Category Archives: Environmental

Samsung seeks to overcome downturn with energy-efficient home appliances

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Samsung Electronics on Tuesday unveiled the lineup of its new range of energy efficient Bespoke home appliances, in a move to attract Korean consumers and satisfy strict environmental regulations in Europe and elsewhere.

The tech giant said it will improve its profitability this year with upgraded products equipped with artificial intelligence (AI) technology.

“What consumers are most interested in recently are energy-related functions. So we will overcome the difficulties this year, through our eco-friendly products,” Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Han Jong-hee said at a press conference.

Samsung Electronics Executive Vice President Choi Ick-soo also said that the company’s energy-efficient products have helped generate growth in sales, especially in the European market.

In the aftermath of the global economic recession, Samsung Electronics suffered a 60 billion won ($46 million) operating loss in its home appliance business during the fourth quarter of last year. This was the first time in seven years that the company suffered a quarterly operating loss in its home appliance business.

Although the vice chairman did not specify the timing of the turnaround, he said that the company expects better earnings during the second half of this year.

According to the company, the new Bespoke appliances use 30 percent less energy than first-class energy-efficiency products. In addition, consumers can further reduce the use of energy, thanks to AI technology, which can analyze how consumers use the products.

“Our washing machines can reduce microbeads from clothes by 60 percent,” Han said. “We will reduce the amount more significantly by launching a microbeads filter this year.”

Samsung Electronics emphasized the fact that it made some parts of its refrigerators and other home appliances with reusable plastic. It also noted that the new Bespoke products are equipped with Samsung’s SmartThings function to enhance connectivity between them.

During the press conference, Samsung Electronics reiterated that it will focus on nurturing the robotics business as one of its new growth engines.

“Engineers at Samsung Research plan to develop a Samsung robot platform,” Han said. “We are preparing to launch the EX1 robot this year, and there is the possibility of further development in our robot vacuums.”

His remarks came as Samsung Electronics’ recent acquisition of shares in Rainbow Robotics sparked expectation that the conglomerate may resume large-scale M&As this year. The vice chairman, however, remained cautious about the speculation.

Instead, he confirmed that Samsung Electronics will be more aggressive in using ChatGPT for its home appliance business.

“As more companies are using ChatGPT, I don’t deny the fact that it has become part of the mainstream,” Han said.

Midea’s Best-Selling Microwave Receives First-Ever Intertek Green Leaf Certification

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The Midea microwave oven MM720C-PM0E00 2AT has recently received the first Green Leaf Certification from Intertek for one of its globally best-selling microwave oven products, as being in accordance with the ISO 14067:2018 standard, which specifies principles and guidelines for the quantification and reporting of the carbon footprint of a product (CFP). This is the first Green Leaf Certification Intertek provided for a microwave ovenThe MM720C-PM0E00 2AT, is an eco-friendly microwave oven with outstanding performance. Its capacity of 20L is ideal for small families. The microwave’s 700W power ensures fast and efficient heating, while featuring five power levels and can easily defrost based on the time or weight of the food. With these features and the 360° heating, it can ensure even cooking without cold spots and also prevent overcooking.

“Being awarded the Green Leaf Certification from Intertek is a testament to the Midea’scommitment to environmental protection and sustainability in our products. By taking steps to reduce the carbon footprint and minimize its impact on the environment, Midea is helping to create a better future for everyone and will continue to work hard to develop products that are both high-quality and eco-friendly.” said Dr. Zhou Fuchang, R&D Director at Midea Microwave & Cleaning Appliances Division.

The Green Leaf Certification is a comprehensive certification program that helps companies validate their environmental claims. It is awarded toproducts that have been independently verified by an accredited laboratory and found to conform to specified existing environmental standards and regulations. The certification allows companies to clearly and accurately communicate their commitment to sustainability and environmental protection to consumers.

Miele UK electric ID Buzz

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Miele UK are delighted to announce that we’re one of the first companies in the UK using the new, all electric ID Buzz of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles UK in our service fleet!

Having the ID Buzz as part of our award winning service fleet, not only reliably brings our service technicians to our customers, but also supports us in converting our vehicle fleet to renewable energies. This is an important step towards our global goal of reducing the CO2 emissions of our fleet by at least 30%, by 2030.

