Smart connectivity and sustainability key focus for BSH in 2022 and beyond

Leading appliance brand BSH Home Appliances has announced at its virtual press conference this year that it will be focusing on sustainability and smart connectivity, with its primary goal to “constantly improve convenience and quality of life for consumers in their own homes”.

Titled “Smart & Sustainable – a journey of discovery into the kitchen of the future with innovations from the brands Bosch, Siemens, Neff and Gaggenau”, BSH unveiled a host of new appliances due to be launched later this year and next, including new flexible refrigerators from NEFF, whose interior adapts to the needs of each individual, sustainable fridge-freezer combinations from Bosch, and new ventilation solutions from Gaggenau.

Gaggenau Vario downdraft ventilation in the 400 series with Home Connect

As well as the expected appliance announcements, BSH also unveiled some more left-field products and concepts including a Smart Kitchen Dock from Siemens (not available until next year), developed in cooperation with Amazon Alexa, and Bosch SmartGrow Life – an innovative hydroponics system that doesn’t require soil and offers the user the opportunity to grow their own herbs and salad vegetables indoors, all year round.

Bosch SmartGrow Life

Volker Klodwig, Head of Sales for Central and Eastern Europe at BSH Home Appliances, Vice President BSH group commented: “With our Home Connect ecosystem, launched in 2014, we are pioneers of the connected kitchen. To date, the Home Connect app has been downloaded more than two million times and is available in 49 countries and 27 languages.

“At BSH, we aim to offer integrated IoT solutions comprising connected home appliances, digital features, and services that can provide valuable support to consumers in doing the housework and having a healthy diet.”

According to BSH, consumers are increasingly recognising how smart functionality can add value to their lives and save time – from selecting the best and most efficient dryer programme based on the washing machine programme, to a note via the Home Connect app that tells the user that the dishwasher tabs are running out.

In addition, data-driven such as remote diagnoses and repairs by the BSH Customer Service, are doing away with call-outs and the major organisational coordination effort they often entail, also saving time and money for the consumer.

Appliance rental

Finally, BSH announced that it is “focusing on the circular economy and sustainable business models” with BlueMovement – a rental scheme for home appliances, although this is only currently available in the Netherlands and Germany.

By renting out new and reconditioned appliances, and recycling them at the end of their service life, BlueMovement is contributing to long-term conservation of resources and a growing sustainability offering at BSH, the company said.

“When it comes to sustainability, our entire organisation assumes responsibility. Our aim is to turn every business decision made into one that is sustainable,” adds Klodwig, “That ranges from issues about reducing carbon emissions in production and logistics, to the sustainable further development of our products and services, and to educating consumers. For example, a dishwasher uses about ten times less water than is needed for washing up by hand – and using 63% less electricity. With a modern dishwasher, consumers therefore not only save themselves the annoying washing up but also costs for electricity and water – and protect the environment.”

For more stories on home appliances, click here.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *