Umwelt

Resources

What we aim to achieve

Stainless steel for washing machines, plastic granules for vacuum cleaners, glass-ceramic for hobs – resources are limited. Their availability is declining, whilst demand is rising. We are working to ensure that products and materials can be used for as long as possible. The aim: a circular value chain in which materials can be reused or recycled to the highest possible standard. For selected technological changes, we carry out life cycle assessments to evaluate their environmental impact.

Thinking ecologically, developing intelligently

At Miele, ecological, legal, and technical requirements are integrated into product development from an early stage. Raw materials, components, design, and packaging are systematically assessed and continuously improved - with the goal of creating functional and long-lasting solutions.

Product development: checking for resource efficiency

We aim to offer our customers products that have been developed with a focus on resource efficiency and circularity. To achieve this, we consider relevant aspects from early development stages through to series production. An environmental checklist supports us in systematically identifying ecological priorities. An international legal register guides us in meeting regulatory requirements worldwide. In addition, we develop future scenarios to anticipate upcoming developments early on. For significant technological changes, we also prepare comprehensive life cycle assessments. 

Packaging: testing innovative materials

We also aim to make our packaging more resource-efficient. 

That is why we are constantly exploring alternatives to replace conventional, plastic-based materials such as bubble wrap. So-called bioplastics present a particular challenge: they often do not offer the same performance or market availability as fossil-based materials. 

To assess the suitability of new materials, we analyse their mechanical, physical, biological and chemical properties. This enables us to identify their strengths and weaknesses under various conditions – such as high humidity – and to make an informed decision as to whether they are suitable. 

Recyclates: thoroughly tested

When selecting materials, we pay close attention to resource efficiency and quality. Metals such as carbon steel and stainless steel can be largely recycled using suitable recycling processes and are increasingly being used in products with a high proportion of recycled material.  Plastics, too, are to be replaced more extensively with recycled materials - preferably sourced from post‑consumer waste. We place strict requirements on these recyclates: they must be durable, suitable for premium‑quality design, and free from unwanted substances. However, their availability is often limited and not always homogeneous in composition. For this reason, we thoroughly test and document all recyclates we use. 

Recylates in use

Recycled materials in household appliances and accessories

We already incorporate recyclates into our products today. In our vacuum cleaners, parts of the HEPA filters as well as selected dust bags and nozzles contain a high proportion of recycled material. For example, the HyClean Pure dust bag is made of 80% recycled content. We are also increasingly using recyclates in our dishwashers. One example is the PowerDisk for the AutoDos automatic dispensing system: since 2022, the cartridge cup for the granulated detergent has been produced from recycled material - while maintaining consistently high quality- of which at least 95% originates from household waste.

Plastics expertise at the Miele Technology Center

At our Technology Center Plastics in Warendorf, we develop innovative solutions for the use of recyclates. This includes exploring alternative manufacturing technologies such as thermoplastic foam injection molding. Our experts work in close exchange with suppliers of recycled raw materials and recycling technologies. As part of various pilot projects, we test the use of recycled plastics such as polypropylene (PP) and acrylonitrile‑butadiene‑styrene (ABS). Key criteria in these evaluations include mechanical stability as well as color and surface quality. Analyses show that suitable plastics from old washing machines can, in principle, be reused in new appliances.

Used cast iron instead of crude iron

Since early 2025, we have been making greater use of used castings – such as brake discs – as raw materials. This has enabled us to reduce our use of pig iron by around 40 per cent compared with previous material usage. Pig iron now accounts for around 20 per cent of the melt charge used. Previously, pig iron had to be pre-treated in an energy-intensive blast furnace process. By adapting our internal melting processes, we have reduced energy consumption whilst simultaneously cutting the associated greenhouse gas emissions.

Packaging: focusing on recyclability

The shipping packaging for our household appliances must be robust enough to support the high weight of the products and protect them reliably during transport. Our goal is to expand the use of paper-based alternatives and to further reduce the consumption of plastics. For our vacuum cleaner packaging, we have already achieved this: expanded polystyrene (EPS) has been completely phased out. Today, almost all vacuum cleaner packaging placed on the market is free from EPS.

