CHARLOTTE, NC—Electrolux Group has developed a vacuum cleaner made of up to 44% recycled material. The Electrolux brand Ultimate700's paint-free surface removes the use of chemicals in the manufacturing process; the colors are created with new recycled plastic formulations that range from 36% to 44% recycled material by weight, depending on color and nozzles. The calculation considers the vacuum itself, complete with nozzle accessories – but minus the charging stand, battery, adapter, and filters.
“For future products we develop, we’ll continue to add more recycled content at increasing levels. This is just the beginning.”
GreenCircle Certified is a third-party vendor that verified the recycled content promise. The certification demonstrates Electrolux's commitment to reuse materials and to reduce reliance on virgin materials. GreenCircle partners with companies like Amazon and Wayfair to help consumers shop sustainably with confidence.
Electrolux Group North America’s Head of Sustainability Tara Helms said, “We are breaking new ground in terms of circularity, innovation and reduced environmental impact with this range of vacuum cleaners. It’s one more critical step in addressing the product carbon footprint.”
As a pioneer, Electrolux Group was first in the industry in 2010 to raise awareness about the global shortage of recycled plastics through the Vac from the Sea project. The volume of products containing recycled material has since increased across the industry but remain at low levels. To step up the pace, Electrolux Group has utilized recycled plastics globally in a variety of stick and cannister vacuum models since 2013.
By 2030, Electrolux Group’s goal is to increase the proportion of recycled plastic used in our products to 50%. The lessons from developing the Ultimate700™ will provide important insights for future product innovations.