Our consumers can feel reassured that we’re managing chemicals carefully and replacing those that cause concern.
Electrolux will protect people and the environment by managing chemicals carefully and continuing to replace those that cause concern.
Implement a best-in-class global system for improving the control of chemicals throughout our complex supply chain and work with suppliers to replace chemicals of concern
Raise the bar on chemical requirements, taking into account new scientific findings
As the use of chemicals increases, we need to be more aware than ever of the impact of chemicals on people and the environment.
We want consumers to feel reassured that Electrolux has a robust approach to choosing materials for its products – to protect human health and the environment. Customers and consumers are increasingly aware of chemicals, and are raising their requirements on appliance companies such as Electrolux.
The Electrolux Global Chemicals Office coordinates and manages the chemicals listed on our Restricted Materials List throughout the Group and among our suppliers. Our environmental management process tracks material use on a site-by-site basis. Suppliers are required to adhere to our Restricted Materials List and report on their use of substances of concern. Focusing on high-risk applications and suppliers, we test thousands of components every year for chemical compliance at Electrolux laboratories and selected approved institutes.
The Eco@web online database is our Group chemical management tool, and includes detailed information on the chemicals used in our products. It allows us to avoid unwanted materials and track those that might cause concern in the future. Eco@web helps to manage our complex supply chain of over 3,000 direct suppliers.
The Electrolux Restricted Material List, which is an integral part of our contracts with suppliers, provides information about chemical phase-out as well as the requirements for the use of chemicals. We continuously update the list in light of new legislation and research, and demands from customers and NGOs.
Driving the phase out of chemicals where it is not supported by regulation
Substituting HFCs in air conditioners, where there are no common industry solutions available
Electrolux will protect people and the environment by managing chemicals carefully and continuing to replace those that cause concern.
| The roadmap to 2020 | Next steps |
|---|---|
| Implement a best-in-class global system for improving the control of chemicals throughout our complex supply chain and work with suppliers to replace chemicals of concern. |
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| Raise the bar on chemical requirements, taking into account new scientific findings. |
|
| Eliminate all high-impact greenhouse gases from our products. |
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On track
Additional effort is required
Off track
Work has not yet begun
In 2017, we continued with the global roll out of our Eco@web tool, launching it in Egypt and finalizing its implementation for the production sites of Small Domestic Appliances business. New features were added to the tool in order to be able to focus on high risk suppliers and to respond even more quickly to changes in chemical legislation. Eco@web also improves our proof of chemical compliance for customers and institutions.
One focus area is the phase out of hydro fluorocarbons (HFCs) that have a high global warming potential and are used in some markets as refrigerants or for foam blowing. We aim to have phased out HFCs from all markets by 2020, which will reduce our CO2 footprint by 14% compared with the 2005 baseline.
At Electrolux Australia, as well as in countries in Asia, the phase-out of HFCs in refrigerators was completed ahead of legislation, and we are in the process of doing the same in other markets. A large manufacturing site in the US has already replaced the HFC blowing agent with cyclopentane, and other North American operations will follow suit by 2020.
Following several years of advocacy in the USA, spearheaded by Electrolux and the North American industry organization AHAM, US safety standards are being revised to allow appliance makers to transition away from HFCs to more eco-friendly hydrocarbon refrigerants. This is a clear example of how we work together with key stakeholders to overcome challenges and influence legislation for the better.