The first Miele ID Buzz was handed over today at our head office in Abingdon, by Dave Smerling from Volkswagen Group Fleet International, to Miele Service Tech

Teka manufactures all its products with 100% renewable energy in Spain

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Since 2020, the entire manufacturing process of Teka products at the Zaragoza and Santander plants is carried out with 100% renewable energy. Likewise, Teka’s offices and warehouses in Spain also use green energy. Thanks to this initiative, the supply consumed avoids the emission of CO 2 (TCO 2 eq) into the atmosphere due to power generation.

Teka’s environmental commitment focuses on the correct management of all processes, from the manufacture of its products to the optimization of resources and waste. In this way, a more sustainable product is offered without losing its quality and essence.

Teka and the planet

Teka has been working for years on the transformation of the sector, introducing sustainability criteria in the design and production of its electrical appliances. For this reason, the ISO 14001 certification endorses and recognizes Teka’s responsibility with the planet.

This is demonstrated by the company’s CSR policy, which follows three clear lines of action. On the one hand, the use of recycled materials when manufacturing its electrical appliances, while introducing recycled glass in its production process. The second pillar is the reuse of plastic: Teka washing machines, dishwashers and refrigerators are made with reused plastic waste that has been transformed to partially incorporate the plastic-based components of these products, consequently reducing carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere. during the manufacturing process. Finally, it is worth noting the German brand’s commitment to durability. Teka has had products with the LifeTime Warranty seal for years,

AMEDA call for water usage

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AMDEA CEO Paul Hide has backed possible plans for more appliances to have water usage information in a bid to help householders reduce consumption and bills.

He voiced AMDEA’s support for such additional information in a podcast with UK supplier Affinity Water.

The changes to labelling requirements may come about as part of a Defra review which is yet to publish its findings. Water consumption information per cycle is already mandatory for washing machines, washer dryers and dishwashers but the Government may extend the requirement to a wider range of appliances.

Mr Hide said: “The labelling of white goods is a good thing primarily for helping people to understand the water consumption – alongside the energy consumption – of their appliances, and equally how to minimise that consumption both from an environmental impact and a cost perspective. We certainly support that provision of useful information.”

He stressed the importance of having one label only providing water and energy usage, rather than separate labels, and for any labelling to be easily understood so it could help people make well-informed decisions.

“We are very focused as an industry on improving people’s understanding of sustainability and how to use appliances the most economically – both for water and energy,”  Mr Hide said, referencing AMDEA’s award-winning Know Watt’s What campaign.

He also emphasised AMDEA’s work with housebuilders and regulators in the drive towards net zero homes, whether for new builds or for improvements to existing homes.

Asked what he would like to see in homes to improve water consumption, he answered smarter water meters that could show users how much water individual appliances were using.

Electrolux: over half of Group’s factories certified “Zero Waste to Landfill”

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As reported by Electrolux Group, almost 98% of the total waste produced at its manufacturing sites was either recycled or recovered in 2022 and 55% of the factories are now “Zero Waste to Landfill” certified, moving the Group toward the target of certifying all manufacturing sites by 2025. When an Electrolux Group factory is third-party certified to the Zero Waste to Landfill program, it means that it sends less than 1% of its total waste to landfill and less than 3% for waste to energy. “We reduced the percentage of waste sent to landfill by 20% in 2022 compared with the previous year, which is an amazing result – says Claudia Mazzon, Electrolux Group Operations Sustainability Specialist and global coordinator of the Zero Waste to Landfill program –. I am so proud of the great job done by our colleagues around the world who are proactively working to reduce waste and find recycling opportunities”. During 2022, seven additional Electrolux Group factories were certified to the Zero Waste to Landfill program (Santiago, Chile; Zarow, Poland; Forlì, Italy; Cairo Delta, Egypt; Juarez Fabric Care and Stamping, Mexico; Kinston, United States; Swidnica, Poland). The countries that now have at least one Electrolux Group factory certified are Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Chile, Egypt, Italy, Mexico, Poland and the United States.

Whirlpool joining U.N. Global Compact’s CEO Water Mandate wil

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Whirlpool CEO and Chairman Marc Bitzer has signed a commitment to join the U.N. Global Compact’s CEO Water Mandate, a platform for business leaders to advance water stewardship. Endorsing companies commit to actions that conserve water across six key areas, including our operations and products, supply chain, watershed management, collective action, public policy, community engagement and transparency. “Joining the U.N. Global Compact’s CEO Water Mandate will help to guide us in driving business awareness and actions in support of achieving some of our key Sustainable Development Goals,” said Whirlpool Corp. Chairman and CEO Marc Bitzer. “We’re proud to join this compact along with more than 230 other endorsing companies, and we look forward to continuing the implementation of changes in our operations worldwide that will conserve water for current and future generations.”

