International. Electrolux has developed a prototype refrigerator where all visible plastic parts are made of bioplastics from renewable sources. Bioplastic for the refrigerator has a carbon footprint of more than 80% compared to conventional plastics used today.
The company says the prototype is the world's first refrigerator made from bioplastic and part of Electrolux's strategy to create more sustainable appliances.
Unlike ordinary plastics that are based on petroleum, bioplastics like those used in the new refrigerator prototype come directly from renewable resources, such as corn or sugarcane. The bioplastics used in the refrigerator are recyclable.
In recent years, Electrolux's Global Connectivity and Technology Center (GC&T) has explored and tested how bioplastics can be applied in Electrolux products and packaging. Together with Electrolux's Purchasing and R&D departments for food preservation, GC&T has successfully developed a prototype refrigerator where all visible plastic parts are made of bioplastics. The material used in the refrigerator has been provided by NatureWorks, a global supplier of biopolymers. Bioplastic for the refrigerator has 80% less CO2 equivalent emissions compared to the conventional plastic used in today's refrigerators.
"We are very excited and proud to have developed the world's first bioplastic concept refrigerator, which is truly innovative. Our ambition is to develop even more innovative and sustainable appliances that we may see on the market in the future," said Jan Brockmann, Chief Operating Officer of Electrolux.
Electrolux is already committed to material efficiency through the use of post-consumer recycled plastics, such as Carborec, a recycled polypropylene-based plastic composite that extends the life of plastic from non-renewable resources. The bioplastic refrigerator is still in development and there is currently no set timetable for when the product will officially be launched on the market.
"Sustainability is part of Electrolux's business strategy and we are dedicated to innovating for more sustainable products and reducing our carbon footprint. This prototype is unique and helps us fulfill our purpose of shaping life for the better," said Henrik Sundström, Vice President of Sustainability at Electrolux.
