Materials Use
We thoughtfully select materials to support product performance, safety, reliability and our high standards for quality. Additionally, we adhere to current industry compliance standards and disclose what types of materials are restricted to a given component.
Recycled Content Use
In select products, we have replaced virgin plastic materials with Post Consumer-Resin (PCR), and our products are largely composed of steel, which relies on recycled inputs in its manufacturing. We continue to research opportunities to increase recycled materials while maintaining our performance, quality and safety standards.
Restricted Materials
We share a Restricted Materials List (RML) with our suppliers to facilitate product compliance with various regulations relating to the use of chemicals, materials and other substances in our products. Our policies and materials guidance are reviewed and updated yearly to reflect new restrictions and consumer requirements. This process fosters proactive strategies that pave the way for future material innovations.
Suppliers play a pivotal role in our efforts, and we focus on equipping them with the tools and capabilities needed to increase and accelerate disclosure. We use surveys and other means to assess their performance and alignment with our standards and policies. All new parts are submitted to this process, and we often revise our assessment of legacy parts as new materials and substances of concern are added to the RML.
Conflict Minerals
Whirlpool Corporation has developed a conflict mineral due diligence framework that conforms to the nationally and internationally recognized framework developed by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). We rely on first-tier suppliers and collaborative initiatives, such as the Responsible Minerals Initiative (RMI) and its Responsible Minerals Assurance Process (RMAP), which uses independent third-party audits to identify conformant smelters and refiners to provide information regarding the origin of 3TG minerals: tin, tantalum, tungsten and gold. Our goal is to continue to improve supply chain transparency and further mitigate the risk that 3TG minerals in our products might benefit armed groups.
Learn more about our approach to Conflict Minerals Management here.
Packaging
Whirlpool seeks ways to replace non-recyclable packaging and other disposable materials with more sustainable solutions. We are actively exploring alternatives to traditional plastic packaging and have identified opportunities to replace foam and film with more recyclable materials, without compromising product performance. In our consumables business, we are working to replace plastic packaging with paper-based and other recyclable options. We also collaborate with suppliers on design enhancements and suggest alternative materials. These developments will help us reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, minimize Scope 3 emissions and increase our use of renewable resources.