Electrolux Group's Ambitious Sustainability Commitment
Electrolux Group announced a groundbreaking target aimed at significantly enhancing its use of recycled materials in product manufacturing. On March 24, 2025, the company unveiled its objective to increase the proportion of recycled steel and plastic used in its products to 35% by the year 2030. This new benchmark nearly doubles the previous target for recycled materials, marking a substantial leap forward in the company’s sustainability journey.
An Industry First
This targeted approach was released alongside the Group’s sustainability report for 2024, showcasing its commitment to not just meet but lead industry standards in sustainability practices. Elena Breda, the Chief Technology and Sustainability Officer at Electrolux Group, expressed pride in this ambitious new goal, emphasizing its role as an industry first that could redefine standards in circular economy practices in the home appliance sector.
Broadening the Scope of Recycled Materials
The updated target expands the focus from solely recycled plastics to include recycled steel, which constitutes a significant portion of Electrolux's material usage. By adding steel to its sustainability targets, the company estimates that over 40% of the total materials it purchases will now be addressed under this goal, tripling the scope of their previous commitments. The projected increase in recycled materials is expected to double what was previously covered by the recycled plastics target.
Progress and Achievements in Sustainability
In addition to the new target, the sustainability report highlighted some notable achievements from the previous year:
- - A significant reduction of 36% in scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions (encompassing direct operational impacts) and a 31% decrease in scope 3 emissions (including the impact of product use) compared to 2021, aligning with the Group's broader science-based climate goals.
- - A commendable sourcing of 94% of electricity and 64% of total energy from renewable sources, further pushing towards reduced environmental impact during operations.
- - Exceptional health and safety standards that led to a Total Case Incident Rate of merely 0.37, reflecting the Group’s commitment to employee welfare and safety.
Moreover, advancements in product efficiency were highlighted, including washing machines in Europe that exceed energy efficiency standards by 60%, and features in new Electrolux appliances, such as the Pure 900 Air Purifier, which operates at a significantly lower energy consumption rate while maintaining effectiveness.
Educational Engagement with Sustainability Initiatives
The Electrolux Food Foundation’s efforts to engage children around the world in sustainable eating practices reached 81,000 kids, intertwining corporate responsibility with vital social initiatives. The Group's initiative stands as a demonstration of its commitment not only to product sustainability but also to influencing future generations to practice better environmental stewardship.
Recognition for Sustainability Leadership
The strides made by Electrolux Group in sustainability have not gone unnoticed, earning them a prestigious EcoVadis Gold rating. This accolade positions them among the top 5% of more than 70,000 companies globally, signifying a recognition of true sustainability leadership. Additionally, the global non-profit organization CDP awarded the Group an impressive A- score for its climate-related efforts.
Electrolux Group’s aggressive targets and substantial achievements underscore its ongoing dedication to sustainability and circular economy initiatives. The integration of higher levels of recycled materials into products is expected to serve not only as a benchmark for the company’s future but as inspiration for other industry players to follow suit in the journey towards a more sustainable world.
Conclusion
As the Electrolux Group embarks on this ambitious sustainability pathway, it sets a tone for the industry, inviting other brands to leap forward in their commitment to environmental responsibility. The targets set forth may serve as a benchmark in the industry, reflecting a collective responsibility towards embracing sustainable practices for a healthier planet.