Why green is the new black in home appliances

As consumers get increasingly eco-conscious, appliance giants strive to bring out product lines that are energy efficient and help reduce the carbon footprint.

Green electrical appliances are fast becoming a customer demand. As consumers become more eco-savvy, the expectation for electrical companies to be environmentally aware increases.

"Consumers are growing more aware about the part they can play in energy saving," says Ali Borhani, director of corporate strategy and business development for BSH home appliances FZE. "Home appliances have the biggest share of energy consumption in an average household. Appliances such as refrigerators run 24 hours a day for 365 days a year. Approximately 90 per cent of the environmental impact of an appliance is due to the length of time it is in use."

Healthy living collection

It seems that big businesses have taken this on board and are now producing increasingly ecological home appliances. For example, LG has launched a Healthy Living Collection. Part of its product portfolio includes steam washers, which not only save up to 20 per cent in water and electricity compared to other washing machines, but are British Allergy Foundation certified too. "The entire Healthy Living range saves energy and water and reduces noise output," says Amjad Mahaned, marketing manager for LG Electronics, Gulf.

Sony, Whirlpool, Nokia and Dell are among other companies who have introduced their own eco policies, proving that heavyweight brands are taking consumer demands
seriously.

Innovative climate protection

BSH, recent winners of Most Sustainable Company at The German Sustainability Award, boasts a washing machine with less than 0.19kw of energy consumed per washing cycle and kg of laundry among its ecological range of products. "BSH has been investing in innovative climate protection and resource-saving measures, a strategy which is now paying off," says Borhani. "With its energy-efficient appliances and production processes, the BSH makes a considerable contribution to the reduction in greenhouse gases."

Eco-aware companies are increasingly looking at every stage of a product's existence, from its manufacturing process to its disposal, rather than just its energy output. Mahaned agrees on the importance of being environmentally aware at every stage, "LG electronics are green right from production. We ensure that our factory process are executed in an eco-friendly way."

Reducing carbon footprint

Most large electrical companies are making significant headway in helping eco-aware consumers reduce their carbon footprint. However, some products will be marked with an EU energy efficient label that will testify to a product's eco credentials.

Though companies such as LG admit that the initial cost for eco-friendly appliances may be higher, the energy they save translates into a long-term sound investment. Through spending a little more, consumers can help minimise energy output in the long run. "We see our future function as that of a committed contributor to climate protection through the production of resource-saving appliances.

"In this way we shall be promoting sound social values at the same time as increasing the long-term value of the company," says Dr. Kurt-Ludwig Gutberlet, chairman and CEO of BSH.

Mahaned agrees, "We are continuing to expand LG's Healthy Living Collection portfolio as part of our dedication to energy efficiency." Across the board, electrical companies are beginning to implement massive changes in their products and production methods.

With such high-profile companies continuing to launch eco products and work towards high targets for lowering their carbon footprint, the future of home appliances looks bright.