CASSINETTA, Italy—Whirlpool Corp.’s assembly plant has become a zero waste to landfill facility a year ahead of schedule, and it reduced its carbon emissions by 38 percent in just four years. The appliance manufacturer is aiming for carbon neutrality at all of its 54 sites around the world by 2030.

Other sustainable improvements at the plant, which assembles ovens, refrigerators and microwaves, include cutting electricity during breaks, recycling plastic, reducing the use of polystyrene, and opting for electric power over fossil fuels. Employing nearly 3,000 people, the plant sits in close proximity to 80 percent of its suppliers, reducing the carbon footprint needed to transport components and raw materials to the plant.