SUSTAINABILITY Tim Hutchinson
Liebherr
Tim Hutchinson, Divisional Manager at Liebherr UK, spoke with BKU’s Matt Broughton about the lengths the company goes to to excel in sustainability for eco-conscious customers.
n today’s competitive appliance landscape, standing out goes far beyond price or promotion. Kitchen retailers are increasingly tasked with delivering long-term value, particularly for eco-conscious consumers. With over 75-years of precision engineering and innovation, Liebherr is uniquely positioned to help retailers meet these expectations through meaningful sustainability innovation, market-leading energy efficiencies and exceptional food preservation technologies. I asked Liebherr’s Divisional Manager, Tim Hutchinson, for the top three sustainability features in Liebherr’s current refrigeration line that kitchen retailers should emphasise to eco-conscious customers: “At Liebherr, energy efficiency is core to our research and development strategy. Kitchen retailers seeking to meet the demands of eco-conscious consumers can trust our technology.
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“Three standout sustainability features in Liebherr’s current refrigeration line include: – Superior energy efficiency: Our appliances consistently achieve top-tier energy ratings thanks to our precision-engineered compressors and insulation systems. We’re proud to have one of the largest selections of A-rated appliances in the UK and over 130 models rated above a C in energy efficiency.
– Freshness preservation: Our innovative freshness technologies, such as BioFresh and HydroBreeze, extend the shelf life of food for up to five times longer, significantly reducing household food waste.
– Use of recyclable and low-impact materials: Sustainability starts with smart material choices. At Liebherr, we prioritise components that support a circular economy – ranging from
natural refrigerants like R290 (propane) and R600a (isobutane), which deliver excellent energy performance with ultra-low global warming potential, to cutting-edge insulation solutions such as recyclable vacuum perlite used in our BluRoX appliances. These materials not only reduce environmental impact but also futureproof our appliances against stringent global regulations, ensuring long-term value for both people and the planet.”
I ask Tim to provide specific examples of how Liebherr incorporates recycled or environmentally friendly materials into its refrigeration products, and why this is a priority: “Sustainability isn’t just a marketing message; it’s in our manufacturing DNA. Our BluRoX appliances were the first in the world to use recyclable vacuum perlite insulation, a groundbreaking alternative to foam. Beyond product-level innovation, our factories are powered by solar energy, and our appliance designs focus on durability and disassembly, supporting a circular economy. This end-to-end sustainability is a priority for Liebherr because we believe responsible manufacturing is the future of this industry.”
In fact, as an accolade to this commitment, Liebherr is proud to have recently been awarded a Silver EcoVadis sustainability rating. This recognition places the company in the top 15% of rated manufacturing companies globally and reflects its commitment to sustainability across environment, ethics, labour standards and procurement.
Liebherr’s bespoke technologies contribute to reducing food waste, as Tim explains: “Our BioFresh and HydroBreeze compartments are pivotal in the fight against food waste. BioFresh compartments maintain food at just above 0°C
with precision humidity control. This keeps produce, dairy, meat and fish fresh for up to five times longer than conventional cooling systems – preserving vitamins, taste and structure. The HydroSafe and DrySafe drawers further tailor humidity settings to specific food types. Our HydroBreeze feature takes it a step further, releasing a fine, cold mist every 90-minutes to protect fruit and vegetables like a natural barrier. For retailers, this translates into a compelling message: fresher food for longer and less waste, which in turn helps households save money.”
Longevity and repairability
In a market plagued by short product lifespans, Liebherr stands apart with a 10-year guarantee on select models – a testament to the company’s commitment to quality and sustainability. As part of a limited-time promotion, this guarantee is being extended across the entire range until 31st July 2025, offering retailers and customers even greater confidence in their investment. “Our appliances are meticulously engineered for longevity, repairability and minimal maintenance,” explains Tim. “We back this with extended parts availability, making repairs easier and helping to reduce unnecessary replacement. This not only helps reduce landfill waste but offers peace of mind to consumers and is a powerful reassurance for retailers at the point of sale. “In today’s market sustainability is not a trend, it’s a decisive factor in purchasing decisions. At Liebherr, we’re proud to offer more than just premium refrigeration – we deliver a sustainable ecosystem of innovation, durability and long-term trust. For kitchen retailers looking to differentiate in a value-driven market, Liebherr is not just a product line, it’s a reliable partner in long-term success.”
Liebherr - Plus Integrated Fridge Freezer (model ICBa 5123) - Energy efficiency - A-rated
36 BKU JULY 2025
Liebherr's BioFresh & HydroBreeze technology
Liebherr – Prime Freestanding Fridge Freezer (model CBNbsa 5753) - Energy efficiency - A-rated
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