White goods – the refrigerators, washing machines, dishwashers, ovens and other large household appliances that sit at the heart of modern kitchens and laundry rooms – are far more complex than they first appear. Behind their sleek exteriors lies a carefully engineered mix of materials designed for durability, performance, safety and efficiency.
According to the latest data from APPLiA – Home Appliance Europe, more than 20 different types of materials go into the production of these appliances. Across the sector, this adds up to an estimated annual material footprint of 5.31 million tonnes.
The material mix at a glance
Steel dominates the picture, accounting for 36% of the total material use. Plastics follow at 23%, with stainless steel contributing 10%, concrete 8%, and glass 7%. The remaining share is made up of a wide range of other materials needed for specialised components, insulation, electronics and finishes.
This composition is not uniform across all product categories. In large appliances – think fridges, freezers and washing machines – metals, particularly steel, play the leading role. In smaller appliances, plastics take a slightly larger share of the material mix, reflecting differences in design, weight requirements and functional needs.
Why this matters
Understanding the material footprint of white goods is increasingly important. It informs conversations around resource efficiency, circular design, recyclability and the sector’s contribution to Europe’s broader sustainability and competitiveness goals. The data also highlights the technical challenge of balancing performance, cost and environmental impact when selecting materials for products that are expected to last many years in daily use.
For a deeper dive into these figures – and the wider trends shaping sustainability, digitalisation and industrial strategy in the European home appliance sector – the full analysis is available in APPLiA’s Home Appliance Monitor 2025.
White goods may look simple from the outside, but the materials that make them work tell a much richer story about engineering, industry and the future of sustainable living.
