Electrolux launches a new Product Recyclability Tool

Electrolux's Product Recyclability Tool supports its circularity goals. The tool was developed with the help of Stena Recycling. 77% of consumers value recyclable products.

Electrolux introduces a new Product Recyclability Tool to support its ambitious circularity goals.

The prototype tool, which was unveiled today at the Circular Initiative event in Stockholm, Sweden, builds on the knowledge gained during the company's ongoing collaboration with Stena Recycling to explore circular solutions.

Consumers today want circular materials. According to a recent European survey commissioned by Stena Recycling, 77% of consumers believe it is important or very important that products be recyclable.

"The tool will allow our design and engineering teams to explore recyclability right from the start of the design process, allowing us to create products that are even more recyclable - so their components can continue their life as useful materials," says Vanessa Butani, VP Group Sustainability.

"The tool is still in its early stages of development, and the next step for us will be to open the process to other companies, working together to expand its functionality, data quality, and market relevance."

"Collaborating with others means they can use our learnings to create their own more recyclable products, while we can support a growing market for circular materials," says Barry Waddilove, Sustainability Director Development & Collaborations.

The Stena Recycling partnership expands to include more products. Over the last three years, Electrolux has collaborated closely with Stena Recycling to better understand what happens to its products at the end of their lives and how we can improve product circularity.

In 2020, the partnership created a prototype vacuum cleaner made entirely of recycled materials and repurposed components, and in 2021, it created a prototype vacuum cleaner that is 90% recyclable.

"Our extensive research in the vacuum cleaner category has been especially helpful in understanding our material choices and design decisions that benefit both quality and recyclability," Waddilove says.

"By 2022, we plan to expand these studies across all of our major product categories, including dishwashers, refrigerators, and cookers."

Source: Electrolux Group news