In a world where nearly half the global population still washes clothes by hand—a task that often consumes hours of labor each week and disproportionately affects women and girls—a simple yet revolutionary solution is making waves.
The Divya washing machine, developed by the nonprofit The Washing Machine Project with vital support from the Whirlpool Foundation, has been named one of TIME’s Best Inventions of 2025 in the prestigious Social Impact category.
Inspired by founder Navjot Sawhney’s experience volunteering in rural India (where he witnessed his neighbor, Divya, spending up to 20 hours a week on laundry), this innovative device is the world’s first flat-packable, hand-cranked manual washing machine. It requires no electricity, assembles easily for low-cost shipping and distribution, and delivers remarkable efficiency:
75% faster than traditional hand-washing
Uses 50% less water
Reduces physical strain while freeing up precious time for education, work, or rest
Already being deployed in refugee camps, remote villages, and underserved communities worldwide, Divya is transforming lives by alleviating “time poverty” and promoting dignity and opportunity.
This well-deserved recognition from TIME highlights how thoughtful, human-centered design can address some of humanity’s most overlooked challenges. Congratulations to The Washing Machine Project team—their work is proof that small inventions can create massive social change!
For more details, check out the official TIME feature here.https://time.com/collections/best-inventions-2025/7318503/the-divya-washing-machine/
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BSH UK & Ireland CEO Gunjan Srivastava to Step Down in January 2026
Gunjan Srivastava, CEO of BSH Home Appliances UK & Ireland, has announced his decision to step down, with his departure scheduled for January 2026.
Srivastava has played a pivotal role at BSH for nearly 12 years, having led the UK business since April 2020. Under his leadership, the company navigated a dynamic market landscape and continued to strengthen its position in the appliance sector.
BSH has yet to name his successor, stating that the appointment of a new UK CEO will be confirmed “at a later date
China’s Major Home Appliance Production: Mixed Results for Jan–Oct 2025
The latest figures from China’s National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) show a mixed picture for the country’s “big four” white goods categories during the first ten months of 2025. While three of the four major home appliances posted year-on-year growth, television production continues to slide.
Washing Machines Lead the Pack
Washing machines were the clear standout, with production surging 6.4% year-on-year to 101.08 million units from January to October. That’s an impressive volume, though the pace of growth has eased slightly compared to the 7.5% increase recorded over the first nine months.
Steady Gains for Cooling and Cold Appliances
Air-conditioner output continued its upward trend, posting solid year-on-year growth (exact percentage not disclosed in the latest release but in line with recent positive momentum).
Refrigerator production also expanded on the year, supported by steady replacement demand and export orders.
The divergent trends highlight a clear split in China’s white goods sector: essential laundry, cooling, and refrigeration products are enjoying healthy demand, while the TV segment faces structural headwinds. With the all-important year-end shopping festivals and pre-Lunar New Year restocking season approaching, manufacturers will be watching November and December figures closely to gauge whether the positive momentum in the first three categories can offset the weakness in televisions.
Stay tuned to WhiteGoodsNow.com for the latest production updates, export data, and market insights
Top Energy-Efficient Washing Machines and Fridge Freezers for Europe in 2025
With energy prices still high across Europe and the EU pushing for greener homes, upgrading to an A-class (or better) appliance is one of the easiest ways to cut your bills and carbon footprint. The rescaled EU energy label (A to G since 2021) makes true top performers stand out – genuine Class A models can use 20-50% less electricity than a typical B or C rated one from just a few years ago.
At WhiteGoodsNow, we focus on appliances available across the UK and EU. These recommendations are drawn from the latest Topten.eu lists (updated May 2025), Which? tests, independent lab data, and the European Product Registry for Energy Labelling (EPREL). We prioritise real Class A efficiency, low running costs, reliability, and features that matter to European households.
Why Energy Efficiency Matters in Europe Right Now
Savings: A Class A washing machine typically costs just €12-18 per year to run (based on the EU’s 100-cycle eco programme and average €0.30/kWh rates).
EU Rules: New ecodesign regulations reward ultra-efficient models with inverter motors, precise dosing, and better insulation.
Rebates & Incentives: Many countries (e.g., Germany’s BAFA, France’s MaPrimeRénov’, UK boiler upgrade-style schemes) offer cashback on A-rated white goods.
Best Energy-Efficient Washing Machines for 2025 (EU/UK)
True Class A is now achievable and increasingly common in premium and mid-range models.
Bosch Serie 8 WGB244A40 / i-DOS models
Energy class: A (some variants A-10% or better)
Consumption: ~40-49 kWh/100 cycles
Why it wins: i-DOS automatic detergent dosing prevents waste, 4D Wash system for deep cleaning even in full loads, super-quiet iQdrive motor. Which? Best Buy in 2025 tests.
