Resource efficiency
Electrolux is committed to growth that is sustainable. This means continually reducing environmental impacts across products, services and operations.
Sustainability targets are set relative to the Group’s objective to grow its business by at least 4% per year. Efficient use of resources has the twin benefit of cost savings and sustainability advantages.
Through the Green Spirit program, which is an integral part of the Electrolux Manufacturing System, objectives are set to continuously reduce resource consumption, waste and emissions. Improved energy efficiency is saving more than SEK 300m a year in energy costs and emitting 200,000 tonnes less carbon dioxide compared to 2005.
Direct materials
Materials in household appliances comprise primarily of steel, plastic and electronic components. Direct material consumption is reduced by optimizing components and their weights without compromising product performance and quality.
Chemicals
Electrolux is phasing out chemicals of concern. New scientific findings and stakeholder requirements are used to update the list of restricted materials.
Use of recycled materials
The objective is to increase the content of recycled materials in new products. Up to 65% post-consumer recycled plastic is used in selected vacuum-cleaner models.
Energy consumption
Energy use and CO2 emissions are the highest priorities of resource efficiency. Electrolux has formulated targets for absolute reductions as well as relative objectives. The average energy consumption per unit produced in comparable factories has decreased by 21% during the last five years. The start-up of new factories and increases in electricity emission factors had a negative impact on the results in absolute energy consumption and carbon emissions in 2013, (see graphs below).
Water consumption
Water shortages are a major problem in many regions. Electrolux has a long-term commitment to help improve management of limited water resources. Two years ahead of schedule, the Group achieved its 2014 goal of a 20 percent reduction in water consumption in operations. During 2013 and together with WWF, Electrolux mapped water-related risks associated with Group factories. As a result, new and more stringent targets have been set for factories in water-stressed areas.
Transportation
For society as a whole, over 25% of global CO2 emissions derives from transportation. Electrolux has set a target to reduce its emissions by 15% over four years, using a 2010 baseline.
Several actions have been initiated. The Global Logistic team has partnered with Business for Social Responsibility’s Clean Cargo Working Group to drive CO2 reductions deriving from ocean shipments. This initiative has resulted in improved carbon efficiency by more than 20% by 2013 compared to 2010.
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Water consumption |
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| Waste from manufacturing has been reduced since 2005. |
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Energy consumption |
Total waste |
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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%.
