Beko is collaborating with key Australian retail partners for its EPS-free packaging pilot project for large appliances, marking a significant step forward in its sustainability journey.

Aligning with the increasing preference for environmentally conscious products, Beko continues to lead the home appliance industry by pushing the boundaries of what’s possible by offering EPS-free packaging as a viable, eco-friendly alternative for large appliances.

Beko is the first home appliance company in the world to provide a full line of major appliances with EPS-free packaging options, following years of work by its research and development team in Europe. The project has not been driven by legislation, but Beko’s belief in what is possible and the company’s desire to make a meaningful difference for the environment.

Beko Australia national sales manager, Eddie Gaymer said, “While Beko has already begun shipping products with EPS-free packaging across Europe over the past year, we’ve taken an extra step to ensure our packaging innovations work under Australian conditions.

“Australia’s vast distance from our European factories and the complexity of the country’s logistics infrastructure pose unique challenges. Ensuring products reach Australian homes safely and securely is crucial.”

Beko Australia and New Zealand product manager, Murat Dora added, “Since July 2024, Beko has been running pilot productions of EPS-free packaging on existing products such as 60cm wall ovens, 9kg washing machines, 8kg heat pump dryers, and fully integrated dishwashers.

“These are large, heavy appliances that far exceed the scope of many new packaging regulations. We are shipping these appliances in EPS-free packaging to various locations across Australia, partnering with local retailers to test the durability and effectiveness of our sustainable packaging.

“Through these trials, Beko is gathering valuable feedback from our Australian retail partners to share with our factories in Europe, enabling us to refine our packaging for optimal performance.”

Upon arrival at retail locations, Beko teams work closely with store staff to unpack, inspect, and evaluate each unit.

“This hands-on approach ensures that our new packaging holds up under real-world warehouse and shipping conditions in Australia. In addition to field testing, we’ve conducted rigorous assessments at our own warehouses, subjecting the packaging to stacking, clamping, and stock movement tests to confirm its reliability,” Beko Australia and New Zealand marketing manager, Amanda Hart said.

Commenting on Beko’s methodology, Beko Australia sales and marekting director, Jim Kalotheos said, “At Beko, we utilise the agile project methodology, allowing our teams to be adaptable and respond quickly to changing requirements, feedback, or market conditions. The packaging project has been a real team effort, with cross-functional collaboration from product management, marketing, field and internal sales operations, supply chain, and warehouse operations.

“A key part of this project is the emphasis on communication with our retail customers, who are key stakeholders, ensuring the end product truly meets their needs. This is just one of the many agile projects we’re running across the business.”

Participating test retail partners include Gladstone Betta (QLD), Kennedys Betta (QLD), Bi-Rite Underwood (QLD), Whitford Home Appliances (NSW), Bega Betta (NSW), Rezzie Betta (NSW), Weily’s Betta (NSW), Reilly’s Designer Appliances (VIC), Simic’s Betta (VIC) and Electric World Betta (TAS).

Eddie Gaymer (Beko Australia) & Larry Waldron (Bi-Rite Underwood).

Upon his first inspection of the products unpacked from the EPS-free packaging, Bi-Rite Underwood store manager, Larry Waldron said, “With Beko’s new packaging, there’s no knife needed to open it, which reduces the chance of damaging the product during unpacking.

“The packaging itself looks solid and well-constructed – everything is square and neat. Also, moving from EPS to strong cardboard is a great move for us. Not only does it eliminate the extra cost of EPS disposal, but the cardboard is durable enough to be repurposed in-store, like for tie-downs for fridges.”

Lauren Beekman (Beko Australia), Andrew Hodgson (Beko Australia), Ben Whitford (Whitford Home Appliances) & Jim Kalotheos (Beko Australia).

Whitford Home Appliances owner, Ben Whitford also shared his thoughts after unpacking the Beko products shipped from the Brisbane warehouse to his store in Sydney.

“I was honestly expecting to see smashed doors, but I was pleasantly surprised. I’m relieved to find them in excellent condition. The new packaging makes repacking much easier with no more broken Styrofoam to deal with. I was particularly impressed that the washing machine was stacked on top of the dryer without any issues; the dryer held the weight perfectly and was fine. I was also impressed by the strength of the corner brackets.”