Electrolux Group Champions Hydrogen Innovation for Greener Homes in Italy

At Electrolux Group, sustainability isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a driving force behind innovation. Beyond designing high-efficiency appliances, the company is pioneering the use of alternative energy sources to help consumers embrace more eco-friendly lifestyles. One of its most promising frontiers? Hydrogen-powered cooking.

Leading Italy’s First Hydrogen Home Trial

In a groundbreaking move, Electrolux Group is taking part in Italy’s first residential hydrogen trial, spearheaded by Inrete Distribuzione Energia (part of the Hera Group) in Castelfranco Emilia, Modena. This initiative marks a significant step toward integrating hydrogen into everyday domestic energy use.

Launched in 2022, the project has gradually introduced a blend of natural gas and hydrogen—starting at 5% and aiming for 10%—into the local gas grid. This rollout follows a protocol established by the Italian Ministry of Environment and Energy Security (MASE), Inrete, and the Italian Gas Committee (CIG). According to Electrolux Group, both lab and field tests have shown that their gas hobs perform exceptionally well with these new fuel mixtures.

Ready for the Future: Hydrogen-Compatible Hobs

At the company’s Food Preparation R&D center in Forlì, engineers have been hard at work developing cooking appliances that can handle even higher hydrogen concentrations. The result: a new generation of hobs that are “Hydrogen Ready” for up to 20% hydrogen blends—well ahead of current regulatory and infrastructure standards in Italy and across Europe.

“Our mission to enhance everyday living goes hand in hand with our involvement in forward-thinking projects like this,” says Fabio Spanò, Combustion Technology Module Manager EU at Electrolux Group. “They allow us to share our expertise and contribute to collective progress and well-being.”

Why Green Hydrogen Matters

Green hydrogen—produced via water electrolysis powered by renewable energy—is a clean, sustainable energy source. Unlike fossil fuels, its combustion emits only water vapor, making it a powerful tool in the fight to decarbonize household energy use.

A Broader Sustainability Vision

This hydrogen initiative is just one part of Electrolux Group’s broader commitment to sustainability. From appliances that conserve water and energy to the use of recycled materials and efforts to reduce microplastics and food waste, the company is actively working on multiple fronts to deliver smarter, greener solutions for modern living.

By investing in hydrogen technology and sustainable innovation, Electrolux Group is helping shape a cleaner, more responsible future—one kitchen at a time.

𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗥𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗶𝗿 𝗗𝗮𝘆, 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗶𝘁 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗶𝗿, #𝗗𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗗𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗮𝗶𝗿 🔧

Data from APPLiA members indicate a very high success rate (95%) in completed repairs, reflecting the industry’s commitment to sustainability and circularity.

By choosing repair over replacement, we are extending the life of products, reducing e-waste, and supporting the EU’s growing repair sector. ♻️

More on how Europe’s home appliance industry is making repair a cornerstone of circularity in  APPLiAAPPLiA Report https://statreport2024.applia-europe.eu/pillar/1/repair-of-home-appliances

Arçelik Secures €150 Million EBRD Loan to Accelerate Green Manufacturing in Turkey

Turkish home appliance giant Arçelik has announced a new €150 million ($173.9 million) financing agreement with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), aimed at advancing its environmentally sustainable manufacturing initiatives.

The funding will be split into two strategic components:

– €83 million will be allocated to Turkey’s first externally verified green loan in the manufacturing sector. This portion will support Arçelik’s comprehensive green investment program, including the transformation of production processes, modernization of facilities, and R&D efforts focused on developing eco-friendly appliances.

– €67 million will be used to upgrade key manufacturing sites—specifically, the refrigerator plant in Eskişehir and the cooking appliances facility in Bolu—enhancing energy efficiency and operational sustainability.

This latest investment builds on a previous €150 million EBRD loan that enabled Arçelik to produce quieter, more energy-efficient refrigerators and washing machines, which have seen strong demand in international markets.

According to the company, these new initiatives are designed to help meet its 2030 climate goals and align with the broader objectives of the Paris Agreement

Gorenje Earns Platinum EcoVadis Award, Cementing Hisense Europe’s Sustainability Leadership

In a landmark achievement for 2025, Hisense Europe—through its Gorenje brand—has secured the highest possible rating in the annual EcoVadis sustainability assessment, earning the prestigious Platinum award. This recognition places Gorenje in the top 1% of over 150,000 companies evaluated globally, underscoring its position as a trailblazer in responsible and sustainable business practices.

🏆 What the Platinum Rating Means

EcoVadis is one of the world’s most trusted platforms for rating corporate sustainability, assessing companies across four key pillars: 
– Environmental impact 
– Labor and human rights 
– Ethics 
– Sustainable procurement

Gorenje’s Platinum status signals exceptional performance across all categories, reflecting not just compliance but leadership in embedding sustainability into every layer of its operations.

