Manufacturers have been focussing for many years on sustainability. This entails examining entire production processes from design – of parts and machines – to recoverability and reuse of parts after recycling. Manufacturers are also transporting goods by greener methods, using recyclable packaging, converting fleets to electric vehicles. 

Recycled plastics have been introduced in recent years. For example, to reduce its embedded carbon footprint, one manufacturer deploys recycled plastic bottles in its washing machine tubs and another has significantly cut its use of virgin materials by using recycled plastic in vacuum cleaners.  

British manufacturers have been exemplary in driving down the environmental impact of their operations as well as the efficiency of their products when in use, while also supporting repairs, recycling, and refurbishment. You can find out more here

Smart appliances – those which are internet and wifi connected – help increase efficiency. They save time, energy and money, allow for remote control and can send alerts. Diagnostic programmes also flag any faults and alert misuse. 

Washing machines today are considerably more energy and water efficient. For example, a modern washing machine needs a third less water than one produced around the millennium.  

Many appliances benefit from some simple routine maintenance to keep them ticking over efficiently. Machines deploying water – dishwashers, washing machines, washer dryers, kettles, coffee makers etc – use less energy and last longer if users remove limescale build-up. Additionally, keeping all appliances clean goes a long way to ensuring they work well and give good service. 

Appliances are designed with durability and recyclability in mind. Manufacturers also aim to extend the lifespan of appliances as much as possible to conserve resources by stocking and supplying genuine spare parts for a minimum of ten years.  

The industry also funds recycling of appliances. Recycling rates for large appliances are good – for every three large appliances bought in the UK, two are recycled. Improvements are needed for the recycling of smaller appliances and the industry funds a scheme aimed at encouraging consumers to recycle appliances responsibly.  

Recovery of materials from recycled appliances is critical to conserve resources. Stripping out and reusing materials – such as metals and plastics – lends those constituent parts a second life. For every three large appliances bought, two are recycled.