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».

Looking at the future Bulgurlu also added: «We continuously innovate, experimenting with environmentally friendly and energy-efficient products that have a substantial impact on reducing carbon emissions around the world. Not only that: we are committed to creating a sustainable and responsible supply chain. Let’s keep going, I’m confident we will reach new heights on our journey towards a net-zero future».

LG Electronics announced that its premium refrigerator (600-liter models) has received International Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) certification. This is the second time the model has earned EPD certification, having already been recognized by EPD Norway last year. The refrigerator reduces energy consumption thanks to its advanced Inverter Linear Compressor, vacuum insulation and an optimized refrigeration cycle.

The International EPD System is designed to quantify the environmental impact of a product throughout its entire lifecycle, including production, transportation, distribution, usage and disposal. It provides consumers with accurate and transparent information about a product’s effect on the planet, helping them to choose devices that can support their efforts to live more sustainably. Products are assessed according to international standards, which consumers can learn more about on the official EPD website.

«This latest EPD certification is symbolic of LG’s commitment to the environment and to transparency – said Lyu Jae-cheol, president of LG Electronics Home Appliance & Air Solution Company -. We will continue to acquire environmental product declaration certifications that encourage consumers to make responsible purchasing decisions, while leveraging our innovative technologies to minimize the impact of our products.»

Glem Gas is more and more committed in reducing its enviromental impact. The company has recently announced the intention of embarking on the path of carbon neutrality, containing its carbon footprint. As it explains, «to fulfill the process of balancing the carbon dioxide emissions produced and the development of action plans aimed at their compensation, Glem Gas has set itself the goal of obtaining continuous improvements and concrete results for the protection of the environment along its entire supply chain productive, also through raising the awareness of its employees. In doing so, Glem Gas follows and anticipates market progress to guarantee the highest quality even when it comes to attention and respect for the environment; after all, we know that good cuisine is also made up of evolution».

Having therefore established the intention of minimizing the quantity of energy withdrawn from the grid and consequently also reducing CO2 emissions, the next step was to join the project co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund which blends perfectly with the corporate vision of Economy, Society and Environment that Glem Gas has.

During 2023, with the contribution of the ENERGY FUND of the Emilia-Romagna Region, the installation of a photovoltaic system with a power of 399.84kW composed of over 700 panels was carried out and a revamping was carried out on an existing system since 2010 with a power of 150.00kWp, thus implementing 50% energy efficiency for its infrastructures. «This important action allows us to produce clean energy starting from the sun, as it is a natural and renewable source, and more precisely provides: production of 469,740 kWh of electricity every year, corresponding to 70 TOE/year (double compared to what has been produced up to now); reduction of CO2 emissions, more precisely 95.8 t/year of CO2 avoided; reduction of oil consumption in the production cycle, avoiding the annual production of 221,000 liters of oil».

Amdea, the UK Association of Manufacturers of Domestic Appliances, reported its satisfaction for “2050: Appliances of the Future conference: The Road to Net Zero”, the event organized at the end of September by the Association itself. The latest was the third edition, supported by City, University of London and the OPSS (Office for Product Safety and Standards). The event saw guest speakers from manufacturing, retail, regulation and policy focus on the next steps for achieving a sustainable home appliance industry, as we move towards a net-zero future.

«There’s no doubt that appliances have a big role to play in supporting the achievement of net zero homes – said Paul Hide, Amdea Ceo in his speech –. Estimates suggest that within the 29 million UK homes, there are at least 130 million large appliances and over 300 million small appliances. More than 98% of UK homes have at least one large appliance and annual UK sales of this industry exceed 12 million large appliances and 50 million small appliances. This equates to a UK market worth close to £8 billion a year at retail and supports many thousands of UK jobs.»

Hide also underlined Amdea’s responsibility is to ensure there is a net zero action plan across the full supply chain – from sustainable raw materials and sourcing precious minerals to carbon-and water-neutral manufacturing, net zero delivery to the customer’s home, net zero impact in use and full recyclability and material recovery at the end of an appliance’s maximum useful life.

