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
Category Archives: Environmental
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.
Beko most sustainable
Beko has been named one of TIME Magazine’s World’s Most Sustainable Companies for the second year running, earning a place in the Top 20 and securing the #1 position in its industry.
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.
Electrolux Professional Group achieves gold medal in EcoVadis
Electrolux Professional Group is proud to announce that we have been awarded the prestigious gold medal in the EcoVadis Sustainability Ratings. This recognition places us in the top 5% of companies assessed globally, highlighting our firm commitment to sustainable business practices.
Groupe SEB Opens Regeneration Hub in Is-sur-Tille, Advancing Sustainability
Global appliance leader Groupe SEB has launched its new regeneration hub in Is-sur-Tille, France. Supporting the circular economy, the hub focuses on recovering, repairing, and reconditioning household appliances to extend their lifespan.
The site invests in both environmental sustainability and employment, with specialized training programs enhancing employee skills in repair and re-marketing.
The hub works closely with sorting centers in France, Germany, and Spain, while proximity to a major spare parts storage site ensures efficiency. By April 2025, 65 reconditioned products from brands like Rowenta and Moulinex were sold at 20%-30% lower prices, with plans to expand to 200 products across 40 families in the near future.
Haier renewable energy.
Haier Europe, our driven by a vision of a sustainable future, where renewable energy powers our world and reduces their environmental footprint.
committed to sourcing 60% of energy from renewable sources across all production facilities by 2025, and reducing Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions, in line with the Science Based Targets initiative.
The journey towards sustainability is accelerating through large-scale solar panel installations in Turkey, China, and Italy. The industrial hub in Turkey now meets 100% of its energy needs with clean electricity, while the Jinling plant in China generates 6.24 million kWh per year from solar panels, covering 20% of its energy consumption
Miele ribless drum washing machine
Laundry technology has evolved remarkably over the past two decades, with machines reaching peak energy efficiency. As further reductions in energy consumption become increasingly challenging, manufacturers are shifting their focus to sustainability in fabric care. Traditional washing machine drums feature ribs that create friction, leading to fiber abrasion and premature wear on textiles. However, removing these ribs poses a challenge—without them, laundry struggles to rotate properly in the drum.
Miele has introduced an innovative solution with the Nova Edition W2, the first washing machine featuring a ribless drum. Instead of conventional ridges, it utilizes honeycomb-shaped formations—dubbed “royal combs”—which gently guide laundry through the wash cycle. The true breakthrough lies in its dynamic motion. Rather than continuous rotation, the drum oscillates back and forth like a swing, intelligently adjusting until optimal fabric movement is achieved. This cutting-edge system processes over 700 technical signals per minute to ensure efficient and gentle washing.
Miele’s Next Leap Forward
The W2 Nova stands as Miele’s most advanced washing machine to date. With this innovation, the company aims to create another milestone in laundry care, reminiscent of its pioneering honeycomb drum and water spray technology introduced 25 years ago. By rethinking fabric treatment, Miele continues to push boundaries in sustainability and intelligent laundry solutions.
APPLiA, in collaboration with AISE International Association
APPLiA, in collaboration with AISE International Association for Soaps, Detergents and Maintenance Products, conducted a consumer survey to better understand the usage patterns of household washing machines and dishwashers. The aim of the study is to track the continuity of consumer behavior trends over recent years, providing valuable insights into how appliances are being used.
The study, conducted across 23 countries with around 4,600 respondents, examines various aspects of appliance usage. It highlights key trends, including the widespread adoption of Eco programs for dishwashers and the stable average washing machine temperature of 43.3°C.
These findings are crucial for promoting sustainable and effective appliance usage, optimising performance, and minimising environmental impact.
Read the full study https://aise.eu/priorities/science-research/consumer-research/
Fridge and SDA recycling plant in Scotland,
Enva, one of the UK and Ireland’s leading recycling and resource recovery specialists, has officially opened a new fridge and SDA recycling facility in Perth, Scotland. This multi million pound investment has delivered a flagship facility capable of achieving the highest possible recycling standards.
The state-of-the-art facility, the only dedicated fridge and SDA recycling plant in Scotland, has the capacity to process 4,000 fridges and 300 tonnes of SDA per week providing Scottish residents with the ability to sustainably recycle all their waste fridges and small electrical appliances such as kettles, toasters, vacuum cleaners, and coffee machines.
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