Capacity: 9-10 kg – ideal for families.
Price range: €850-1,200
LG F4X series (e.g., F4X7511TSB or Vivace A-30% models)
Energy class: A (up to A-30% in some markets)
Consumption: As low as 32-45 kWh/100 cycles
Standout features: AI DD fabric sensing, TurboWash 360 for 39-minute full cycles, Steam+ for allergen removal. Extremely low running costs and app integration.
Capacity: 9-11 kg
Price range: €700-1,100
Miele W1 series (e.g., WWR860 WPS)
Energy class: A
Consumption: ~49 kWh/100 cycles
The longevity champion: Tested for 20+ years, TwinDos auto-dosing, CapDosing for specials. Quietest in class and outstanding build quality.
Capacity: 9 kg
Price range: €1,200-1,800 (worth it if you keep appliances forever)
Honourable mentions: Siemens iQ700 equivalents to Bosch (same group), AEG 9000 series with SoftWater tech, and Haier i-Pro Series 7 (great value Class A performer).
Tip: Always check the QR code on the EU energy label in-store or online – it links directly to the official EPREL database for exact consumption figures.
Appaloosa Doubles Down on Whirlpool Amid Slump
Appaloosa Capital has boosted its stake in Whirlpool to 5.5 million shares, now owning 9.8% of the company. Despite Whirlpool’s stock plunging 40% since July—hitting a 5½-year low—David Tepper’s move sparked a modest rebound, marking the first weekly gain in three weeks.
Whirlpool continues to face pressure from weak U.S. sales, shrinking margins, and rising debt, prompting a 48.6% dividend cut in July. Tepper’s bet suggests confidence in a turnaround, even as headwinds persist.
UK brand saved
Essex-based kitchen appliance brand Cookology has announced the acquisition of the IceKing refrigeration line from Domestic Appliance Distributors Limited (D.A.D), which fell into administration earlier this year.
Alessandro Perucchetti Exits Whirlpool
Whirlpool’s top Italian executive, Alessandro Perucchetti, has left the company after two decades. A Bocconi graduate, he rose from Whirlpool Italy’s trade marketing team to become EVP and President of U.S. Operations in 2023
Juan Carlos Puente, former head of Latin America, now leads North American operations.
B&B Trends Acquires Ardes: A Bold Move in Europe’s SDA Market
At WhitegoodsNow, we’re always tracking the moves that shape the future of the appliance industry—and this one’s a big deal. B&B Trends has officially acquired Ardes, a respected Italian brand with deep roots in small domestic appliances. It’s a strategic play that not only strengthens B&B’s footprint in Italy but also signals a broader acceleration of their European growth.
🔍 Why Ardes Matters
Ardes isn’t just another name in the market—it’s a legacy brand trusted by millions of Italian households. Known for blending functionality with timeless design, Ardes brings decades of expertise to the table. This acquisition gives B&B Trends access to a rich product portfolio and a loyal customer base, while reinforcing their commitment to innovation that enhances everyday life at home.
🌍 What It Means for the Sector
This move reflects a growing trend: consolidation with purpose. By integrating heritage brands like Ardes, B&B Trends is positioning itself as a pan-European powerhouse in the SDA (small domestic appliance) space. Expect to see more cross-market launches, smarter product development, and a renewed focus on lifestyle-driven design.
🧠 Our Take
For industry watchers, this is more than a headline—it’s a signal of where the market is heading. Legacy meets agility. Tradition meets tech. And consumers stand to benefit from a new wave of appliances that are both intuitive and inspired.
We’ll be keeping a close eye on how this partnership evolves—and what it means for innovation, sustainability, and competition across Europe
Philips Café Aromis 8000 Series: Café Quality at Home
Meet the Philips Café Aromis 8000 Series—your personal café in a sleek, smart machine. With over 50 hot and cold recipes, BrewExtract technology for rich flavour, and the LatteGo Pro milk system for velvety foam, it delivers barista-level coffee at the touch of a button.
Customize your brew with the Barista Assistant in the HomeID app and enjoy effortless indulgence, every day. Philips continues to raise the bar in home innovation—making life simpler, tastier, and more rewarding.
Whirlpool accused rivals of undervaluing imports to cut their tariff bills, but customs officials blame data-entry errors
Feds Find No Evidence of Tariff Cheating Among Appliance Makers:
Federal officials say they have found no evidence of widespread undervaluing of imported appliances after Whirlpool last month accused its rivals of possible tariff evasion.”
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