Innovative products and services for greater sustainability and convenience are Miele’s top themes at this year’s IFA with the motto: ‘A Miele Open House‘. The topic of environment and climate, which has always been a high priority at the company, remains at the center of its offer. The outstanding durability and repairability of Miele appliances, as well as their energy efficiency, combined with the best results and convenience features are just two examples of how Miele supports its customers in making their lives as sustainable as possible.

Among the new appliances, Miele will present its first washing machine to undercut the limit value for energy efficiency class A by 10%. The dishwashers on the G 7000 series are among the most sustainable on the market. The G 7465 SCVi XXL model recently won the prestigious ‘Green Product Award‘. Now these appliances have been given additional programmes for cleaning which is as thorough as it is energy-efficient and gentle. In addition, the dish racks have been further developed so that reusable glass bottles and drinking straws can also be securely attached and thoroughly rinsed.

A further contribution to climate protection in the home is made by the Consumption Dashboard in the Miele app, with detailed consumption displays, long-term statistics on usage behaviour, the associated consumption, and practical tips on how to use the appliance as efficiently as possible. The Consumption Dashboard, in this form unique by Miele, was presented at the last IFA in a first step for dishwashers and meanwhile is also available for monitoring washing machines.

At IFA, Miele will also display the AI-based assistance system Smart Food ID, which recognises dishes via a camera in the oven and shows them on the oven display. All it needs then is the OK to confirm and baking, roasting or cooking starts and ends automatically. Currently, Smart Food ID recognises about 30 recipes, and Miele is gradually expanding the range. Smart Food ID has already been introduced in the first European countries, including Austria and Switzerland, with Germany to follow in the coming weeks.

Gfk made an analysis about sustainability and appliances to understand if sustainability is already a core driver for global Tech and Durables shoppers. In 2022, pollution still was among the top five concerns in 13 of the 22 countries surveyed in the global GfK Consumer Life study. The company’s experts take a look at how sustainability and consumers’ environmental demands are influencing the global Tech and Durables (T&D) market. It forecasts that by 2030 50 percent of the world’s population will be eco-active, with a potential global spend of over 700 billion US dollars on Consumer Tech and Durables.

Despite short-term disruption, environmentalism continues to be a fast-growing, long-term personal value among consumers. There is a widespread belief that young people are the most concerned about climate change, but the biggest increase in concern since 2021 has actually been among those aged 60 and over. One in five of this group researched companies’ environmental practices in 2022 – that’s up 6 percentage points from the previous year – and nearly 50 percent of them “travel green”.

«It is very likely that a company’s environmental credentials, such as its carbon footprint, alone do not easily justify a premium price to consumers – says Norbert Herzog, GfK expert for Consumer Tech and Durables –. Durability and energy efficiency are key factors for Tech and Durables shoppers who are looking for overall saving in the lifetime cost of their devices, as well as being greener in their product choices.»

Miele further expands self-sufficiency in green electricity. At its headquarters in Gütersloh, the company is currently installing the second-largest roof-top PV array in the town, comprising around 2,400 PV modules. The installation will have a total output of around 900 kWp and will generate more than 750,000 kWh of electricity per year – sufficient to power some 250 households, each with an annual average consumption of 3,000 kWh. Construction work has already commenced, with the facility expected to enter service this year.

An innovative solar power plant to help Miele increase its own power generation and reduce emissions which damage the climate is being built on an area covering 18,000 square metres – around the size of two and a half football pitches. As a result, the new installation on the roof of the central store for spare parts and accessories in Edison St. in Gütersloh is set to save around 370,000 kg CO2 per annum. This corresponds to the emissions of more than 200 mid-range cars with an internal combustion engine. Miele feeds the sun’s energy which is converted into electricity into the company’s own grid to power its production plant.

As recently as February, the company announced it would back climate-friendly terrestrial heat in Gütersloh in addition to solar power. With the aid of geothermal energy, Miele will in the future save more than 4 million kWh of heat from fossil fuels per year – and hence around 600,000 kg CO2. Further photovoltaic systems and terrestrial heat projects are at the planning stage.

