Electrolux takes action on sustainability and food, supporting UN Global Goals

Electrolux launches the Electrolux Food Foundation with a 10 million Swedish Krona initial investment in partnership with Feed the Planet, Worldchefs and AIESEC.

The Electrolux Group has today announced actions to focus its social investments and community activities on food and related sustainability issues. The ambition is to contribute more in addressing major global challenges such as hunger, poor nutrition, food waste and responsible consumption, in support of the UN Global Goals. 

As a first step, the company is setting up the Electrolux Food Foundation, creating a long-term platform for funding initiatives in this area and engaging with employees around the world. The initial investment is SEK 10 million and the company is also joining forces with the global association of chefs, Worldchefs, AIESEC, the world’s largest youth-led network; as well as with Feed the Planet.

The overall move represents a key partnership that includes commitments to driving a number of food projects over the coming years.

“We believe Electrolux, as a world-leader in a kitchen appliances, has a responsibility and opportunity to contribute on issues related to cooking and food consumption,” said Jonas Samuelson, President and CEO.

“We’ve had a global approach to the impact of our operations and products for many years. Now, we’re widening the scope of sustainability to address our role in society in a more focused way. By working together with Worldchefs and its 10 million associated chefs, we leverage our expertise, professional network and global organisation to make the most of our contributions to local communities.”

The objectives are to inspire better food consumption and cooking habits among consumers and professionals, maximising sustainable and healthy choices while contributing to a reduction of negative impacts. Other aspects are to support people in need – in putting better, more nutritious food on the table, providing advice on cooking on a tight budget, offering workplace education and supporting emergency relief efforts through Worldchefs without Borders.

The first initiative to be financed by the Electrolux Food Foundation will be the Feed the Planet partnership. Electrolux units can also apply for funding from the foundation to launch local projects supporting the objectives.

Given the status and role of chefs today, Worldchefs is uniquely positioned to set the agenda and convey important messages about the need for healthy food and sustainable cooking. AIESEC, which is promoting and driving youth participation in the implementation of the UN sustainable development goals, will provide volunteers to help manage projects on the ground.

Charles M. Carroll, President of Worldchefs, said:

“I believe this project is going to change global sustainability as it relates to the hospitality field. Our main focuses are sustainability education and awareness campaigns towards both consumers and professionals, and alleviating poverty through skills development and humanitarian relief.

“Electrolux is considered the sustainability leader in the kitchen appliance industry and in partnering with them, I believe we can make an impact in these areas and focus in on how they affect our planet.”

The Electrolux sustainability framework, For the Better, includes nine promises to work for better solutions, better operations and a better society.

By implementing a Group-wide approach to social investment, Electrolux is seeking to fulfil its promise to “Be a Force for Good” in a way that is also aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

More specifically, Electrolux hopes to have a positive impact on the goals:  Zero Hunger (#2) and Responsible consumption and production (#12). Food is also a major factor in climate change, meaning this focus area ties in well with Electrolux’s goal to halve its carbon emissions by 2020.