Appliances with smart apps that help reduce energy and water usage, extended warranties and less packaging are what customers really need to help them on their sustainability journeys at home – Sally Smith finds out more.
More consumers are now prioritising sustainability in the home and are actively looking for appliances with broad ranging environmental credentials. While smart connectivity and the latest energy-efficient functionality are top of the list, more cost-effective solutions such as extending the life of those appliances will be key to achieving long-lasting sustainability in the home.
"Advancements in AI-powered technology will enable appliances to automatically optimise energy and water consumption based on real-time usage, reducing waste without compromising performance. Circular design principles will become increasingly important, with manufacturers focusing on recyclable materials and modular components that extend product lifespans and make repairs easier," explains Tom Hopper, kitchens category manager at Miele GB.
While shifting consumer behaviour towards more energy-conscious habits requires education and engagement, Hopper adds, "sourcing environmentally friendly materials that maintain durability and performance remains a complex issue and evolving environmental regulations demand continuous innovation to improve efficiency and reduce waste across the entire product lifecycle."
Jo Sargent, sales & marketing director at Franke UK adds: “While apps are not new, the technology has become more accessible to a wider demographic and a well-designed app and the connectivity it offers can really help monitor and optimise energy efficiency. Our @Home app allows consumers to remotely access via Bluetooth the real-time status of their connected appliances including hobs and hoods.”
While there is undoubtedly greater awareness and interest in living more sustainably, the adoption of appliances and sustainable practices is still relatively low. Sargent adds: "Behavioural changes to move away from supermarket plastic bags and single use plastic bottles are easier to embrace than consciously designing a home and purchasing products that can cost more. I don’t think consumers generally are happy to pay a premium for sustainability, they expect it, and that makes it part of our role as manufacturers to use innovation to develop new products that will deliver value and performance to them."
Extending the lifespan of appliances is a cost-effective way to reduce waste and meet sustainability targets for both manufacturers and consumers. An increasing number of brands are extending their warranties and focus on providing a comprehensive ‘aftercare’ service to customers. Caner Duran, head of business unit – cooling, BSH UK & Ireland, says: "By providing a longer warranty period and robust support from our team of 300 dedicated engineers, customers can make purchases with an assurance of quality and longevity. We have also extended the amount of time we keep spare parts for large appliances from 10 to 15 years."
Educating consumers about the recent changes in the Energy Labelling will help to reassure them the appliances they are buying do meet their sustainability criteria. Duran adds: "The energy ratings in cooling were updated 2 years ago, which explains the scarcity of high-rated products in this category because products that would have previously been an A, for example, were now rated a lot lower. We have launched new A and B rated models for our Bosch line."
However, manufacturers are coming up with innovative strategies to provide cost-effective alternative sustainable solutions for consumers. Haier’s ‘Bringing second life to appliances’ is a great example. Antony Peart, brand & communications director for Haier Europe, says: "In line with extending the lifecycle of our products, we have partnered with small local businesses in key markets, with the first pilot project in France, for the refurbishment and resale of our products. We are currently assessing this for implementation in the UK and Germany with the aim of offering more consumers the opportunity to access pre-used appliances."
Fully recyclable packaging and less of it for all appliances is not only in line with the aims of a circular economy but will go some way in helping homeowners on their sustainable journey too.
Jenny Nalborczyk, marketing manager at AGA explains: "We have reduced the amount of cardboard, straps and foam pieces used around new AGA cookers we deliver to supply partners and to customers. We also continue to review other reusable items, such as pallets and internal packaging. The introduction of the re-usable bag will reduce the use of cardboard and Stratocell polyethylene foam."
There is also a broad range of energy saving functionality across all appliances available on the market to help customers reduce their energy footprint and food waste.
Bodie Kelay, MD of Küppersbusch sales UK, says: "Our refrigeration range offers an innovative ‘FreshBox’ system, which ensures food is kept fresh for up to three times longer in a dedicated fridge cooling zone, maintaining a 0°C for optimum food preservation. The latest ‘BlueLight’ technology mimics the natural photosynthesis process, to help keep fruit and vegetables fresher, whilst retaining flavour and vitamins."
The use of AI technology across all appliances on the market is not new but consumers are now ready to maximise their potential to reduce their energy usage and keep food waste to a minimum.