🔧 Sustainability as Strategy, Not Slogan

This milestone isn’t just a badge—it’s a testament to Hisense Europe’s long-term commitment to sustainability as a strategic imperative. From energy-efficient appliance design to ethical supply chain management, Gorenje continues to push the boundaries of what responsible manufacturing looks like in the whitegoods sector.

🌱 Why It Matters for the Industry

As consumers and regulators demand greater transparency and accountability, recognitions like EcoVadis Platinum are more than accolades—they’re indicators of future readiness. Gorenje’s achievement sets a benchmark for appliance manufacturers worldwide, proving that innovation and sustainability can—and must—go hand in hand.

📣 Final Thoughts

At WhitegoodsNow, we celebrate brands that don’t just follow trends but lead with purpose. Gorenje’s Platinum rating is a powerful reminder that sustainability isn’t a checkbox—it’s a competitive advant

Bosch’s Microplastic Filter: A Smarter Way to Protect Our Waterways

Did you know that every time you wash synthetic clothes—like polyester, nylon, or acrylic—tiny plastic particles are released into the water? These microplastics are too small to be captured by standard wastewater treatment systems, meaning they often end up in rivers, oceans, and eventually, our ecosystems.

Bosch, a leader in sustainable innovation, has developed a game-changing solution: the WMZMPF10 Microplastic Filter, designed to dramatically reduce microplastic pollution from laundry.

✅ 97% Filtration Efficiency
This advanced filter captures:
– Microplastic particles 
– Natural fibers 
– Hair 
– Detergent residue 

All without the need for replacement cartridges or extra maintenance. It’s a powerful way to keep your laundry routine clean—and your conscience even cleaner.

🔄 Self-Cleaning Convenience
Thanks to its smart self-cleaning system, the Bosch filter stays effective for up to 6 weeks or 20 wash cycles before needing to be emptied. When it’s full, simply dispose of the collected waste using the included spatula—quick, hygienic, and hassle-free.

🛠️ Universal Fit & Easy Installation
The WMZMPF10 is compatible with all standard washing machines. Setup is simple:
– Mount it 10 cm above the water inlet 
– No drilling required 
– Scan the QR code for a step-by-step installation guide 

🌍 Why It Matters
Microplastics are a growing environmental concern. By adding Bosch’s microplastic filter to your laundry setup, you’re taking a proactive step toward cleaner water and a healthier planet.

Smeg Publishes 2024 ESG Report, Underscoring Global Commitment to Responsible Business

In a move that reinforces its reputation as one of the appliance industry’s most forward-thinking brands, Smeg has released its latest Environmental, Social, Economic, and Governance (ESG) report for the year ending 2024. The document, published this week, offers a detailed look at how the Italian manufacturer is aligning its global operations with sustainability and ethical business practices.

From its iconic retro refrigerators to cutting-edge kitchen technology, Smeg has long been known for blending style with substance. But behind the polished steel and pastel finishes lies a deeper mission: to ensure that its production and distribution processes reflect a responsible, future-focused ethos.

According to the report, ESG principles are now central to Smeg’s decision-making across all markets. The company outlines initiatives aimed at reducing environmental impact, fostering inclusive workplaces, and strengthening governance frameworks. These efforts span everything from energy-efficient manufacturing to community engagement and transparent leadership.

The report also touches on Smeg’s economic resilience, highlighting how sustainable growth and long-term value creation are being prioritized over short-term Smeg Sustainability Report 2024

Glen Dimplex Reports Loss Amid Major Restructuring and European Market Slowdown

Glen Dimplex’s primary Irish division posted a pretax loss last year, as the heating and electrical goods manufacturer grappled with declining demand for heat pumps across Europe and initiated a sweeping transformation of its operations.

According to newly filed accounts from Glen Dimplex Europe Holdings, turnover fell by over 9% to €875.2 million for the 12 months ending September. The company also recorded restructuring expenses exceeding €26 million—more than double the €12.4 million reported the previous year. These costs are tied to its ongoing “transformation programme,” which includes streamlining its flame and consumer appliance segments, directors noted.

In February 2024, Glen Dimplex announced a significant overhaul of its Irish operations. As part of the changes, production of its gas and electric fire products will shift from its facility in Dunleer, Co Louth, to a manufacturing partner in China—bringing an end to the company’s production activities in the town.

The company has begun a consultation process with employees at the Dunleer site, where approximately 70 redundancies are being proposed.

Electrolux Group Boosts Circularity Goals with Expanded Use of Recycled Materials

Electrolux Group is ramping up its circularity efforts. By 2030, 35% of the steel and plastics in its products will come from recycled sources—more than doubling its previous commitment and representing over 40% of material purchases. Announced on March 24, 2025, this new target expands on the 2018 plastics-only goal by including steel, the company’s most-used material.