Sustainability at Miele
Our sustainable product strategy is centered on energy efficiency and circularity. Through collaborative work and targeted investments in research, we integrate new technologies at an early stage while closely monitoring their environmental and social impacts.
Learn more about our approaches to circularity and more energy-efficient production in our focus areas.
Miele tests its product series for the equivalent of 20 years’ use*. The appliances tested include dishwashers, refrigerators, washing machines, dryers and washer-dryers, ovens, and vacuum cleaners. For household washing machines and tumble dryers, we assume five program cycles per week - amounting to 5,000 cycles over 20 years. Commercial appliances are also subjected to lifetime testing. For example, Miele calculates that cleaning and disinfection units of the PG 85 series run two program cycles per day, which corresponds to over 15,000 operating hours in 20 years.
Since May 2025, we have been offering dishwashers in all marketing classes with energy efficiency class A - thanks to an optimal balance of energy consumption, program duration, and cleaning performance. An intelligent water inlet system, optimized spray arms, and efficient filters reduce water consumption to 8.4 liters in the eco programme and as little as 6 liters in the automatic programme.
In our Generation 7000 ovens and steam ovens, the Eco Fan Heat function makes use of residual heat, reducing energy consumption by up to 30 percent compared with other programs. Almost all Miele ovens and steam ovens reach energy label class A+, with some models even achieving A++.
An increasing number of Miele cooker hoods are now equipped with an eco motor. This type of direct current motor consumes up to 50 percent less energy compared to a conventional motor. It also operates exceptionally quietly, without compromising performance.
Whether in catering, care facilities, or laboratories, our commercial appliances are optimised for efficiency, short running times, and low resource consumption across a wide range of applications. Hygiene is essential everywhere - for example, in our dishwashers: in the MasterLine series, fresh water ensures hygienically clean results in every wash cycle. The controls are easy and intuitive to use and can be set to any of 32 languages.
Tank dishwashers from Miele Professional are optimised for use in the catering and hotel industries. They feature a permanently heated tank that retains rinse water for several wash cycles, significantly reducing energy consumption. In addition, integrated heat-recovery systems use waste heat from the washing process to preheat fresh water, further improving overall energy efficiency.
Our freshness systems in refrigerators can significantly extend the shelf life of food. PerfectFresh systems precisely regulate temperature and humidity to slow down the natural ripening process - particularly effective for fruit and vegetables. As a result, food stays fresh for up to five times longer than in a conventional crisper drawer.
Not only elegant and aesthetic, but also intuitive and accessible: our understanding of design is shaped by the needs of our diverse customer base. That is why we follow the principle of universal design, complemented by environmental priorities. Our goal is to use design and clear user guidance to encourage people to make greater use of energy- and resource-saving eco functions.
The “Vooper” design study showcases a fully modular cordless vacuum cleaner developed consistently in line with the principles of circularity. Because the appliance can be completely dismantled without adhesives and is made from single-grade materials, these valuable resources can be returned almost entirely to the material cycle at the end of the product’s life - currently except for the battery. Recycled materials are also used, and the metal components are made from “green aluminium,” which has a lower carbon footprint than conventional aluminium. Further information on the Vooper can be found here.
We want to ensure that our household appliances are as energy‑efficient as possible. The Consumption Dashboard in the Miele app displays the consumption of programmes used, provides tips for more efficient appliance operation, and thus helps to further reduce electricity and water usage. This has made it the most popular feature in the Miele app. Users can analyse their own washing and dishwashing habits and compare current consumption values with those from previous months or with average values from the Miele community.
With SmartMatic, the latest generation of W2 washing machines offers an intelligent programme that keeps consumption values constant for loads of 1 to 4 kilograms. The washing time, temperature and amount of detergent are adjusted automatically. Compared to the Eco 40-60 programme, SmartMatic offers a shorter running time and saves energy, water and detergent compared to standard programmes.
Eco programmes have been proven to save energy, especially in water-using appliances, such as washing machines and dishwashers, as they operate at lower water temperatures than conventional programmes. Almost all our washing machines for private use achieve energy efficiency class A. In 2024, more than 15 percent of the appliances sold performed 20 percent better than the threshold for energy efficiency class A. We are continuing to work towards ensuring that even more washing machines fall below this threshold in the future. Our goal: 40 percent below the threshold.
Despite their advantages, surveys show that only few people use eco programmes. This was the finding of a study commissioned by Miele in Germany in July 2023. According to the study, potential savings often remain untapped. To raise awareness of the benefits of eco programmes, users of our appliances receive a forecast of the water and electricity consumption for the selected programme before it starts. This allows them to see immediately that, for example, a programme with longer running times or lower temperatures requires less energy. At the end of the programme, the actual consumption is displayed in kilowatt hours and litres.
Miele is one of the leading suppliers of connected domestic and commercial appliances. By the end of 2024, almost 59 percent of our domestic appliances sold (excluding vacuum cleaners) were already connected – and this figure continues to rise. With the Miele app, voice assistants, and an open interface for third-party providers, Miele offers smart solutions for everyday life. Appliances can be conveniently controlled, updated via remote maintenance, and enhanced with functions such as Smart Food ID or new washing programmes. In the commercial sector, the MOVE Connect platform enables centralised management of Miele Professional appliances in 18 countries – including cross-location analysis of consumption and efficiency.
In addition to the “Idee M” employee suggestion scheme, Miele provides employees at several locations with a database‑driven ideas platform. There are also idea scouts for the various product areas: they oversee idea development, guide decision‑making through a dedicated committee, and regularly inform employees about new ideas and campaigns.
The expertise of our suppliers is particularly valuable when it comes to new materials or the demanding field of electromechanics. Regular joint product‑innovation workshops help us identify quality‑related issues at an early stage.
We regularly exchange ideas with interest groups and expert partners such as the Öko‑Institut in Freiburg and the Braungart EPEA research and consulting institute. To develop forward‑looking solutions, we also advance projects with start‑ups in areas such as smart home, customer support, digital marketing, and Industry 4.0. Forms of cooperation range from joint projects and management support to direct equity investments.
