The Swiss luxury appliance company has a ‘triple bottom line’ that considers not just its financial standing, but also its social and environmental impacts
All things green were the centre of attention on May 23, as Swiss luxury appliance brand V-ZUG shared its approach to sustainability with architects and interior designers in its Singapore showroom.
Kicking off the evening, V-ZUG’s managing director for Southeast Asia, Angeline Yap, spoke on the company’s commitment to designing appliances that last, citing as examples the CombiSteamer V6000 PowerSteam oven and AdoraDish V6000 dishwasher.
The PowerSteam combines hot air, steam and microwave energy, cooking food about 30% faster than traditional methods. The AdoraDish, meanwhile, consumes 30% less energy than conventional dishwashers; it can also be programmed for reduced water usage.
V-ZUG’s appliances are crafted with a minimalist aesthetic, ensuring they remain relevant and functional for generations. Subtle touches, such as mirrored glass fronts on the Excellence Line ovens, add visual interest without being overwhelming or trend-driven. For instance, the RefreshButler, a fabric care system that uses photocatalysis to freshen clothing without the use of chemicals, has a similarly sleek look that fits in well with any environment.
“V-ZUG appliances not only boast eco-friendly and energy-saving features,” said Yap. “They also come with a 10-year warranty, showcasing their durability and our brand’s commitment to sustainable production.”
‘Triple bottom line’
V-ZUG’s head of sustainability, Marcel Niederberger, then spoke on the company’s “triple bottom line” approach to business, sharing that it takes into account not just profit, but also its impact on people and the planet.
Among its recent efforts, V-ZUG has partnered with the Ripa Gar Foundation to fund the planting of one million trees in the Perthshire region of Scotland. The company has also committed to continuous Swiss production through vertical expansion and sustainable architecture.
The company’s latest facility, Zephyr East, is one of the largest sustainable projects in Switzerland. Recycled concrete is “enriched” with carbon dioxide, sequestering the carbon by permanently bonding the material to the greenhouse gas. The facility also uses hollow inserts in its ceilings, reducing material usage.
Zephyr East generates its power with a photovoltaic system on its roof. Its other sources of electricity are all renewable, with hydroelectric and solar energy coming from V-ZUG’s site in its hometown of Zug; this is also where the company’s appliances are produced.
“This sustainable energy supports the production of our high-quality appliances, ranging from washing machines and tumble dryers to dishwashers, ovens, steamers and refrigerators,” adds Niederberger.
V-ZUG also recycles some 80% of its waste material, with nothing sent to landfill. To promote a circular economy, it conducts life cycle assessments for all product categories. The company has also launched a project aimed at analysing the material composition of its appliances and making targeted reductions, with an eye on reducing environmental impact and improving recyclability.
Extending its commitment to repairability, V-ZUG promises the availability of aftermarket parts for up to 15 years after production ceases, with in-house technicians to facilitate repairs.
As the evening progressed, guests were treated to canapés — all in varying shades of green — prepared by V-ZUG’s chefs with locally sourced ingredients, with a zero-waste approach. This apt reflection of the company’s sustainable ethos underscored the theme of the evening, while also proving that going green doesn’t mean sacrificing quality.
Article Credit: theedgesingapore