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PRODUCTS WITHIN THE RECYCLING LOOP

DESIGNING RECYCLABLE PRODUCTS​

Product recyclability is a key focus of the Group's eco-design approach, and all products undergo an assessment of their potential recyclability. During product design, the Group prioritizes the use of recyclable materials (metal components, certain plastics like polypropylene) and incorporates a simple and quick disassembly process.​

​For example, the Tefal Turbo Pro Anticalc steam iron was equipped with a thermal screen (a part located above the soleplate) made of recyclable PBT plastic, replacing the non-recyclable BMC used in previous models. This change, implemented in 2016, increased the recyclability rate to 82% compared to 76% for an equivalent iron with a BMC screen. Since then, all new ranges of steam irons manufactured in Pont-Évêque (France) include this component.​

​In 2022, the average potential recyclability rate for families of electrical products designed during the year exceeded 80%.​

END-OF-LIFE RECYCLING 

In Europe, national eco-organizations manage the collection and processing of small electrical appliances that are at the end of their service life. Groupe SEB is particularly involved in this in France, as part of Ecosystem, the country’s largest eco-organization for WEEE (Waste Electronic and Electrical Equipment). ​

As yet, there is no specific channel for aluminum pans, saucepans or stew pots, however. In France, for example, 60% end up as household waste (6,000 tons per year), even though they are 80% recyclable.

TEFAL recycling operation in store

Since 2012, Groupe SEB has expanded the number of initiatives designed to promote cookware recycling, in particular in Europe with the Tefal brand (France, Netherlands, Norway, etc.). The operations involve a partnership between the Group, specialist recycling companies and partner distributors. Consumers are encouraged to bring their old products back to the store, in exchange for a discount voucher to purchase a new item. The used products are collected before being sorted and crushed. The main materials (aluminum, stainless steel and plastic) are separated, then recycled to manufacture new products.​

In France, these actions have helped to collect and recycle more than 1,000 tons of cookware – 1.5 million products – over ten years. Collection and recycling operations for pans and pots are expanding in an increasing number of countries and retailers. In 2022, this was the case for the first time in Australia, while other countries such as the Netherlands, Belgium, Italy, and Spain renewed their initiatives.​

End-of-life recycling by TEFAL