While running Viveco Yachts over the last 4 years I have helped lots of Crew and Yachts make changes onboard. It makes me feel so happy when they become lasting, returning clients as this means sustainable positive change has been made with a drastic reduction in plastic use and increase in quality products with less damaging ingredients. I always take some time to explain why I have chosen each brand I stock, and why some don’t make the list. I was at Monaco Yacht show a few weeks ago with Ecostore and someone said to me ‘I have never seen anyone so excited about Toilet Cleaner’ – it is easy to get excited about a company when they are doing some many things right and after a long search through so many who aren’t. With the huge increase in Greenwashing and when many big companies tend to exaggerate their ‘sustainability’ credentials I thought that this month It would be helpful to see behind the scenes of a company that is really doing everything right with NO greenwashing and see why we choose to so excitedly work with Ecostore.
The Company
Started in 1993 by an Eco-Village community in New Zealand, the inhabitants were looking for a product they could use in and around the land they lived on that would have NO impact on the soil they then grew their food on. The company has remained true to its roots and continues to create hardworking, highly effective products for people and their home, removing harmful or unnecessary chemicals. They have received many awards over the years including ‘Most Sustainable Businesss’ in NZ . IN 2021 Ecostore became a B Corp™ – a certification recognised globally as the highest standard for social corporate responsibility. B Corps are companies that formally commit to using the positive power of business to solve the world’s social and environmental problems. Ecostore have a number of charities and giveback programmes within their communities that they work with.
They have operated out of their total Net Zero Carbon Factory in Auckland since 2010.
- Bcorp Certification
- Net Zero Carbon Factory
- Socially responsible and giving company
The Products
New Zealand, Ecostore is a trusted household name (just check with your Kiwi crew mates!) and they really do make products that work. Their products are made from biodegradable plant and mineral-based ingredients instead of petrochemicals. The best thing for Yachts about their products is that they are also compatible with septic tanks and greywater systems. They hide nothing about what is in their products and on their website you can see a full list of ingredients listed by product and also a breakdown of exactly why each ingredient is in their product and what they do so you can choose a product right for you. All fragrances are natural and most products are available fragrancefree also.
- Everything is certified Cruelty Free, and endorsed by PETA
- Made from biodegradable plant and mineral-based ingredients instead of petrochemicals
- compatible with septic tanks and greywater systems.
The packaging and concept
Absolutely everything in the whole Ecostore Range is available in larger containers than normal ranging from 5L up to 20L with tap connections to make refilling the smaller bottles easy. The smaller bottles have been designed to be used for a very long time and the pump / spray mechanisms are of a much higher quality than usual. Even the toilet cleaner has a removable cap so you can refil it.
In addition all the smaller bottles are made from sugar cane plastic which means the product has a much lower carbon footprint (sugarcane absorbs CO2 when growing), in addition sugarcane plastic is the only bioplastic that can be recycled if needed in a regular recycling chain without contaminating it.
As they are constantly innovating and looking for the best solutions Ecostore are at the forefront of the new concentrated cleaner revolution and they already have a number of their products available in small 50ml Glass bottles to refill the spray bottles. More will be added once they finalise the testing to ensure the high quality of the product remains.
- Refillable systems throughout the ranges with large containers available in 5L and 20L sizes.
- Sugarcane Plastic Bottles – made from renewable sugarcane for a lower carbon footprint and 100% recyclable
- Concentrated Cleaners available in 50ml glass bottles for Antibacterial Spray, Glass Cleaners and Bathroom Cleaner
When researching businesses over the years it is often disheartening to see how many are just ticking ‘sustainability’ boxes to please consumers but are really only concerned about profit and with very little actual change. Companies like Ecostore are paving the way towards a much more sustainable way of doing business globally. By starting small and never compromising on their values and beliefs they have created a transparent and ethical business they is constantly striving to make the planet we live on better in many ways. We LOVE working with this company and their products actually work ! If you would like any more info about their full range of Cleaning, Laundry and Toiletries please get I touch.
www.vivecoyachts.com
Hannah x
+34 634 326 981
Hannah is an ex-stewardess who now runs Viveco and Viveco Yachts, an Eco Yacht, Hotel and Home supply shop in Mallorca.
