes there are in particular for foreign mail order companies starting on 01 January 2023.
The Triman Logo: Obligations for e-commerce in France
The Triman Logo is probably the most important recycling symbol in e-commerce. At least for online shops which ship to France. However, many sellers still don’t seem to know about it. What is important and how to use the Triman Logo? We’ll explain.
4 best practices when selling internationally online
Selling internationally has become a popular approach for online shops. However, it might seem like a complicated undertaking when you first start selling internationally. Here we show you some of the best practices for expanding your business successfully.
The top 7 pricing strategies in e-commerce
Running an online store requires the selection and implementation of an appropriate pricing strategy as it will largely determine your financial and marketing results. Here we present you the best pricing strategies for e-commerce and how to implement them.
What you should know about the German ElektroG in 2022
The German Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act (ElektroG) sets out requirements that all parties involved in the sale of electrical devices in Germany must adhere to. The third version came into force on 1 January 2022. Here you can find everything you should know.
To whom does the German Packaging Act (VerpackG) apply and what will change in 2022?
The German Packaging Act (VerpackG) is the implementation of the European Packaging Directive 94/62/EC into national law. Through the Packaging Act, traders are made responsible to participate in the recycling of their product and shipping packaging.
How to get an EPR registration number for Amazon & Co.
From 2022, Amazon and other marketplaces are required by law to check the EPR registration number of their sellers for France and Germany. Further EU member states are expected to follow. Find out all you need to know on your EPR obligations.
WEEE symbol: Labelling obligation for online retailers
The WEEE symbol indicates to consumers which devices may not be disposed of in household waste but must be collected separately. Here you can find out whether you, as an online retailer operating throughout Europe, are obliged to use the symbol with or without the bar.
New EU Market Surveillance Regulation
On 16 July 2021, the European Market Surveillance Regulation came into full force. It is intended to prevent consumers from being put at risk by non-EU-compliant products. It also creates better conditions for fair competition. Find out here what the new EU regulation means for online trade.
Packaging law in Italy calls for labelling obligations
The packaging law in Italy imposes a strict labelling obligation. Online retailers are obliged to label packaging that they place on the market in Italy. The environmental labelling standards must be complied with. In this article we explain what to look out for when making deliveries to Italy.
EU WEEE Directive: How to sell electronics online internationally
Have you tried to sell electronics online in the EU? The WEEE directive makes it difficult for e-commerce sellers and startups to sell electronic products internationally. In this article, we explain the EU WEEE directive of 2012 (latest revision 2018) and its implication on your online business. What is the WEEE directive of the European [...]
How to separate waste correctly in Germany
Recycling only works if waste is disposed of properly. In Germany, the different bins and containers can be quite confusing for many people. That's why you can find everything you need to know about how to separate waste correctly in Germany here.
3000 new trees! Plant trees with every purchase on ecosistant!
Our partnership with Eden Reforestation Projects allows us to donate a part of our income from every purchase for the planting of trees. Thus, 3000 trees will be planted for all customers from the previous year.
Compliance checklist 2021 and beyond
Ecommerce is growing so rapidly that legislators can barely catch up. Uur compliance checklist 2021 is meant to provide you an insight into what to expect in terms of ecommerce compliance in the next year(s).
Website Carbon Footprint: How much CO2 does my Online Shop emit?
Awareness for the enormous energy consumption of the internet and digital media is on the rise. Various tools are available to assess the carbon footprint of websites or online stores. We explain how it's done and what measures you can take to reduce CO2 emissions.
The German packaging register LUCID: How to register & navigate LUCID
The German ZSVR agency started the packaging register LUCID in January 2019. Since then, all companies that sell products to German consumers are required to register and declare their annual packaging weights.
Packaging law in France: a guide for e-commerce
In accordance with the EU packaging waste directive, any business that sells packaged goods to French end-consumers needs to register their packaging with a French recycling scheme. What else is to know about the packaging law in France? Read our quick guide for cross-border e-commerce.
Selling internationally: 5 major obstacles of international e-commerce
Translate your online store to English and you are ready to sell overseas! Right? Well, not exactly! Selling internationally comes with a whole lot of new risks and responsibilities. We explain how to overcome 5 common challenges of international e-commerce.
Packaging register in the EU: In these 5 countries it’s required
The German packaging register LUCID is already well known. But other countries in the EU have publicly accessible waste- and packaging registers, too. Companies that are not registered risk high penalties.
Sustainable packaging for sustainable success
Consumers today value sustainability more than ever. But what is particularly important for your long-term success in e-commerce? In this article, we will show you all you need to know about purchasing sustainable packaging.
Sustainable alternatives to single-use plastic
Since single-use plastic will soon be abolished by law, there are now many eco-friendly alternatives. Especially for dishes & cutlery. We present the best sustainable alternatives here.
Woolcool – Sustainable packaging made from sheep’s wool
A wool scarf, yes - but wool packaging? The British company Woolcool has launched sustainable wool packaging and proves that it even works as a delivery box for frozen products.
Are the fees for packaging compliance too expensive?
Online retailers often complain about the high fees for packaging compliance. And that is understandable. The fees imposed on e-commerce businesses by compliance schemes can be quite a burden, especially for small online shops. But is this really caused by the fees charged for packaging waste recycling? And how high are these fees anyway?
Shoutout to unDraw: free illustrations for websites
No matter if you want to build a tech-startup website, e-commerce website, or just a personal blog: unDraw offers free illustrations for websites! Here's why we recommend it.
The Corona crisis and increased plastic consumption
Does the Corona crisis increase plastic consumption? Especially when it comes to food, many consumers are buying again more products packaged in plastic.
Entrepreneurs for Future: Companies unite against climate change
Many companies unite against climate change. The school protests known as Fridays for Future started last year and had a major global impact on fighting the climate crisis. Under the label Entrepreneurs for Future, many companies have joined forces with the protesters against climate change. Besides Fridays for Future and Scientists for Future, Entrepreneurs for [...]
Sustainability in e-commerce – 5 things that environmentally conscious customers expect
Sustainability in e-commerce is getting more and more important. Here are 5 things environmentally conscious customers expect from online shops.
Why black plastic is particularly harmful to the environment and can hardly be recycled
The Criticism of plastic and its excessive consumption has been going on for many years. However, what many do not know is that black plastic is particularly harmful to the environment and can hardly be recycled. Black plastic is found in almost every household. It looks fancier and more elegant, but aesthetics have their price. [...]
The concept of a circular economy – Why a new vision for e-commerce is necessary
What is a circular economy? How far are we still from this 'utopia'? And how is this connected with your online shop? We've collected some interesting facts for you in this blog post...
How the corona crisis leads to more sustainability
The Corona Virus pandemic is currently the global issue. Countries close their borders, citizens stay in quarantine. It is surprising that, despite all these circumstances, the Corona crisis leads to greater sustainability worldwide. The world is frozen. No people and no traffic in the streets. Almost all shops have closed, only the supermarkets and drugstores [...]
EU packaging waste directive implications for e-commerce
As suggested by its name, the EU packaging waste directive is a directive by the European Union designed to govern the recycling of packaging waste in the EU member states... what does that mean for your e-commerce business?
The Green Dot – Should I use it for my e-commerce business?
Should you as an online retailer use the Green Dot on packaging? We've done some research...
Packaging data submission – How do I calculate my packaging quantities?
What is important for online shops when calculating packaging quantities for each EU country? Find out all you need to know in this article...
ecosistant is the new platform for e-commerce packaging compliance in Europe
Finally a low-cost and simple solution for e-commerce to fulfill packaging waste compliance requirements in all of Europe...