Kärcher applies "life cycle thinking" to the development of new products. This means viewing the complete life cycle of the product (from obtaining the raw materials to using and disposing of the product) ensures that any environmentally effective improvements come into play in the right places. We attempt to optimize all phases in such a way that a product's overall environmental impact is minimized. In the past, there was a general tendency to observe the individual phases of a product's life (i.e. production or disposal) in isolation.
Product life cycle
Production
Our production processes have very little impact on the environment. Nevertheless, we try to improve them on a continuing basis. Examples: Heat recovery, closed water circuits
Distribution
Environment-friendly means of transportation, i.e. railway, are selected wherever possible. Road transport by truck still accounts for the majority of shipments. Our central logistics system shortens transport routes and protects the environment.
Use
Product properties are improved constantly, e.g. water and power consumption as well as dust and noise emissions are reduced.
Repair
Attention is paid to service-friendliness in the early phases of design. Our service centre in Gissigheim ensures professional repairs in Germany, France, Austria and the United Kingdom.
Recycling and disposal
Recycling and reusing old machines is made possible by making the machines easy to disassemble and choosing the correct materials. New EU legislation states that machines sold in Europe as from 2005 will have to be taken back free of charge by the manufacturers when they reach the end of their useful lives.
Raw materials
Our products are manufactured from high quality raw materials. But we also attach great importance to environmental friendliness: High quality materials prolong the life of a Kärcher machine quite considerably.
Semi-finished products
We cooperate closely with our suppliers on all aspects affecting the environment. It is important to us to have materials that are free from harmful substances and to have partners with an effective environment management system.
