In the run-up to Word Environment Day on June 5, appliance giant Arçelik has revealed that it has recycled 192 million PET bottles and used over 13,207 tons of recycled plastic in its production in 2022 alone.
The 192 million PET bottles were recycled between 2017 and 2022 and were used for the production of the tubs in its washing machines and washer dryers.
Arçelik has also implemented a robust circular model for its Beko and Grundig brands and recycled a wider range of plastic, including industrial fishing nets and thread. These materials are recycled and used in the production of plastic components in ovens, dishwashers and washing machines.
Since 2022, the company has used 26 tons of recycled fishing nets and 563 tones of recycled industrial thread in these products.
Over and above that, between 2014 and 2022 Arçelik recycled 1.7 million Waste Electrical and Electronics Equipment (WEEE) units in its recycling plants. Its WEEE recycling initiative forms a closed loop, with waste from one appliance being used in the production of another. For example, dishwasher cutlery baskets are used in the production of fans for dishwashers.
Commenting on Arçelik’s progress with its sustainability programme, chief executive Hakan Bulgurlu said: “Striving for greater sustainability is a vision Arçelik continuously works towards and we’re always looking for ways to improve our progress and contribute more to climate conservation. Plastic pollution is this year’s World Environment Day theme, and an issue that we take very seriously. While we are proud of our achievements to date, we know there is a long journey ahead of us. We look forward to continuing to save, innovate and collaborate towards further innovation in plastic saving solutions to contribute to a better and cleaner world.”
The company has said that it intends to increase the amount of recycled plastics used in its products by 40%.