Category Archives: Environmental

Carbon Trust report names Electrolux Group as a leader in climate action

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Electrolux Group has been named a leader in climate action in the air conditioning industry in the Carbon Trust report, which offers a snapshot of how the sector is transforming to tackle climate change. We are one of four global manufacturers of products containing refrigerants that have made a clear commitment to phase out gases with high global warming potential (GWP) and to have a plan to replace them with low or very low GWP gases. By the end of 2023, we had replaced high-GWP gases from 97% of our products containing refrigerants and insulation foams

BSH recycling of packaging

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BSH, are making it easier for consumers to dispose of packaging responsibly,
Since August 2023 BSH products’ package features a QR code that provides quick and easy access to information on how to dispose of packaging material properly. This is in response to a new labeling requirement introduced in Italy on January 1, 2023, which mandates that products and their packaging must display information on proper disposal.

In just seven months, BSH rolled out a QR code on the packaging of BSH products worldwide. By scanning the QR code, consumers can access a website with PDF that provides illustrated examples of packaging materials, information on the type of packaging, and disposal instructions.

To create this comprehensive database, BSH took around 360 photos over two days at BSH’s largest spare parts logistics warehouse in Fürth, Germany. Currently available in eight countries, we plan to expand to more countries based on demand.
already more than 30,000 people used the QR code and website to access information on proper packaging disposal.

We arehome to both globally established Appliance Brands*, such as Bosch, Siemens, Gaggenau, and Neff, in addition to eight local brands. With our Ecosystem Brand Home Connect and Service Brands such as Kitchen Stories and BlueMovement

Electrolux Group announced its second science-based climate target

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Electrolux announced that it has set a new science-based climate target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in products and operations in support of the Paris climate agreement. The new target comes after the Group achieved its previous science-based target three years ahead of plan. “We’re very proud – says Electrolux Group CEO Jonas Samuelson – to have our second science-based climate target approved at the end of 2023 by the Science Based Targets initiative after achieving our first science-based target three years ahead of plan. We’re focused on keeping up our momentum to drive climate action throughout our value chain”. The new target aims to reduce the company’s direct and indirect emissions resulting from its own operations (scope 1 and 2) by 85% and to reduce the Group’s absolute scope 3 emissions (use of sold products, materials, transport of products and business travel) by 42% between 2021 and 2030. The target is aligned with the Paris climate agreement, which aims to keep the global temperature rise within 1.5°C this century to avoid the most severe impacts from climate change. Electrolux Group was one of the first 100 companies in the world to set an ambitious climate target approved by the Science Based Targets initiative in 2018. With the new scope 1 and 2 target, the Group will achieve a 97% emission reduction in operations by 2030 compared with 2015. “The new science-based target – explains Elena Breda, Chief Technology and Sustainability Officer at Electrolux Group – will bring us close to zero emissions in operations by 2030, despite the challenging global economic outlook and some manufacturing processes to be addressed together with our suppliers. As approximately 85% of the global climate impact of an appliance is generated when it is in use, therefore by offering resource and energy efficient products is where we can have the greatest positive climate y and our scope 3 target supports our work on this

Producers could have to pay for e-waste recycling from 2026

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A move set to transform the handling of electronic waste, the UK government, through the Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs (Defra), has released an ambitious consultation document proposing significant reforms to the country’s producer responsibility system for waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE).

Central to the proposed changes is an enhanced focus on increasing collections of household WEEE. Under the new system, Local Authorities will play a pivotal role, ensuring the separate collection of a wide array of household electronics – from large domestic appliances and solar panels to TVs and computer monitors. This initiative marks a significant step towards more efficient recycling and disposal of electronic waste.The consultation proposes to extend regulatory obligations to online marketplaces and fulfilment houses, a sector previously unregulated in this context. This change aims to bridge the responsibility gap, particularly for overseas sellers, ensuring comprehensive compliance with the WEEE Regulations across all sales platforms.

The proposed overhaul will see the establishment of a WEEE Scheme Administrator, a sector-led organisation tasked with overseeing the strategic and operational elements of the WEEE systemThe most striking feature of the proposed changes is the introduction of a UK-wide household waste collection system for small and bulky items, financed mainly by the equipment’s importers and manufacturers. This system would obligate sellers to take away old appliances at no extra charge under certain conditions, significantly easing the recycling process for consumers.

The government proposes that producers and distributors without take-back services should finance bulky waste collection services for large WEEE items, typically provided by Local Authorities. This initiative aims to ensure that the disposal of large electronic items does not burden consumers financially.These proposals, if implemented, are expected to significantly increase the efficiency and effectiveness of WEEE collection, treatment, and recycling in the UK, marking a significant leap towards a more sustainable and circular economy. Any changes will take effect from 1 January 2026.

WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION NAMED TO 2023 DOW JONES SUSTAINABILITY

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Whirlpool Corporation announced that it has been named to the 2023 Dow Jones Sustainability World Index (DJSI) in recognition of the company’s dedication to responsible and ethical business practices. This marks the second consecutive year Whirlpool Corp. has been named to the World Index. The company is also on the North America Index for the 17th year.

“For 112 years we have held ourselves to the highest ethical standards in our business operations, and we are proud of our long history of purposeful innovation, sustainable operations and local community engagement,” said Marc Bitzer, chairman and CEO of Whirlpool Corporation. “Receiving this recognition once again validates the efforts of our thousands of employees and their dedication to our vision of improving life at home.”Whirlpool Corp. advanced its environmental, social and governance (ESG) strategy, reaching Zero Waste to Landfill (ZWtL) gold or platinum level at 100% of its large global manufacturing sites in 2022, a goal set in 2012.

In a statement, the company explained that Zero Waste to Landfill is part of the company’s ongoing commitment to World Class Manufacturing, the foundation for the company’s sustainable manufacturing journey. Whirlpool Corp. continues to invest in plant efficiency and waste reduction by working closely with recycling and sustainability organizations to find new, innovative ways to eliminate waste and contribute to the circular economy.

Arçelik got the highest score in the DJSI

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Arçelik obtained, for the fifth consecutive year, the highest score in the Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes (DJSI), in the sector of household durable goods companies, with the result of 86/100 in the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment. This is the main global reference point on the sustainability front: based on the results obtained, companies are selected to appear in the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index, which evaluates and rewards best performing companies in terms of sustainable attitude, based on economic, environmental and social criteria.

In a difficult year like 2023 – commented Hakan Bulgurlu, CEO of Arçelik – our intent was to remain faithful to our vision of sustainability, despite the headwinds. Our dedication to building a more aware and responsible world is the underlying theme of all our activities. This prestigious recognition is a new confirmation of our leadership in sustainability and rewards our commitment.

Haier Terra Carta Seal

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Haier has been awarded the 2023 Terra Carta Seal by The Sustainable Markets Initiative, a recovery plan for Nature, People, and Planet.

The Terra Carta Seal is endorsed by the King of the United Kingdom Charles III and recognises global companies which are actively leading the charge to create a climate and nature-positive future.

The recognition was awarded to #Haier Smart Home for its exceptional waste recirculation and recycling processes and for the renewable energy targets set for Haier Europe, together with the implementation of innovative strategies to serve sustainability through connectivity and IoT technologies.

Samsung in Global Top 5

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Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. has been recognized for the fourth consecutive time as a “Global Top 5” by Interbrand, an international brand consultancy that annually releases its “Best Global Brands” ranking. On this occasion it was also announced that the Samsung brand has reached a value of 91.4 billion dollars, equal to a growth of 4% year on year.
Samsung follows Apple, Microsoft, Amazon and Google and is the first non-US brand, surpassing Toyota, Mercedes and Coca Cola.

Whirlpool Corporation introduced SlimTech™ insulation,

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Whirlpool Corporation introduced SlimTech™ insulation, the first vacuum-insulated structure (VIS) technology in a refrigerator in the North American market.

Using a proprietary material that is vacuum-sealed within the door or sides of the refrigerator, SlimTech™ insulation can reduce the wall thickness by up to 66% – allowing for up to 25% more capacity inside the refrigerator.

“For the past 112 years, we have shaped the landscape of modern home appliances in the kitchen and the laundry room, developing products that have improved life at home for millions of consumers from the introduction of the first electric wringer washer and first home dishwasher,” said Marc Bitzer, Whirlpool Corporation chairman and CEO. “SlimTech™ insulation is yet another turning point for the industry, and this launch is just the beginning of how we will utilize this technology.”This refrigeration breakthrough will deliver benefits ranging from increased capacity and quieter performance to the potential for increased sustainability and design flexibility.
SlimTech™ insulation will launch in 2024 on select JennAir® 30 in. Column refrigerators and will later expand to KitchenAid brand

Whirlpool Corporation introduced SlimTech™ insulation, the first vacuum insulated structure (VIS) technology in a refrigerator in the North American market. This technology represents a significant step forward in refrigeration technology, which has long relied on bulky polyurethane foam for insulation.

By using a proprietary material that is vacuum-sealed within the door or sides of the refrigerator itself, SlimTech™ insulation can reduce the wall thickness by up to 66% – allowing for up to 25% more capacity inside the refrigerator.

Miele wins the German Sustainability Award for the second time

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Miele won the German Sustainability Award 2023 in the ‘Home Appliances’ category. The Gütersloh company had already obtained the award in 2014. The lifespan of its products, the attention to reducing the resources used in the production phase and the CO2 emissions during the use of household appliances together with the responsibility assumed towards of supply chains and employees earned Miele the jury’s recognition.

The German Sustainability Award recognizes companies from all industrial sectors that have achieved success on their long and arduous journey towards sustainability. Independent specialized juries decided on the basis of sustainability profiles which companies are leaders in 100 categories and identified them