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.