Beko Australia and New Zealand has successfully completed the second stage of its EPS-free packaging pilot program, focusing on 60cm built-in ovens, using eco-friendly materials that reduce environmental impact without compromising product protection.

Beko shipped 12 of its 60cm built-in ovens from its warehouse in Ormeau, Queensland, to retailers across Australia. This warehouse is typically used for within-state distribution, but this time Beko prioritised rigorous testing by shipping from Queensland to the furthest corners of the country, simulating real-world challenges that packaging endures under Australian transport conditions.

This allowed Beko to examine the robustness of its new EPS-free packaging over long distances, with two of the test units covering over 1,400 kilometres by road and 3,400 kilometres by rail to reach Retravision Cannington in Western Australia. Partnering with CarbonHalo, Beko offset the carbon footprint of this journey.

Retravision Cannington’s Paul Keep (pictured above) said, “For what it’s done and where it’s travelled, it’s great. Protection across the top and the sides was excellent.”

Other participating retail partners included Reilly’s Designer Appliances in Bendigo, Victoria, Whitfords Designer Appliances in Camperdown, Sydney, Bi-Rite Appliances in Underwood, Queensland, Bi-Rite Appliances in Wangaratta, Victoria and Batemans Bay Betta in New South Wales.

Left: Glen Reilly, Eddie Gaymer (Beko) & Loki Reilly. Right: Stephen Williams, Glen Reilly & Eddie Gaymer.

Glen Reilly of Reilly’s Designer Appliances expressed enthusiasm for the packaging improvements saying, “The quality of the cardboard makes all the difference. It’s better protected, and one person can manage repacking, which is a huge benefit.”

Other key benefits noted by retailers included improved stability provided by solid timber supports and protective cardboard layers, making repacking displays a single-person job.

Josh Hatton of Betta Batesman Bay.

Beko national sales manager, Eddie Gaymer said the solid timber supports give it stability, and the thick cardboard, egg carton construction keeps the oven well-protected.

“Because of the similarity of oven sizes, this packaging can be reutilised for other oven returns when required, and in every unpacking, I haven’t used a knife once,” he said.

“The internal packaging, made of cardboard, is in some ways superior to what was there before, making it much easier for the stores. It’s mostly compostable, comprising cardboard, wooden components, and a small amount of recycled soft plastics.

“We’re proud to take on this initiative. Our partners support us because they see the necessity for change and recognise the benefits of pushing boundaries to test what’s possible.”

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

With forthcoming regulations impacting cooktops and rangehoods packaging in 2025, Beko is ahead of the curve, with compliant rangehoods since May 2024, and cooktop production slated to comply by January 2025, all with EPS-free materials.

Beko ANZ product manager, Murat Dora said the company is confident in this packaging for 60cm built-in ovens based on the rigorous testing across Australia.

“We’re launching two new 60cm pyrolytic built-in ovens with EPS-free packaging in 2025, set to be available in Australia by March. Larger appliances like washing machines and dryers are still in testing, and we aim to extend this EPS-free packaging across all applicable products as we head towards the 2026 packaging requirements for up to 45kg,” he said.

Beko ANZ marketing manager, Amanda Hart acknowledged the crucial role of retailers in the success of this program.

“We’re deeply grateful for the support and open feedback from our retail partners. Their commitment has enabled us to gather essential insights, which we’ve shared with our factories and development teams. We’re excited to continue collaborating with them to deliver EPS-free packaging solutions that benefit our consumers, our partners, and our planet.”

Looking ahead to 2025, Beko will continue to expand the EPS-free packaging pilot program, testing across multiple product categories and involving larger sample sizes.

Feature image: Andrew Hodgson (Beko), Ben Whitford (Whitfords Designer Appliances), Jim Kalotheos (Beko) & Lauren Beekman (Beko).