Home appliance brand Grundig has announced that it has formed an alliance with ReNew ELP to recycle Grundig’s FiberCatcher filter at the world’s first commercial-scale HydroPRS plastic recycling site.
Based in Teesside in North East England, this commercial scale hydrothermal advanced recycling site will be capable of recycling end-of-life plastic that cannot be recycled via traditional methods. The advanced HydroPRS process converts mixed plastics back into fossil-replacement feedstock for use in the manufacture of new plastics and other products, including sustainable road construction materials. Unlike many other recycling processes, there is no anticipated limit to the number of times the same material can be recycled with HydroPRS.
Launched in 2021, Grundig’s FiberCatcher washing machine has an integrated synthetic microfibre filter, designed to catch up to 90% of microfibres during synthetic wash cycles. Each microfibre filter is built to last for up to six months, with customers being able to return their filters free of charge to be recycled. While the filter is not suitable for traditional mechanical recycling via household collection, Grundig’s partnership with ReNew ELP will allow the brand to recycle the filters, transforming used materials into repurposed plastic.
Grundig says that its sustainability ethos reflects the values of its parent company, Arçelik. In 2019 and 2020, Arçelik became carbon-neutral in its global operations, and as a company it is now setting aiming to achieve net-zero emissions across its entire value chain by 2050.
Andrew Mullen, head of sustainability and quality at Beko Plc, commented: “Our parent company, Arçelik plc, is committed to investing in sustainable technology. From using recycled fishing nets and recycled plastic bottles in our appliances, to launching our most innovative product to date to help with microplastic pollution, the Grundig FiberCatcher washing machine, Arçelik is committed to developing products that showcase their dedication to our planet in line with their ‘Respecting the World, Respected Worldwide’ ethos."
