Increasing the use of recycled materials in the manufacture of glasswashers and washer disinfectors is just one of Miele’s ambitious goals to become more sustainable.
The brand, which makes commercial dishwashers, washing machines and washer disinfectors, suitable for use in a medical and laboratory setting, has published a detailed sustainability report setting out its plans for the future, as well as steps it has already taken to reduce the environmental impact of its products.
Miele plans to reduce CO2 by 50 per cent by 2030 and is working to make its equipment easier to repair to increase each appliance’s life cycle, benefiting both the environment and the customer. It is also committed to ensuring clear information on energy efficiency and consumption is available for each product.
Nadine Bellamy-Thomas, Miele’s national account manager – lab and medical, said, “There is a growing interest in sustainability among our customers, and it is a key priority for Miele. Our customer surveys and feedback from dealers have shown us that the efficiency values for electricity, water and gas are now a key part of the decision-making process for many people looking to buy commercial machines for their organisation, whether it is a veterinary clinic, laboratory, or medical setting.”
In 2021, carbon neutrality was achieved across all Miele locations, including Bielefeld, which is the production site for commercial dishwashers and washer disinfectors. This target was reached by acquiring high-quality CO2 compensation certificates - a way of offsetting the emissions created during the production process.
Miele’s Sustainability Report for 2021 also highlights how the brand has coped with the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic. Large numbers of the company’s office staff switched to remote working during 2020, and almost all contacts with retailers went digital.
A statement from the executive board said: “If 2020 has taught us one thing, it is that global crises cannot be resolved by taking a wait-and-see approach. Instead, they call for decisive action.
“Climate action is not the only area where we have set new goals for ourselves. In terms of our products, too, we plan to further sharpen our focus in the future on not only durability and efficient use, but also aspects such as recyclability, repairability and resource efficiency.”