• Detailed digital manuals will supplement printed basic versions in future

• Hybrid process saves several million euros in printing costs annually

• Paper reduction contributes to the company’s goal of further reducing CO2 emissions

Instruction manuals cost Miele millions in printing costs every year. In addition, their production requires around 1,500 tonnes of paper – roughly equivalent to the tree population of Madrid’s El Retiro city park. Miele is significantly reducing its paper consumption by gradually switching to digital instruction manuals. The company can invest the money saved in innovation projects. Particularly important information, such as safety instructions, continues to be included in printed form with the products.

“The partial switch from printed to digital manuals underscores our commitment to sustainable business practices,” says project manager David Kavermann. “By saving paper, we are protecting the environment and roughly halving our printing costs. We can invest the money we save strategically in future projects.” Instead of printing manuals, Miele is focusing more on its website, where consumers can download manuals. More than 4,000 downloads per day, and around 1.5 million annually, confirm that this service has struck a chord. In addition, digital content makes it easier for customers to find answers quickly to questions about Miele products. The company also offers online service videos for this purpose.

Miele attaches great importance to ensuring that analogue instructions do not become a thing of the past. “There’s a widespread belief that people don’t read instruction manuals these days,” says Kavermann. “But we know from surveys that 90 percent of our customers still do this.” In addition, there are numerous legal requirements – for example, to provide information about safe installation and proper use. “Print versions remain relevant; we are simply paring them back and supplementing them with paperless downloads and additional digital offerings,” says Kavermann.

With the path it has chosen, Miele is best able to meet changing customer needs while also keeping its sustainability goal of further reducing CO2 emissions in the supply chain in sight.

About Miele: For more than 125 years, Miele has lived up to its brand promise of “Immer Besser” in terms of quality, innovation and timeless elegance. Founded in 1899, the globally active company for premium domestic appliances inspires customers with pioneering solutions for the connected home. In addition, Miele offers appliances, systems and services for commercial use, such as in hotels or care facilities as well as in medical technology. With its durable and energy-saving appliances, Miele helps its customers make their daily lives as sustainable as possible. The company is owned by the two founding families, Miele and Zinkann. In the 2024 business year, Miele generated a turnover of 5.04 billion Euros with approximately 23,500 employees. Its global network comprises 19 production plants and around 50 service and sales subsidiaries (as of February 2025). The company has its headquarters in Gütersloh, North Rhine-Westphalia.