2025.12.30
Europe strengthens resource efficiency and white goods play a central role
The European campaign European Week for Waste Reduction Every year, the initiative draws attention to the need to prevent waste and strengthen resource efficiency and sustainable consumption. Since 2009, the initiative has brought together stakeholders across Europe on issues related to circular material flows, chemical management and reduced resource consumption.
In Sweden, the week is coordinated by Avfall Sverige. This year's theme is electrical products and their role in the circular resource flow. The white goods industry has an important function in this context through the lifespan, use and handling of products after use.
White goods contain large amounts of valuable materials that can be recycled as input raw materials in new production. How long the products are used and how the resources are taken care of when they leave the use phase are of great importance for climate impact and resource efficiency. Through maintenance, repair, reuse and correct material recycling, resources can be utilized and circulated further in the economy.
El-Kretsen has produced product sheets with guidance and practical recommendations for how electrical products can be managed as resources, from small electronics to larger appliances. The material clarifies how correct sorting and treatment enables the return of materials to new production processes and strengthens circularity.
Viewing end-of-life products as a resource rather than waste is a prerequisite for a circular and resource-efficient economy. Extended lifespan and responsible management throughout the product's life cycle are central parts of this transition.
