Liebherr wins German Sustainability Award twice

For decades, Liebherr has been committed to advancing sustainability. The company aims to increasingly integrate the principles of a circular economy into its product design. With BluRoX – its patented vacuum perlite technology – Liebherr has reached a milestone on this path: its full-vacuum freezer FNXa 522i with BluRoX is the first freezer (in fact, the first large electrical appliance worldwide) to achieve Bronze Cradle to Cradle Certified® status. The DNP jury approved of this pioneering innovation and the company´s commitment with two awards, honouring Liebherr with the German Sustainability Award for Companies 2026 and the German Sustainability Award for Products 2026.

Steffen Nagel, Managing Director Sales & Marketing at Liebherr-Hausgeräte GmbH, sees the DNP win as vindication of Liebherr’s strategy: “With the FNXa 522i, Liebherr demonstrates how the principles of the circular economy can be thoroughly implemented in a product. The appliance is an excellent example of design based on long-lasting insulation, ease of repair and materials able to be separated. We are very pleased that the awards have acknowledged this true innovative capability, our commitment to design that preserves resources and our role as a pioneer in the sector”.

BluRoX: the core of the FNXa 522i

BluRoX uses vacuum insulation that is stabilised by perlite, finely ground volcanic rock. This patented technology replaces conventional thermal insulation based on polyurethane foam and has a range of benefits: energy consumption is significantly reduced while the usable volume is increased. At the same time, the modular design simplifies repair and extends the life cycle of the appliance. At the end of the life cycle the materials used can be separated neatly into specific material types and recycled easily. Perlite is a natural raw material with an almost unlimited supply, so the technology is harmless to people and the environment. BluRoX was specifically designed for a true circular economy and is the recyclable core of the FNXa 522i.

The FNXa 522i: example of circular design

The FNXa 522i was the first large electrical appliance to achieve Bronze Cradle to Cradle Certified® status. This certification confirms the thorough implementation of circular principles throughout the entire product life cycle: from responsible material choices and resource-saving production to ease of separating and recycling.

The German Sustainability Award

The German Sustainability Award (Deutsche Nachhaltigkeitspreis) is one of Europe’s most prestigious awards for ecological and social commitment. Since 2008, awards have been given to companies, products and initiatives that have significantly contributed to sustainable transformation. They are evaluated based on the aims of Agenda 2030, which includes climate, resources and social responsibility. The prize giving will be held on 4 and 5 December 2025 in Düsseldorf.

For more details about BluRoX and the FNXa 522i, visit home.liebherr.com/cradle-to-cradle