Electrolux Outlines Company's Commitment To Sustainability In Speech At United Nations

NEW YORK, Dec. 10, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- By the year 2030, there will be an additional 3 billion people in the middle class, most of whom will want to own consumer goods such as televisions, telephones and refrigerators, said Henrik Sundstrom, Vice President Group Sustainability Affairs for Electrolux. 

Speaking at the AIESEC Youth Action Summit, held at the United Nations this week, Sundstrom outlined the impact these additional consumers will have on our planet, as well as the implications for consumer products manufacturers such as Electrolux.  He pointed out that having access to refrigeration can make a profound difference in the life of a family.

"We design and build products that can make life better for people who are entering the middle class in developing countries, and ensure they have access to better nutrition, and ultimately better health," said Sundstrom.  He added that household appliances are fundamental for a better and more prosperous life for people new to the middle class.  "Appliances provide solutions to the most basic needs, such as keeping food and water fresh.  That means a child might have the time to attend school, or a parent can contribute to the family's income through employment outside the home," he said.

Electrolux has long been committed to sustainable technologies and practices, said Sundstrom.  Among other things, he outlined the company's commitment to reducing its carbon footprint by 50 percent by 2020 compared to 2005. "The company is committed to sustainable technologies, operations and practices," he said.  "To reach our vision of being the best appliance company in the world, we also need to be leading in sustainability."

In 2015, Electrolux was named Industry Leader in the Household Durables category in the prestigious Dow Jones Sustainability World Index for the ninth consecutive year.  The company was also ranked Industry Leader Household Durables in RobecoSAM's Sustainability Yearbook, an annual rating of companies' sustainability performance, for the fourth consecutive year.  Over 3,000 of the world's largest companies were invited to participate in the RobecoSAM Corporate Sustainability Assessment. The top performing company from each of 59 industries received the Industry Leader award.

AIESEC is the world's largest youth-led organization and is hosting the three-day conference in collaboration with the Office of the United Nations Secretary-General's Envoy on Youth to engage young people in the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals, with a focus on the world in 2030.

About Electrolux
Electrolux is a global leader in home appliances and appliances for professional use, selling more than 50 million products to customers in more than 150 markets every year.  The company makes thoughtfully designed, innovative solutions based on extensive consumer research, meeting the desires of today's consumers and professionals.  Electrolux products include refrigerators, dishwashers, washing machines, cookers, air-conditioners and small appliances such as vacuum cleaners, all sold under esteemed brands such as Electrolux, AEG, Zanussi and Frigidaire. In 2014, Electrolux had sales of SEK 112 billion and about 60,000 employees.

For more information go to http://newsroom.electrolux.com.

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SOURCE Electrolux