Electrolux in a changing world
An evolving agenda
Although many of the sustainability issues facing Electrolux remain the same over a long period, their importance changes over time. The areas we have identified as emerging or of increased importance are described in the table below in no particular order.
Sustainability topics
Climate change
The Paris Climate Agreement to limit global warming to well below 2°C.
Electrolux response: Our target is to halve the Group's climate impact between 2005 and 2020.
Read more in Our Climate Targets.
Renewable energy
Leading sustainable businesses continue to demonstrate the importance of a renewable energy strategy.
Electrolux response: Our target is to increase renewables for our operations to 50% by 2020.
Read more in our Promise Achieve more with less.
Food waste
The fact that 1.3 billion metric tons of food are wasted every year has increased in importance in recent years, driven by public and media interest.
Electrolux response: We develop technologies for keeping food fresher for longer.
We engage with communities to raise awareness of food waste. For example, through the Electrolux Food Foundation, and partnerships with Worldchefs and AIESEC – including several local projects and two global initiatives.
Read more in our Promises Be a force for good and Achieve more with less.
Circular economy
Rapidly emerging concept globally as businesses adopt circular principles, and the EU prepares circular economy-inspired legislation.
Electrolux response: We establish strategic supplier partnerships to access high-quality recycled plastics. We are increasingly in dialogue with EU legislators on product durability-related issues. We participate in OECD environmental meetings at ministerial level, to discuss climate change and circular economy.
Read more in our Promise Make better use of resources.
Human rights
New human rights frameworks and regulations are being launched, which makes this an area of continued interest to investors. Examples of new regulation and international standards include the Australian Modern Slavery Act, the French Duty of Vigilance and the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Business Conduct.
Electrolux response: We are committed to human rights in our own operations and our supply chain.
Read more in our Promises Always act ethically and respect human right and Improve sustainability in the supply chain.
Responsible taxation
There is sustained interest from socially responsible investors requesting increased transparency on tax payment approaches, and emerging global legislation.
Elextrolux response: We are transparent on taxation in our Annual Report and have a public tax policy.
Digitalization & data integrity
The Internet of Things enables a lifelong relationship between producers and consumers, but requires high standards of data security and privacy.
Digitally managed processes (e.g. production, logistics, planning) requires high data integrity and strong data validation routines.
Electrolux response: The European General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) that came into force in 2018 strengthens citizens' fundamental right to control their personal data. Electrolux has implemented processes to fully comply with GDPR to ensure people's rights to privacy and integrity.
Microplastics
There is increasing public concern on microplastics in oceans.
Electrolux response: We conduct our own research and participate in joint research projects
Electrolux
Electrolux shapes living for the better by reinventing taste, care and wellbeing experiences that make life more enjoyable and sustainable for millions of people. Through our brands, including Electrolux, AEG and Frigidaire, we sell more than 60 million household and professional products in more than 150 markets every year.
S:t Göransgatan 143
SE-105 45 Stockholm, Sweden