Environmental Impacts of Products – Life Cycle Assessment

In line with our sustainability approach and commitment to protect the environment, we work to minimize the environmental impacts of our products throughout their lifecycle through new-generation practices, and to reduce our environmental footprint by effectively managing all stages of our value chain.

In line with this principle, we began conducting life cycle assessment (LCA) studies for our products and have so far completed studies for our washing machine, refrigerator, dishwasher, oven, and tumble dryer. We analysed the impact of our products by evaluating them through 11 environmental impact categories* during their lifetime. According to the LCA results, use phase has the largest impact in almost all environmental impact categories during our products’ life cycles.
Arçelik, acting as the pioneer of the sector with its ever-growing and environment-friendly technologies, gives priority to the circular economy in its operations. In line with circular economy principles, Arçelik makes major contributions to gaining recycled materials to economy and efficient use of limited natural resources of the world. Reducing wastes generated by production processes at the source and recovering generated wastes constitute the primary components of the integrated waste management approach of Arçelik. Wastes generated in all plants are categorized, collected separately at the source in accordance with waste type and legal regulations and recovered or disposed pursuant to waste type.

In Arçelik, all environmental aspects and impacts through life cycle of a product are taken into consideration in accordance with ISO 14001 EMS. Especially in production stages that occur at Arçelik plants are analyzed in detail to determine effects on the environment.

Environmental aspects and impacts of the activities in all production stages at Arçelik production plants are determined in detail. Defined aspects are evaluated and prioritized by using Arçelik Environmental Risk Assessment Methodology.

Impacts of processes on environment are classified in 7 categories as;

• Air pollution

• Water pollution

• Soil pollution

• Raw material consumption

• GHG effect

• Noise pollution

• Odour

Therefore, environmental impact assessment is performed before new investments.

As a responsible producer, Arçelik cares about end of life of the products. Products under warranty are brought to Arçelik Reuse Centers to take out their reusable and valuable parts to reuse in the installation stage of production. Arçelik, which benefits from its extensive authorized dealer and service network for recycling products that are no longer used by consumers, achieves the reuse, recycle and disposal of products at its own recycling facilities.

Arçelik calculates the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions sourced by its facilities by using IPCC-2006 and in accordance with ISO 14064-1 GHG Standard. Arçelik's GHG values have been verified by an independent body in accordance with ISO 14064-3 Std. in “reasonable assurance level”, since 2010.

*White goods reportable segment comprises washing machines, dryers, dishwashers, refrigerators, ovens, cooking appliances and the services provided for these products. The consumer goods reportable segment comprises televisions primarily with flat screens, computers, cash registers, other electronic devices and the services provided to consumers for these products. Other segment comprises the revenues from air conditioners, small domestic appliances except products included in white goods and consumer electronics.

**This value includes not only other product segment such as air conditioners and small domestic appliances but also white good product segment.