Annual Report 2013

The Electrolux approach to sustainability is geared at developing smarter, more accessible, resource-efficient solutions that meet people's needs and improve their lives.


Products, services and markets

People and operations

Stakeholders and society

Sustainability


CEO Statement

Bringing the most efficient appliances to market will increase the Group's positive impacts and grow the business. That means bringing sustainability to the core of the business strategy.


Integrating sustainability

Embedding sustainability at Electrolux is about clear leadership and vision, but also about ownership - where management drives its relevance home within their area of responsibility.


Mapping priorities

Seeing the big picture is important - it is the departure point for understanding the issues that really matter. Eleven sustainability areas critical to the business have been identified.

Performance and progress

Your guide to more information on the Group's approach, progress and priorities in dealing with the sustainability issues most relevant to the business.


GRI-reporting


Awards and recognition

Influencing the value chain

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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.

  • Developing efficient products
  • Products for the middle class in emerging markets
  • Phasing out chemicals of concern
Finding ways to scale energy-efficient solutions from premium to mass and making them cost-efficient. Increasing fleet efficiency.

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)

  • Transparency
  • Supplier Code of Conduct compliance
  • Health and Safety
Growing numbers of suppliers are in countries with inadequate legislation and/or enforcement. Achieving long-term change among suppliers and building partnerships to realize sustainable innovation.

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)

  • Reductions in energy, water, waste and emissions
  • Code of Conduct compliance - including anti-corruption, human rights
  • Health and Safety
  • Restructuring
  • Integrating sustainability
Integrating acquired operations. Engaging staff in sustainability goals, embedding sustainability fully in all sectors and achieving consistency across the organization.

Transport

Electrolux is partnering with logistics suppliers to improve transport efficiency. Logistics makes up about 1% of the product lifecycle CO2 footprint. (Indirect impact)

  • Carbon footprint and improved efficiency
Transport will increase due to product volumes. Accurate data collection on CO2 emissions is still not standardized. Increasing rail, intermodal and sea transport.

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)

  • Promote sales of green products
  • Transparency
Ensuring point-of-sales personnel have the right tools to raise awareness. Meeting varied retailer requirements on labor, human rights and environment.

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)

  • Product efficiency
  • Products for the growing middle class
Helping consumers understand the value of high sustainability standards. Raising awareness on the role energy use in households has in reducing climate 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)

  • Phasing out chemicals of concern.
  • Transparency and accountability
Promote the introduction of market incentives for Design for Environment. Partnering with retailers and NGOs to raise awareness. Making better use of modularization.

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