A refrigerator made with 70% recycled plastics
The unique and innovative models have inner walls made from 70% recycled plastic sourced from recycled refrigerators, representing 13% of the total plastic used in a refrigerator. A world first!
Working together for a circular future
As a leader in the field of household appliances and at the forefront of sustainable development, the Swedish brand is the first in the world to incorporate so much recycled plastic in a refrigerator. This breakthrough was made possible thanks to a long-standing collaboration with its specialist supplier who collects plastic from discarded fridges in Europe.
That partner is Renewi, a leading waste recovery company based mainly in the Benelux and its subsidiary Coolrec, a European company specialising in the recycling of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE). Using a tried and tested collection system in Belgium, the Netherlands and France, Coolrec recovers discarded refrigerators and then extracts and processes the plastics into reusable secondary raw materials.
High quality recycled plastic
It is this high-quality recycled polymer, called HIPS (High Impact Polystyrene), that Electrolux will use to manufacture the interior linings of its new range of refrigerators.
This partnership was recently recognised at the Plastics Recycling Awards Europe* where Electrolux and Renewi won first prize in the automotive, electrical or electronic product category for the manufacturing of their recycled plastic fridge. The award recognises a long-standing collaboration “to make this sustainable circular product a reality”.
Maurice Geelen, Managing Director of Coolrec said: “Today it all came together and this award is the icing on the cake for us. This achievement is further proof of our daily commitment to continuously contribute to the creation of a circular economy where waste no longer exists.”
* The Plastics Recycling Awards Europe recognise and reward the achievements of the European plastics recycling industry. The awards provide an insight into current developments and the use of recycled materials, product design and innovative manufacturing.
More information:
https://www.coolrec.com
https://www.renewi.com
https://www.betterlivingelectrolux.com
