Sustainability in Appliances: Strategies for a Greener Future

In an interaction with Adlin Pertishya Jebaraj, Homes India Magazine, Rintu Dasgupta, Chief Operating Officer, Glen Appliances, shares the need of sustainability to incorporating with the appliances industry by using recyclable and safe materials to protect the environment. He highlights, IoT and digitalization are changing the way we conceptualize sustainability through the product lifecycle. Dasgupta has over two decades of experience in the consumer goods and appliances sector. He leads business strategy, product innovation, and market expansion with a sharp focus on sales, customer satisfaction, and health-driven kitchen solutions. 

How do you see sustainability shaping the appliance industry in today's market conditions?

Sustainability is no longer a choice; it is the base of consumer brand perception. Consumers desire energy saving, durable, and safe energy appliances and at the same time take care of the planet. As an example, companies like Glen Appliances have always ensured that innovation and sustainability go hand in hand. It was in this spirit that the pioneering BLDC motor technology was developed in the chimneys to cut down energy use, and that it supports a 4 lakh sq. ft. solar-powered manufacturing plant. The appliance business has to find a middle ground between performance and responsibility and that is where we are firmly determined to go.

In your opinion, what are the most relevant supply chain flexibilities regarding sustainable sourcing of materials?

In certain, sustainable sourcing is a form of resilience plus responsibility. It is about collaboration with partners that do not harm the environment, the selection of recyclable and safe materials, and quality without overcharging the audience. The solar-powered facility allows for refocusing on production and makes it less reliant on imports and the carbon footprint of logistics. Flexibility also implies adaptive and diversification of the supply sources and the use of materials that are environmentally friendly and capable of resisting different cooking conditions in India.

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How do you think digitalization and IoT are helping to influence sustainability in product lifecycle management?

IoT and digitalization are changing the way we conceptualize sustainability through the product lifecycle. Connected devices and smart controls can enable consumers to keep track of energy consumption and enhance efficiency in their homes. We can use digital systems on the manufacturing side to optimize our processes, minimize waste, and create products with longer life cycles. Functionality such as auto-clean chimneys helps to increase the lifespan and lessen maintenance requirements, which in turn leads to wastage. 

How important is cross-industry collaboration to promote green manufacturing in appliances?

Cross-industrial co-operation is essential. Green manufacturing issues are too large to be solved by one company. We require common advances in green energy implementation, material science, and computing technology.  Having a good partnership with technology vendors to incorporate BLDC energy efficient motors in the chimneys and through the supply partners will help to remained on track with the international standards. This can be achieved scalability in sustainable production and make appliances friendly to the environment when we collaborate across industries.

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Finally, what is your long-term vision for sustainability and innovation in appliances?

I see sustainability becoming part of appliance and all Indian kitchens in the long-term. I would like to empower families to cook in a healthier, safer and greener manner. Our freedom of smoke program will ensure at least two lakh kitchens in the state are smoke-free by 2025, through efficient and environment friendly chimneys. In addition to this, the emphasis needs to be on the implementation of smart technologies, sensor-driven controls, and recyclable materials in future product lines. The aim is obvious to establish standards in terms of innovation that will not only facilitate life but also make homes and the planet healthier.