Forever better for our future
At Miele, Sustainability is embedded in our corporate strategy. Guided by our “Forever Better” principle, we work to further improve our appliances, services and operations.
Sustainability at Miele
Management – forever strategic
Our strategic approach
Our sustainability strategy provides the foundation for our sustainability-oriented business decisions and serves as a guiding principle for employees in their daily work. It focuses on the interplay of three key topics: climate protection, resource conservation, and social responsibility. In these areas, Miele can make a significant contribution to addressing challenges that are highly relevant and urgent for society and in light of planetary boundaries.
Learn more on our strategic focus in our sustainability report
Our vision for the future
We have defined guiding principles that shape our sustainability strategy and the targets derived from it. They provide direction for our strategic decisions.
Anchor sustainability at every step of our business
We aspire to create exceptional products and services while continuously reducing the environmental impact of our operations. We commit to our SBTi net-zero target for 2050.
Make innovative solutions that stand the test of time
We have always aimed to create durable and resource-efficient appliances that our customers love to use over decades. Our vision is a circular value chain where our products, components and materials re-enter the loop through reuse, repair, refurbishment and recycling.
Drive responsible entrepreneurship and lead with purpose
Our long-term success is rooted in creating value that benefits customers, partners and colleagues. We strive to balance entrepreneurship with environmental and social stewardship.
Sustainability means never standing still. For us, it’s a commitment to keep Miele moving forward – with every project and every initiative: environmentally responsible, socially fair, and economically sound.
Materiality as a strategic basis
Miele uses materiality analyses to define the focus of its sustainability strategy and reporting. In 2024, we conducted a double materiality analysis in line with new EU requirements for sustainability reporting. We have already incorporated the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS) to prepare early for future obligations under the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). The results directly shaped the further development of our sustainability strategy.
Our sustainability organization
Ultimate responsibility for sustainability rests with our six-member Executive Board, which sets the strategic direction and approves targets and indicators for measuring progress. Strategic oversight of sustainability management is provided by the Sustainability Board, which includes the Executive Board as a member. This body decides on key operational and product-related sustainability issues, particularly where conflicting objectives arise. Responsibility for further developing our sustainability strategy lies with the central division Corporate Sustainability and Regulatory Affairs (SRA). The SRA division and the management team coordinate closely and continuously throughout the strategy process.
Integrated management system for consistent structures
Miele uses an integrated management system covering quality, environmental protection, energy, occupational safety, and social issues to continuously optimize its sustainability management. All relevant instruments and standards are consolidated within this system and regularly reviewed through internal and external audits. Responsible employees report progress continuously to management. The management system is certified according to multiple norms and standards: ISO 9001 for quality, ISO 14001 for the environment, ISO 45001 for occupational safety and health, ISO 50001 for energy, and the SA8000 social standard. In addition, areas of the Gütersloh and Bielefeld sites are certified according to ISO 13485 for quality management of medical devices.
Discover more in our sustainability report
Sustainability in Detail
Environment
Social
Governance
Products
