Influencing the value chain
Since some of the Group’s greatest sustainability impacts occur outside Group operations, sustainability efforts are increasingly about working with others to address indirect impacts.
Taking a value chain approach provides a helicopter view of where impacts occur, which partners to engage and how the greatest value can be created for Electrolux and its stakeholders. This holistic view makes it easier to identify opportunities, minimize impacts and understand boundaries.
Click on each element of the value chain below to find out more about key issues, challenges and how Group action is creating value.
R&D
Suppliers
Electrolux
operations
Transport
Point of
purchase
Consumer use
End-of-Life
R&D
Electrolux allocated SEK 2.5bn to R&D, approximately one third of which is sustainability-related. Focus is on energy- and water-efficiency as well as use of materials. Reduction goals for energy, water and chemicals are in place for all major product categories.
Suppliers
The company's more than 3,000 suppliers must manage their sustainability performance in line with Group requirements. Audits target those in high- and medium-risk countries, esp. in China, the Ukraine, Egypt, Chile and Argentina. Focus is on building supplier capacity to maintain high standards. (Indirect impact)
Electrolux
operations
The Electrolux Foundation sets out the guiding principles: respect & diversity, ethics & integrity, safety & sustainability. The Group's factories, warehouses, offices and close to 61,000 employees must be managed accordingly. (Direct impact)
Transport
Electrolux is partnering with logistics suppliers to improve transport efficiency. Logistics makes up about 1% of the product lifecycle CO2 footprint. (Indirect impact)
Point of
purchase
Retailers are the bridge to consumer engagement. Along with energy and performance labeling, partnerships help consumers make the switch to sustainable products. (Indirect impact)
Consumer use
With the major impacts occurring during product use, product efficiency is the top priority. Refrigerator and freezer efficiency in Europe improved on average by 3% per year between 2008 and 2013. (Indirect impact)
End-of-Life
Legislation on appliance recycling is being introduced in key markets. In Europe - the region with the most comprehensive producer responsibility legislation - major appliances have to be recycled to 80% (70% for small appliances). (Indirect impact)
CEO Statement
In 2013 we continued to deliver above our growth target and delivered 4.5% in organic sales growth.
CEO Statement
I'm convinced that raising product efficiency for the growing middle class is where long-term shareholder value creation lies.
Our products
Electrolux is the only appliance manufacturer in the industry to offer complete solutions for both consumers and professionals. The focus is on innovative and energy-efficient products in the premium segments.
Sustainability
Achieving the Group's vision of sustainability leadership is crucial to realizing the business strategy. The objective is to develop smarter, more accessible, resource-efficient solutions that meet people's needs and improve their lives. Read the comprehensive sustainability performance review.
Awards & recognition
Financial Reporting
Net sales for the Electrolux Group in 2013 amounted to SEK 109,151m, as against SEK 109,994m in the previous year. The organic sales growth was 4.5%, while currencies had an impact of -5.3%.