Through a product life-cycle approach, we know how much energy is consumed in manufacturing, during operation and at disposal. The Electrolux Ultrasilencer Green uses 33% less energy and is made with 55% recycled plastic. It illustrates the impact and potential benefits a smart vacuum cleaner can have on a consumer’s carbon footprint.

Consumer insight & product innovation

Energy savings and recycling rank highly as pro-climate activities in consumer research studies. The Electrolux Ultra-silencer Green meets the demand for energy efficiency and more sustainable material use. Without compromising quality, performance or noise, it presents:

* 33% greater energy efficiency*
* 55% recycled plastic


An efficient suction fan unit combined with our Dust Magnet Floor Nozzle helps deliver the same performance in terms of dust pick-up with a lower wattage motor. Vacuum motors often waste energy by producing heat. Our 1,250W motor and nozzle produce comparable dust pick-up and little heat.

*Compared to a 2000W vacuum cleaner

Production and transport

With recycled material, we consume 90% less energy during manufacturing than is used to produce the same components with virgin plastics. By using 55% recycled PP content for the body of the vacuum, 2 liters of crude oil and 80 liters of water are saved per vacuum cleaner. Ultrasilencer Green is manufactured in Lehel, Hungary. Products are distributed from the plant by truck. Through its Green Spirit program, Lehel has a program in place to contribute to Group targets to reduce energy and water use.

Communicating with the consumer

With the Ultrasilencer Green, we aim to change the perception that high wattage equates to greater cleaning performance, by promising the same cleaning effect with lower energy. Vacuum cleaners and other small appliances are not encompassed in the EU energy labeling scheme that is otherwise compulsory in large appliances.

‘Make a change for a better climate’ communicates that smart purchasing choices can impact consumer carbon footprints.

Use phase

The use phase represents about 75% of the product’s environmental impact. In its lifecycle, cutting energy used to operate the vacuum presents our greatest opportunity to save CO2. On average, a vacuum is used an hour a week and is expected to service a home for ten years. In its lifetime, the Ultrasilencer Green can save:

* 364kWh of energy; enough to make a 60W light bulb burn 24 hours for 253 days
* 320kg CO2 emissions
* Approximately SEK 700 (€73) off energy costs over 10 years, equivalent to saving a third of the purchase price. (*Compared to a 2000W vacuum cleaner)

Recycling

Recycling is vital for an energy-lean society. The recycling process has a net positive impact on CO2 by recovering energy. Wherever within the European Union a vacuum cleaner is purchased, there is a system in place to take back the appliance it replaces. Easy recyclability was a determining factor in the choice of materials for the Ultrasilencer Green. We attained 93% recyclability and most remaining material can be incinerated to recover heat.

The WEEE Directive

The EU Directive on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) defines producer responsibility for treatment and disposal of electrical and electronic products. The Directive stipulates that producers and importers have producer responsibility for products put on the market. The target for material recovery according to WEEE is 70% for small appliances (and 80% for large household appliances). As of 2007, all Member States, as well as Norway and Croatia have transposed the Directive. In Switzerland, WEEE-related legislation is also in place. Electrolux is compliant in all these countries.

Specifications

Model Number: EL6984
Dust Capacity (Quart): 2
Hose Length (ft.): 7
Power (amps): 9
Filtration: HEPA
Cord Length: 21 ft. with Cord Winder
Product Weight (lbs): 12
Height (in.): 18
Depth (in.): 9.5
Tools: Carpet/hard floor nozzle, crevice tool, upholstery dusting brush
Warranty (year): 2