The relationship between the Thurston County Economic Development Council (EDC) and ECOS (Earth Friendly Products) is a highly collaborative partnership focused on local manufacturing growth, green industry promotion, and community leadership. It began in the early 2000’s when Michael Cade, EDC executive director, met with ECOS to plan for a new plant in the Lacey business park in the Hawks Prairie area. The EDC was instrumental in supporting ECOS in its move and expansion to Lacey.
The EDC intentionally targets and nurtures the natural produce and sustainable manufacturing sector as a core pillar of economic growth. This provides economic diversity from the government-centric workforce driven by Joint Base Lewis-McChord and Olympia as the state capital. ECOS is an amazing asset for our area.
“We are very proud that ECOS is here,” says Cade. “They are loved, cared for, and welcome. We wanted (and still want) to make sure they have success.” Over the past 20 years, the relationship has deepened and grown, with the EDC organizing stakeholder tours of the ECOS Lacey facility, assisting ECOS in identifying and preparing capital facility expansion grants, and promoting the natural product manufacturing industry of Thurston County. Recently, ECOS leadership presented to the EDC’s board of directors, and ECOS was a proud sponsor of the EDC’s Inspire Women in Business Conference.
ECOS is the #1 Selling Green Laundry Detergent Brand in the U.S.
“Our mission is to protect the health and wellness of people, pets, and the planet by creating the most authentic, sustainable, and affordable cleaning products for all,” notes Kelly Vlahakis-Hanks, President and CEO. She is the founder, Van Vlahakis’s, daughter and continues the legacy. “We make over 200 plant-powered laundry detergents and household cleaners that are sold throughout the U.S. and around the world.”
Lacey Location is Strategic
ECOS efficiently serves its many customers throughout the greater Northwest. Lacey has proximity to major transportation corridors, ports and distribution networks to reduce transit times and respond quickly to customer demands. “Thurston County’s strong workforce, business-friendly environment, and access to critical infrastructure have made it an ideal location for our operations,” says Vlahakis-Hanks. Other plants in California, Illinois, and New Jersey were also thoughtfully located.
In 2025, the Lacey ECOS facility doubled its employee count from 30 to 60. The square footage grew from 50,000 to 86,000 square feet. The plant has added restrooms, larger changing rooms, bigger conference rooms, a new break room, all using sustainable materials under the guidance of an LEED-accredited architect for maximum energy and water efficiency and employee safety and comfort, investing an additional $2-$3 million.
The Flagship ECOS Laundry Detergent & New Products
“Our flagship product is ECOS liquid laundry detergent. Our core products include dish soaps, dishwasher detergents, surface cleaners, hand soaps, and pet care products. A big focus for us currently is reducing environmental impact through format innovation. We’ve introduced liquidless detergent sheets, and detergent packs, in paperboard packaging and a 10x concentrated liquid detergent in a bottle made of aluminum, which is infinitely recyclable. We have two new products we’re about to launch: the first-ever green laundry scent boosters, made without synthetic fragrance; and a multi-purpose spray cleaner preserved with banana extract, a breakthrough natural alternative to traditional preservatives,” according to Vlahakis-Hanks.
ECOS Origins
Van Vlahakis arrived in New York from Crete in 1953 with $23 in his pocket. He studied to be a chemist and soon recognized the detrimental health effects of harsh chemicals that were used in most cleaning products. He believed they could be safer and much better, long before that was a popular sentiment. Van started to make his own cleaners in his garage in Chicago. His determination and perseverance have been at the core of ECOS, his company dedicated to creating safer cleaning products that protect and uphold the health and well-being of the people and the planet.
“Sustainability has always been the heart of what we do, and today we’ve become a leader in regenerative manufacturing. Our facilities are water neutral, carbon neutral, Platinum-level zero waste certified, and LEED Gold-certified. ECOS is the first manufacturer in the world to achieve USGBC LEED Zero certification in net-zero energy, carbon, and waste,” according to Vlahakis-Hanks.
High Standards for Ingredients and Production
ECOS products are made in regenerative manufacturing facilities with the greenest chemistry, formulated for human and planetary health. The company uses ingredients such as coconut oil, beets and vinegar. Customers won’t find dyes, 1,4-dioxane, parabens, or phthalates. Ingredients are on the label. ECOS has a “Nasties” list with 500 toxic ingredients promised to never be used in ECOS products.
ECOS Products are Available Throughout Thurston County
Savvy shoppers will find a variety of ECOS products at QFC, Safeway, Fred Meyer, Target, Costco, Walmart and others as well as on Amazon. Not all products are available at each place. There is also an institutional line called ECOS Pro, which is larger sized products for workplaces, food services, and schools. You can see all products and use the locator at the ECOS website.
Thurston County Economic Development Council Works for the Community
The Thurston County Economic Development Council (EDC) holds the vision that Thurston County has a prosperous economy that provides employment, cultural, educational, and investment opportunities that create a sustainable and vibrant community. It actively attracts investment and employment opportunities into our region through outreach, promotion and trade missions. The health of local businesses is supported by offering technical assistance and advocacy. Employers looking to expand their operations can work with our local EDC for coaching and support.
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