Why everything is changing in 2026
Since 2024, EcoVadis has no longer been using fixed score thresholds for its assessments, but has instead switched to a percentile-based system. This means you are no longer competing against a fixed benchmark, but against all other assessed companies worldwide.
The result: the thresholds are shifting – upwards. Between July 2025 and January 2026, the score required for a Silver medal rose from 68 to 72 points. For Gold, it went from 77 to 78. Those who were comfortably in the Silver bracket last year may drop out in 2026 without any deterioration in their own performance.
The key methodological changes
1. Stricter requirements for reporting frameworks
Previously, it was sufficient to produce a sustainability report “with reference to GRI”. From 2026, EcoVadis will require formal compliance: those reporting under GRI must report “in accordance with” GRI Standards – not merely “with reference to”. The same applies to ESRS: a CSRD-compliant report is recognised as a fully-fledged framework.
What this means for you: If you fall under the CSRD anyway, make active use of your ESRS report for EcoVadis. Kill two birds with one stone.
2. Materiality pilot to be expanded
EcoVadis has been testing a pilot programme for some time, in which the assessment is tailored more closely to sector-specific materiality. In 2026, this will apply to, amongst others, pharmaceutical manufacturers, plastics production, electronics and certain agricultural sectors.
3. New 360° Watch factor: Stakeholder consensus
EcoVadis has expanded its controversy assessment framework to include ‘stakeholder consensus’. In contentious cases – where it is unclear whether an incident was truly harmful – the consensus among credible stakeholders is factored into the assessment. The broader the consensus, the stricter the assessment.
4. Carbon Rating Methodology v2.0
Version 2.0 of the Carbon Rating Methodology has been in force since January 2026. EcoVadis is increasingly relying on machine learning for information extraction. The focus on verified data remains: third-party verified reports and external audit reports are crucial for the top performance tiers.
5 concrete steps to prepare
1. Allow for a buffer: The medal thresholds rise by around 5–6 points annually. Therefore, aim for 5–10 points above your target medal score.
2. Build reporting maturity: Publish a comprehensive sustainability report. Allow for a lead time of 3–4 months.
3. Conduct a gap analysis: A gap analysis highlights current weaknesses and potential for improvement. This provides a solid foundation for the substantive work.
4. Prepare a materiality analysis: A dual materiality analysis is not only a CSRD requirement but also a strong foundation for the EcoVadis assessment.
5. Proactively monitor 360° Watch: EcoVadis evaluates over 100,000 external sources. Those who identify controversies early on and demonstrate that countermeasures are effective can limit the damage.
Conclusion
EcoVadis 2026 is not a revolution, but a logical evolution. Superficial sustainability communication is no longer enough.
Those who can demonstrate formal compliance, provide genuine data and substantiate measures will be rewarded.
For companies already working on their CSRD report: the synergies between ESRS reporting and the EcoVadis assessment will be stronger than ever in 2026.