Electrolux Group is raising its circularity ambition. By 2030, 35% of the steel and plastics used in the company’s products by weight will come from recycled sources — more than twice the volume covered by the company’s previous goal and accounting for over 40% of materials purchased by the Group. We take a deep dive into why the target was set and what it means for Electrolux Group and the wider industry.
Announced on March 24, 2025, the new target reflects a step-change in scope and impact. It replaces a plastics-only ambition set in 2018 and now includes steel, the company’s most-used material by weight.
“As a sustainability leader, we’re pushing ourselves and the industry to go further,” says Elena Breda, Chief Technology & Sustainability Officer at Electrolux Group. “This target is an industry first and a key driver of our circularity agenda.”
Designed for flexibility
Rather than split the 35% target by material, Electrolux Group will pursue a blended approach. This gives teams the flexibility to prioritize recycled steel or plastics depending on regional supply, infrastructure and cost dynamics.
“This is about staying agile,” says Fabio Spizzo, Head of Sustainability Performance, Safety & Compliance at Electrolux Group. “We’re building flexibility into the system, so we can move quickly where the opportunities are.”
A climate lever with measurable impact
The target supports the Group’s science-based climate goals. While most product emissions come from use, materials are the second-largest contributor, largely due to the carbon emitted when extracting and producing raw materials. Using recycled content reduces this embedded carbon and strengthens supply chain resilience.
Steel alone accounts for an estimated 7–9% of global emissions.* Recycled steel can have a 58% lower carbon footprint than virgin steel**, while recycled plastics can reduce emissions by up to 90%.***
Why 35% — not 50%?
The new 35% Group recycled content – steel and plastic – target has replaced the original ambition, set in 2018, focused on achieving 50% recycled plastics. By broadening the target’s scope, Electrolux Group will more than double the volume of recycled content covered by the company’s previous goal, accounting for over 40% of the materials purchased by the Group.
Developed with input from R&D, sourcing and suppliers, it reflects what is feasible at scale across both materials, considering performance requirements, regional supply and traceability without compromising design integrity.
“It’s a stretch target,” says Tomas Dahlman, Head of Environmental Sustainability at Electrolux Group. “But one we believe we can deliver through smart product development, close supplier collaboration and constant adaptation.”
Technical challenges, practical progress
Scaling up recycled content requires new ways of working. Recycled plastics often require redesigns due to material variability, while recycled steel can be constrained by quality and regional availability. Strong supplier partnerships and long-term planning will be key.
“You can’t always swap in recycled content one-to-one,” says Spizzo. “But with smart design and collaboration, we’re seeing great progress, and even positive consumer feedback where recycled features signal quality.”
The transition will begin with material-intensive product categories like refrigeration and laundry. In 2024, the Group used 131,000 tons of recycled materials across products. Roadmaps are being put in place to reach the 2030 target, with progress tracked quarterly and reviewed at Group level.
Choosing to lead
While some manufacturers have set targets focused on recycled plastics, few in the appliance industry have included steel, and none have adopted a blended materials target at this scale. Electrolux Group’s approach reflects both ambition and pragmatism.
“We’re not just keeping pace. We’re choosing to lead,” says Dahlman. “This is about making circular design standard, not optional.”
Part of a wider shift
Other industries, including automotive and construction, are also working to increase their use of recycled steel and plastics in response to growing circularity ambition and regulations. However, material availability, quality assurance and infrastructure gaps remain challenges across sectors.
Electrolux Group’s strategy reflects a broader push toward low-impact manufacturing and aims to set a benchmark within the home appliance space.
Enabling systems change
The Group is calling for clearer material standards, smarter policy incentives, and greater investment in recycling infrastructure. Collaborations with suppliers, industry platforms and policymakers will be essential.
“This is bigger than us,” says Dahlman. “Delivering on this goal means working across the value chain with urgency and alignment.”
Part of a bigger journey
The recycled materials target builds on Electrolux Group’s broader sustainability performance in 2024, including a 36% reduction in operational emissions since 2021 and continued leadership in energy-efficient product design.
“This isn’t the finish line,” says Breda. “It’s a key milestone on our journey toward more circular, climate-smart products and a more resilient way of doing business, and we’re proud to share it on World Environment Day.”
Sources:
* World Steel Association – https://worldsteel.org/climate-action/climate-change-and-the-production-of-iron-and-steel/#:~:text=In%202020%2C%20on%20average%2C%20every,between%207%25%20and%209%25
** Stena Recycling – https://www.stenarecycling.com/news-insights/insights-inspiration/guides-articles/the-value-of-recycling-metals/
*** Plastic Recyclers Europe – https://www.plasticsrecyclers.eu/plastic-recycling/
