| Expert Solution | United States & Europe
| Teleconference | Interview Date: August 2025

Context

While recycled plastics are increasingly adopted across industries like packaging, consumer goods, and automotive, the home appliance sector has lagged behind. 

A global plastics company partnered with Arches’ Expert Solution to understand why adoption was slow and how appliance manufacturers could catch up, gaining insider perspectives that desk research alone could not provide.

Key Insights

• Public pledges vs. reality: Home appliance makers announce ambitious sustainability goals, but actual adoption of recycled plastics remains limited.
  
• Barriers to adoption: Technical requirements, supply chain rigidity, and inconsistent regulations are slowing progress.
  
• Insider perspectives matter: Desk research offered little beyond ESG statements; expert interviews revealed the true status and feasibility of adoption.
  
• Turning research into strategy: Combining market insights with advice from ex-consultants, Arches helped the client refine their sales strategy in the appliance category.
  

Client Perspective

Q: What challenge led you to undertake this research?

“We had entered the recycled plastics market and saw adoption across many industries: packaging, consumer goods, and even automotive. But in the home appliance sector, adoption was lagging. We wanted to understand why and learn how competitors were approaching sustainability so we could expand sales in this category.”

Q: What kind of research was needed?

“Desk research could only show us what manufacturers disclosed in ESG reports. We needed the reality behind those statements: how much recycled material was actually used, what technical or supply chain issues slowed adoption, and how companies viewed their future sustainability policies. That’s why we relied on expert interviews.”

Q: How did Arches support this project?

“We spoke directly with people inside major appliance manufacturers. They showed us where eco-friendly materials were already in use, and where adoption was limited, giving us a clear picture of both technical and organizational barriers. Arches didn’t just set up interviews — they helped frame the right questions, adjust the scope when new issues emerged, and provide consulting-style advice on turning insights into a sales strategy. That guidance was especially valuable.”

Q: What was the outcome of the research?

“We now understand why appliance makers are slower to adopt recycled plastics and how feasible future sustainability measures really are. These insights gave us a stronger foundation to refine our sales strategy and identify the right opportunities in this sector.”

About Arches’ Expert Solution

Powered by local insights and real expert interviews, Arches’ team of ex-Big 4 strategy consultants delivers go-to-market plans, market research, and due diligence across Asia and beyond. We connect clients with seasoned professionals worldwide to provide actionable insights that desk research alone cannot reveal.