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Materials Use and Impacts

Whirlpool chooses our materials as carefully as our consumers choose the appliances they bring into their homes. Current industry compliance programs rely on declarations stating what is NOT in a component. In addition to this level of compliance, Whirlpool is also building capabilities around Full Materials Disclosure (FMD), which details exactly what IS in the component. During 2023, we continued to develop our capabilities and, in 2024, plan to focus on efficiency and impact with targeted critical component type, that contain high-risk materials.

We also monitor and adhere to our Restricted Materials List (RML) and report on banned, restricted and monitored substances of concern. Each year, we manage and update our policies and materials guidance to reflect new legislation and customer requirements, encouraging proactive approaches that lay the groundwork for future material changes.

Suppliers are critical in our efforts, and we prioritize providing them with tools and functionality to increase and accelerate disclosure. We communicate with them through surveys and other means to assess their performance and alignment with our high standards and policies.

Materials Use and Impacts Goals

  • Eliminate non-recyclable packaging.
  • Make product transparency a focal point in our supply base through supporting and facilitating FMD.
  • Use 30% recycled plastics by 2025 in EMEA.
  • Launch expanded polystyrene (EPS)-free packaging for select products in the KitchenAid line by 2025.

Replacing Single-Use Plastic

In 2023 we made progress in the use of post-consumer recycled resins in our Rio Claro and Joinville plants in Brazil. During the year, a resin blend containing recycled plastic was applied on tubs in laundry products and on trays in the refrigeration unit that do not come into direct contact with food.

Exploring Alternatives for Packaging Materials

We continually seek ways to replace non-recyclable packaging and other disposable materials with more sustainable solutions. We work with suppliers to propose design enhancements and suggest alternative materials.

We continue to research and develop alternatives to traditional single-use plastic packaging, and technical qualifications have shown promise for providing foam and film replacements without compromising product performance. These developments are expected to help us reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, minimize scope 3 emissions and increase our use of renewable resources.