Tag Archives: sustainability

Europe’s Laundry Habits Are Getting Smarter — and Faster

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Across Europe, laundry routines are evolving. A remarkable 58% of wash cycles now finish in under 90 minutes, with one in three wrapping up in less than an hour. And here’s the bonus: lower temperatures are becoming the norm — a win for both your wardrobe and energy savings.

⏰ Morning Loads Lead the Way

When do most people hit ‘start’ on the washing machine? Before noon. In fact, 54% of the 15,000 Europeans we surveyed prefer to do laundry in the morning. It’s no surprise — with hybrid work schedules and jam-packed mornings, speed and efficiency are more essential than ever.

✨ Quick Doesn’t Mean Compromise

Think fast cycles mean sacrificing cleanliness? Think again. Electrolux’s UltraQuick 49-minute program uses smart pre-mixing technology to deliver top-tier stain removal — all in under an hour at just 30°C.*

📊 Want More Insights?

Dive deeper into the data and discover how laundry habits are shifting across the continent in the full Truth About Laundry Report.

https://admin.betterlivingprogram.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Truth-About-Laundry-2025.pdf

Groupe SEB Reinvents the Appliance Sector with Innovation and Sustainability

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Groupe SEB, a historic leader in small household appliances, is expanding with a new reconditioning business and a strategy grounded in innovation, local manufacturing, and sustainability. In 2024, the group posted €8.2 billion in revenue and 5% organic growth, boosted by acquisitions like Pacojet and Forge Adour.

Innovation-Fueled Resilience 
Despite market challenges, the sector grew 8% in 2024 and continues to rise, driven by accessible yet tech-forward products. “Innovation powers renewal and growth,” says Sébastien Alègre, French Market MD, citing Groupe SEB’s 300 annual product launches and 1,500 innovation-focused employees.

Vacuum and Kitchen Products Lead 
Vacuum tech, led by the Rowenta X Clean 10 electric mop, accounts for over 30% of global household appliance budgets. Kitchen appliances like air fryers and multi-cookers also surge, fueled by changing lifestyles and a demand for versatile tools.

Beauty Segment Gains Ground 
Personal care products, under the Calor brand, have become a strong growth area. Driven by influencer campaigns and evolving home beauty habits, Calor blends design and performance for diverse users.

Made in France, Built to Last 
With 11 French sites, Groupe SEB emphasizes domestic manufacturing and long-term repairability—offering 15 years of affordable spare parts.

Washing with less energy

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Did you know? Doing the laundry today uses significantly less energy than it did twenty years ago.

The average energy use per cycle for washing machines has dropped to 0.6 kWh, driven by ongoing advancements in home appliance technology. This shift reflects the industry’s long-term focus on improving energy performance while responding to the expectations of consumers and broader sustainability objectives.

The result: better-performing appliances with a lower environmental impact.

📊 Discover more in APPLiA Statistical Report https://statreport2024.applia-europe.eu/

Electrolux Group Boosts Circularity Goals with Expanded Use of Recycled Materials

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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 Group Unveils Sustainable Distribution & Experience Centre at Port of Brisbane

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Electrolux Group has officially unveiled its cutting-edge distribution and Experience Centre at the Port of Brisbane’s Port West industrial estate, marking a significant milestone as the first tenant to launch within Stage 2 of the precinct.Situated on a 4.22-hectare site in Lytton, the facility boasts a premium warehouse, a two-storey office, a dock office, a repairs workshop, a spacious truck apron, ample car parking, and a specially designed Experience Centre.

The Smeg SKC01 Soda Maker: Sparkling Moments Made Effortles

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Discover refreshment reinvented with the Smeg SKC01 Soda Maker—a perfect blend of iconic Italian design and everyday functionality.

Tailor your fizz to perfection with the easy-to-use carbonation control, delivering sparkling water just the way you like it. Compact and cordless, this stylish appliance transforms still water into bubbly brilliance, bringing a touch of sparkle to every occasion—be it joyful afternoons with the family or sophisticated dinner soirées.

The SKC01 Soda Maker comes complete with an 800ml Tritan™ Renew bottle, allowing you to embrace sustainability and say goodbye to single-use plastics. Designed with care for both convenience and the planet, it’s refreshment you can feel good about.

Available in four chic finishes—Storm Blue, Emerald Green, Matte Black, and Matte White—this appliance isn’t just functional; it’s an elegant addition to your kitchen counter.

Effortless sparkle, timeless style—the Smeg SKC01 Soda Maker delivers it all.

Groupe SEB Opens Regeneration Hub in Is-sur-Tille, Advancing Sustainability

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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.

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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

Beko Europe Signs Framework Agreement to Drive Industrial Transformation

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After nearly five months of negotiations, Beko Europe has finalized a framework agreement with the government, Regions, and social partners to implement an industrial transformation plan for the sites previously owned by Merloni and Whirlpool. This milestone agreement, endorsed by 88% of workers’ assemblies, marks a significant step in modernizing operations while prioritizing job preservation.

Minister Adolfo Urso hailed the agreement as “historic and essential for governing this industrial transition, safeguarding the exceptional strength of Made in Italy, which is becoming a key driver in Europe for this major multinational.” Fatih Ebiçlioğlu, President of Beko Europe and the Consumer Durables division of Koç Holding, echoed the sentiment, stating, “Italy has always been a strategic pillar for our global activities, and today’s agreement is a decisive step for our group’s future in the country.”

**Employment Measures and Investment Commitments**

The agreement successfully reduces redundancies from over 1,935 to 937 positions. Additionally, 287 workers at the Siena site (bringing the total to 1,284) will have access to conservative social safety nets and voluntary exit incentives. Beko has committed to managing any potential surpluses until 2027 exclusively through these measures, offering incentives such as 48-month pension slips and severance packages of up to €90,000 for workers over fifty who are ineligible for pension requirements.

**Site-Specific Developments and Investment Plans**

– **Cassinetta di Biandronno (VA)**: This site will focus on producing built-in cooking and refrigeration appliances, supported by €136 million in investments for product development, research, and energy efficiency improvements, including €8.5 million for solar panel installations.

– **Melano (AN)**: Set to become a European hub for gas, radiant, and induction hobs, the site will benefit from a €62 million investment in product and process development, with €1.5 million allocated for energy efficiency enhancements and solar panels.

– **Comunanza (AP)**: Maintaining its role in producing washer-dryers and high-capacity models, the site will introduce a new product line with €15 million in investments, including €3 million for sustainability measures.

– **Carinaro**: Strengthened as a central hub for spare parts and accessories, the site will manage European order fulfillment and appliance regeneration. A €5 million investment will expand storage capacity and modernize technological processes.

– **Fabriano**: The electronics Research and Development hub, originally slated for closure, will remain operational, underscoring Beko’s commitment to innovation.

A Historic €300 Million Investment Plan

The €300 million investment plan aims to modernize products, upgrade facilities, and ensure the long-term viability of all factories, safeguarding employment levels while driving innovation.