Using household appliances for longer

“Repair instead of Replace” – we prioritise repair over replacement. We do not want to simply dispose of end-of-life devices. After inspection, many end-of-life devices still have the potential for further use. That is why we are exploring new circular business models to enable the continued use of suitable devices whilst also tapping into new customer groups.

Designed with repairability in mind

Whenever possible, repair takes precedence over replacement. Repairability and the ability to be updated are therefore key criteria right from the product development stage. The effort involved in repairs or the replacement of components is taken into account during product development. The spare parts supply is generously provisioned: Miele stocks around 70,000 functionally essential spare parts for up to  15 years  after series production has been discontinued – in many cases parts are supplied for even longer. 

More detailed information about the quality and longevity of our products can be found under Products.

Refurbished Parts Programme for Electronics

One project involves our refurbishing electronic components and returning them to the production cycle. The components originate from customer returns and from items returned by our production sites and our customer service operations. After careful troubleshooting has been carried out, we identify the electronic components suitable for the programme, repair them and then test them in the same way as newly manufactured electronic components. The Miele Refurbished Parts Programme sends components back to our customers throughout Europe 

A second life for washing machines

A pilot project in the Netherlands explores how refurbished washing machines can be put back into use. In a rigorous process, trained specialists inspect each appliance, that is refurbished, repair any defective components and update the software. After this thorough review and refurbishment, the machines are offered as a more cost-effective alternative to new devices, with the aim of enabling the continued use of existing devices. 

Software for longer appliance life

To support the long-term use of our devices, we rely on smart connectivity solutions. With the help of diagnostic tools, our service technicians can implement software improvements not only on new appliances, but also on those already in use. Since 2023, we have also been able to support our customers remotely: with their consent, the appliance’s condition can be captured automatically in the event of an error and used for analysis. This often allows the issue to be resolved without the need for an on-site visit. 

Research and collaborations to advance circularity

Miele is actively engaged in projects that promote circularity. Our aim is to develop practical solutions, identify challenges at an early stage and test new approaches under real-world conditions.

Designing for circularity

In the “Sustainable Lifecycle Engineering” (SLE) project of the it’s OWL innovation cluster, we support product developers in systematically integrating sustainability considerations into their decision‑making processes from the earliest stages. The aim is to design products and systems in a way that is more resource-efficient and circular throughout their entire life cycle. 

Transforming for digital progress

As part of the research project “Digital Transformation of Circular Economy for Industrial Sustainability” (DiCES), we have worked with partners from the research and business sectors to develop data-driven models and digital tools for the circular economy, using Miele washing machines as a case study. In the follow-up project GROWW, these approaches are being further developed within an end-to-end circular process and tested under real-world conditions – using, amongst other things, the Digital Product Passport (DPP), AI-supported data models and optimised return and refurbishment processes. 

Deep dive into disposal and recycling

Waste management: carefully sorted

Responsible use of natural resources also means avoiding waste wherever possible. In industrial production, this is not always simple. In our facilities, most waste consists of metal scrap. At the iron foundry in Gütersloh, sand, slag and furnace debris remain as by‑products that require proper handling. Additional waste streams arise from plastics, packaging materials and electronic scrap, all of which we sort meticulously into reusable containers before handing them over to specialized disposal partners. Chemical waste such as used oils and emulsions is managed separately by trained employees and then transferred to certified service providers.

Take-back and responsible disposal of end-of-life appliances

Throughout the entire waste management chain, materials should be recycled in accordance with the applicable statutory and environmental requirements. Illegal trading of waste electrical and electronic equipment is unacceptable. For this reason, we are engaged internationally and work together with collection systems and partner organizations to ensure the proper take‑back of end‑of‑life appliances, batteries and packaging. If customers wish, Miele’s specialist retailers can also collect old appliances when delivering a new product, ensuring that they are transferred to certified facilities for proper treatment and recycling.

Disposal standards

Miele is committed to advancing and harmonizing standards for the disposal of electrical appliances. We contributed to the development of the European standard EN 50614:2020, which defines the requirements for the reuse of waste electrical and electronic equipment.

More detailed insights can be found in our sustainability report

miele sustainability report 2025

Additional focus topics

Climate

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Water

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