Dualit EcoPress

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New Dualit EcoPress™ for Vertuo makes recycling Vertuo aluminium capsules a breeze… It inverts the capsule in one simple motion, collecting the coffee for compost and all you have to do is rinse it out!

EcoPress for Vertuo is small in size and won’t take up space in your kitchen.

There’s no need for couriers, plastic bags, or landfill, with Dualit’s EcoPress™ Vertuo users can prepare their capsules and recycle at home.

Miele green aluminium

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Miele introduces green aluminium to production: After having started to deploy green steel, we are now the first company in our industry to use primary aluminium, produced exclusively using green electricity from hydropower.

As part of a pilot project, we will use profile strips in the manufacture of ovens, which as of this year will be made from around 150 tons of CO2-reduced aluminum and are 100 percent recyclable. This way, we reduce our CO2 footprint by 645 tonnes a year. In doing so, we make yet another contribution to greater sustainability in the supply chain.

“The objective is to use climate-friendly aluminium on a broad front and thereby contribute towards a future-proof economy”, says Senior Vice President Hans Krug who is in charge of Purchasing at the Miele Group. In the picture, Hans Krug (left) and Oelde plant manager Rouven Vierfuss show a profile strip made of aluminum.

World’s first fridge with 70% recycled plastic inner liners

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The recycled plastic content and advanced food preservation features of our new built-in refrigerators have been well received by consumers. Simona Oboroceanu, Category Marketing Manager from the Food Preservation team at Electrolux tells us why.

Hi Simona! Tell us more about our breakthrough in incorporating recycled plastic in our refrigerators.

The Electrolux Group has developed a new line of built-in refrigerators – the Electrolux 500-900 Series and AEG 5000-9000 Series – that we’re currently launching in Europe. The recent launches have inner liners made from 70% recycled plastic, which equates to 13% of the total plastic used in the refrigerator. We are the first in the world to incorporate this much recycled plastic into a refrigerator so it’s an important industry breakthrough.

The plastic is sourced from a specialty supplier that collects and refines plastic from discarded refrigerators in Europe. It is very important that we work with strong and reliable partners that can provide access to high-quality recycled materials.

The range has been well received at fairs such as IFA in Berlin as the industry sees the product as being concrete proof that we take sustainability seriously.

How have consumers responded to the inner liners made from recycled plastic?

Consumers have responded very positively to the inner liners, and they perceive the gray shade of plastic as being more premium than standard white liners. They favor products made from recycled materials and our research has shown they want this kind of refrigerator with recycled materials.

How do our built-in fridges help retain nutrients and avoid food waste?

The recent launches have an innovative GreenZone crisper drawer to keep fruit and vegetables fresh. They are offered in two versions – one with a manual vent that consumers can open or close depending on how full the drawer is and an automatic version. The automatic crisper has a membrane that allows ingredients to breathe by regulating and optimizing humidity.

Third-party studies have shown that our GreenZone crisper drawer can retain 95% of the vitamin C in blueberries after 11 days. None of our competitors use this kind of innovative membrane so it is a clear competitive advantage for us.

The recent launches also use innovative cooling technology that keeps the temperature stable to help ingredients last longer. One of the solutions is Cooling 360, which maintains a more stable temperature distribution, to preserve food for longer by avoiding temperature shocks and stress on food. Our TwinTech® No Frost also keeps food hydrated with independent cooling systems for the fridge and the freezer parts.

What do customers think about these enhanced abilities to help preserve ingredients?

Consumers immediately understand the value to them – not only in terms of retaining the vitamins in their ingredients for their health, but also making ingredients last longer and ultimately helping them to avoid food waste. Importantly, consumers really value the third-party verified fact-based claims we make. At Electrolux Group we’re committed to help consumers live better, more sustainable lives in the home and this refrigerator line reflects that.

Consumers have shown increased interest in healthy eating, particularly since the pandemic, and we go beyond the standard refrigerator offering by helping them to maintain the vitamin content and quality of the food they eat. Also, people are becoming increasingly conscious of food waste and the materials that are used to manufacture their products.

Will they be launched in other markets in 2023?

Yes, as well as continuing to roll out these innovations across Europe in 2023, we are looking at launching in other regions, such as Asia Pacific, in the coming years. Watch this space!