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Beko's Innovative Refurbishment Program

Beko, a frontrunner in the home appliance sector, has made headlines with the recent expansion of its innovative Reduce-Refurbish-Recycle initiative. This holistic approach not only focuses on refurbishing returned appliances but also significantly contributes to prolonging their lifecycles, enhancing sustainability, and minimizing waste across the European market.

The Significance of Refurbishment

The refurbishment philosophy transcends the mere repair of appliances. It is a commitment to creating a circular economy where products are not discarded once they show signs of wear, but are renewed and made available as affordable alternatives for consumers. As the importance of environmental sustainability continues to surge, Beko's refurbishment strategy proves essential to meet consumer demands while adhering to eco-friendly practices.

In 2024 alone, the company successfully refurbished over 114,000 appliances globally through dedicated centers in the UK, Italy, and Romania. These strategic centers not only mitigate waste but also ensure that key home appliances remain functional and accessible to households.

Investment in Refurbishment Centers

Fatih Özkadı, Beko's Chief Sustainability, Quality, and Customer Care Officer, emphasized the importance of these refurbishment centers, stating, "Refurbishment is about more than repairing appliances - it's about extending lifecycles, reducing waste, and giving consumers access to reliable, affordable products."

Beko's flagship refurbishment center in Peterborough, UK, is a notable example of this initiative, boasting an operational zero waste to landfill policy since 2019. This 5,000 square meters site is equipped with over 100,000 spare parts and utilizes stringent quality audits for 30% of its refurbished units, ensuring their reliability and safety before resale.

Expanding Operations Across Europe

In Italy, Beko's refurbishment operations in Carinaro cater to diverse categories, including washing machines, cooking appliances, and dishwashers, among others. By employing a local team of operatives, Beko ensures that refurbished products are priced 10-30% lower than their retail counterparts, further encouraging consumers to opt for sustainable choices.

Meanwhile, in Romania, the company aims for a remarkable recovery rate, targeting over 75% of eligible products to re-enter circulation. This systematic approach to refurbishment underscores Beko's commitment to operating consistently and adaptively across various markets.

Commitment to Customer Care

Central to Beko's operational strategy is a robust customer care framework. The Reduce–Refurbish–Recycle program begins at the customer service level, where many appliance issues can be resolved remotely, thereby reducing unnecessary returns. Appliances that do need refurbishment undergo comprehensive testing and repair processes, utilizing genuine parts to ensure performance standards.

This cycle of refurbishment not only adds value for the consumer but also reinforces the brand's commitment to sustainability and social responsibility. Beko's expansion aligns seamlessly with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, allowing teams to maintain a unified narrative of circularity while addressing specific local contexts.

Conclusion

Beko’s refurbishment initiative not only addresses the rising consumer preference for sustainable products but also demonstrates the feasibility of circular economies in the appliance industry. As it continues to grow its operations across Europe, Beko not only secures its position as a market leader in sustainability but also champions a movement towards responsible consumption.

This commitment has been recognized on multiple fronts, including for being listed on the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices and securing high ratings in corporate sustainability assessments. As Beko continues to innovate and expand, it affirms its vision of Respecting the World, Respected Worldwide for years to come.