Whirlpool Corporation announced that it achieved Zero Waste to Landfill Gold or Platinum status (self-certification) at its large manufacturing sites worldwide as part of the company’s standing commitment to sustainable operations. Whirlpool first set its goal to reach Zero Waste to Landfill in 2012 and has continued to invest in plant efficiency and waste reduction —working closely with recyclers and sustainability vendors to find new, innovative ways to eliminate waste and contribute to the circular economy. This goal is aligned with the UL ECVP 2799 Zero Waste to Landfill standard, which requires at least 95 percent diversion from landfills.

«Sustainability is central to Whirlpool Corporation’s culture. We are relentless in our efforts to improve the way we produce and manufacture our products to deliver on our social and environmental sustainability goals while not compromising product performance — said Marc Bitzer, CEO and chairman, Whirlpool Corporation —. Our Zero Waste to Landfill achievement is a significant milestone that underscores the commendable dedication and collective commitment from our team to drive meaningful change. We will continue to unite our sustainable practices with our corporate purpose to support our communities and grow our business.»

The company has reduced its carbon footprint by accelerating energy-saving plant retrofits and entering two wind Virtual Power Purchase Agreements (VPPAs) that will generate wind energy equivalent to 100% of Whirlpool Corp.’s U.S. manufacturing plant energy consumption. In February of 2022, Whirlpool Corporation joined the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Better Climate Challenge which targets a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 50 percent within 10 years and collaborating with the DOE and other organizations to cut carbon and save energy.

Zero Waste to Landfill goal reached for all large global manufacturing facilities owned by Whirlpool at December 31, 2022 with the exception of a new manufacturing facility in Argentina that opened Oct. 28, 2022 and the InSinkErator business which was acquired on Oct. 31, 2022.

For almost 50 years, FAI – Fondo per l’Ambiente Italiano, restores and manages historic and artistic sites and landscapes across Italy, opening them up to the public. Doimo Cucine will contribute to this activity, becoming a Corporate Golden Donor for 2023.

«When we were asked to participate in the FAI’s important project, intent on making Italy a better place to live, work and raise our children – the company explains – we immediately saw this proposal as perfectly aligned with our feelings about the Doimo Cucine brand. Besides, we have always considered the protection of the environment an important part of wellbeing. We also see the concept of sustainability as a balance to be pursued because it produces advantages for those who choose our kitchens, for the company and for the planet. As a company operating in the furniture industry, we naturally look with much attention at any form of beauty».

The company will help FAI’s project as Corporate Golden Donor. «We are certain – Doimo Cucine goes on – that through our support as a Corporate Golden Donor to the FAI’s activity of preserving Italian art and landscapes we can help as many people as possible to experience that space of harmony and wellbeing, that world we all desire».

Miele introduced green aluminium in its production with the aim of reduce by 645 tonnes per year. Aluminium is strong but light-weight. These and other properties make this material an attractive proposition in a broad range of industrial applications. Alongside its use in the automotive sector, this metal also plays a key role in the production of domestic appliances. As Miele explained, «aluminium is energy-intensive in production. Hence the more energy is supplied by the sun, wind and water, the more the climate benefits. As part of a pilot project, Miele is now using primary aluminium in the manufacture of ovens produced exclusively using green electricity from hydropower. This way, Miele reduces its CO2 footprint by 645 tonnes a year and, in doing so, is making yet another contribution to greater sustainability in the supply chain».

In 2021 Miele introduced the use of low-CO2 steel to the production of ovens. «We are the first in our branch of industry to prove that CO2-reduced aluminium can be successfully used in ovens and help reduce the CO2 footprint – said Hans Krug, Senior Vice President Procurement -. The objective is to use climate-friendly aluminium on a broad front and thereby contribute towards a future-proof economy».

Initial use in oven production in the Westphalian town of Oelde. In a first stage, this year Miele will order around 150 tonnes of CO2-reduced aluminium for the production of trim. This represents an integral part of the ovens manufactured by Miele in the Westphalian town of Oelde. The aluminium is converted into an alloy in the supplier’s own foundry, further processed and then supplied to Miele in the form of finished components. The aluminium is poured on lines which use regenerative burners which utilise waste heat from the production process.