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ISTANBUL, Jan. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Beko, the leading global home appliance company, today unveiled its proprietary Smart Living Index (SLI). The study revealed that financial pressures are now the biggest driver of adoption of sustainable household behaviours worldwide.
One of the largest studies of its kind, the Smart Living Index tracks how consumers' views of sustainability and energy use are evolving. The study also looks at how consumers are using smart appliances within their own homes.
For the Smart Living Index, Beko surveyed a representative sample of 6,000 consumers across 12 markets - the UK, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, Romania, Turkey, Egypt, Thailand, Pakistan and South Africa.
Consumers in every market reported changes in their approach to buying appliances in the past 12 months, with long-term affordability and sustainability increasing in importance as considerations.
In markets where consumers are actively tracking the running costs of appliances, adoption of smart features was higher. Conversely, markets that do not track energy usage so closely are slower to adopt smart features and instead turn to other energy-saving activities such as drying laundry on a washing line, or hand-washing dishes.
Key findings:
- Cost as catalyst: 8 out of 12 markets cite energy costs as the environmental concern with the greatest impact on their daily lives, reflecting how climate and sustainability challenges are most acutely felt through household energy bills.
- Global South leads the way: In western markets such as the UK, Germany, and France, consumers place less value on smart living compared to emerging markets like Egypt, Thailand and Pakistan.
- Trust gap in technology: Fewer than 20% of consumers in key European markets (France, Spain, UK, Germany) trust AI-powered appliances, despite widespread recognition that smart appliances benefit the environment.
- Going analogue: A huge proportion of the public engage in appliance substituting behaviour to save energy at home – for example, in many countries around two-thirds of respondents signaled that they dry laundry on a line.
- The age vs. income paradox: Energy-saving activity increases with age, but decreases with income, defying conventional assumptions about environmental engagement. The over-54 age group leads across all energy-saving behaviours.
- Demand for government support: Over 50% of respondents from all markets agreed that government policy should support consumers as they switch to more resource-efficient home appliances rather than leaving the transition entirely to households.
- The future is smart: Thailand (81%), Pakistan (86%) and Turkey (80%) show most enthusiasm for appliances to become even smarter, with Germany (39%), the UK (40%) and France (43%) placing less focus on smart innovation. However, countries are united in being most excited by innovations that are self-cleaning or energy-generating.
Commenting on the launch of the Smart Living Index, Hakan Bulgurlu, Chief Executive Officer at Beko, said: "The Smart Living Index highlights the urgent need to bridge the trust gap in smart technology and its benefits to unlock its full potential for smarter, more sustainable living in every household. The findings also show how small, individual changes – when adopted at scale – can create significant collective impact. At Beko, we believe that consumers should have access to options designed to reduce environmental impact, regardless of financial pressures. By understanding global energy-saving trends and perceptions of smart appliances, we are even more equipped to meet the needs of our customers and support the shift toward more sustainable living."
About Beko
Beko is an international home appliance company with a strong global presence, operating through subsidiaries in more than 55 countries with a workforce of over 50,000 employees and production facilities spanning multiple regions — including Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Beko has 22 brands owned or used with a limited license (Arçelik, Beko, Whirlpool*, Grundig, Hotpoint, Arctic, Ariston*, Leisure, Indesit, Blomberg, Defy, Dawlance, Hitachi*, Voltas Beko, Singer*, ElektraBregenz, Flavel, Bauknecht, Privileg, Altus, Ignis, Polar). Beko became the largest white goods company in Europe with its market share (based on volumes) and reached a consolidated turnover of 10.6 billion Euros in 2024. Beko's 28 R&D and Design Centers & Offices across the globe are home to over 2,300 researchers and hold more than 4,500 international registered patent applications to date. The company has achieved the highest score in the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA) in the DHP Household Durables industry for the seventh consecutive year (based on the results dated 16 October 2025).** The company has been recognized as the 17th most sustainable company on TIME Magazine and Statista's 2025 list of the World's Most Sustainable Companies. Beko's vision is 'Respecting the World, Respected Worldwide.'
www.bekocorporate.com
*Licensee limited to certain jurisdictions.
**The data presented belongs to Arçelik A.Ş., a parent company of Beko.
About Beko's Smart Living Index
The Beko Smart Living Index (SLI) is the first of its kind — a comprehensive global study examining how consumers view and adopt sustainable home living and smart appliance technology. Developed to provide actionable insights for industry, policymakers, and media, the Smart Living Index explores how financial pressures, generational shifts, and cultural differences are shaping household behaviours worldwide.
The study surveyed 6,000 respondents across 12 markets — the UK, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, Romania, Turkey, Egypt, Thailand, Pakistan, and South Africa. Representative demographic quotas for age, gender, geography, and education were applied to ensure each market accurately reflects its population's views.
The research assessed multiple dimensions of smart living, including appliance usage, smart tech preferences, energy consumption awareness, sustainability priorities, trust in AI, and expectations of government policy.
The research was conducted by JL Partners, an independent research and insights agency, ensuring methodological rigor and representativeness.
About J.L. Partners
J.L. Partners is a global research and strategy consultancy specialising in understanding public opinion, consumer behaviour, and market dynamics. Founded by the team behind the research programme for 10 Downing Street in 2019, J.L. Partners combines deep political insight with commercial expertise to deliver meaningful, actionable intelligence. Using a range of quantitative and qualitative methods, we uncover how people think and why—whether targeting the general public, specific voter segments, product consumers, or emerging markets. More than just delivering data, we offer strategic guidance to help clients interpret insights and shape impactful campaigns in an increasingly uncertain and volatile world. We operate at a global scale with research capabilities across every major region.
ISTANBUL, Jan. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Beko, the leading global home appliance company, today unveiled its proprietary Smart Living Index (SLI). The study revealed that financial pressures are now the biggest driver of adoption of sustainable household behaviours worldwide.
One of the largest studies of its kind, the Smart Living Index tracks how consumers' views of sustainability and energy use are evolving. The study also looks at how consumers are using smart appliances within their own homes.
For the Smart Living Index, Beko surveyed a representative sample of 6,000 consumers across 12 markets - the UK, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, Romania, Turkey, Egypt, Thailand, Pakistan and South Africa.
Consumers in every market reported changes in their approach to buying appliances in the past 12 months, with long-term affordability and sustainability increasing in importance as considerations.
In markets where consumers are actively tracking the running costs of appliances, adoption of smart features was higher. Conversely, markets that do not track energy usage so closely are slower to adopt smart features and instead turn to other energy-saving activities such as drying laundry on a washing line, or hand-washing dishes.
Key findings:
- Cost as catalyst: 8 out of 12 markets cite energy costs as the environmental concern with the greatest impact on their daily lives, reflecting how climate and sustainability challenges are most acutely felt through household energy bills.
- Global South leads the way: In western markets such as the UK, Germany, and France, consumers place less value on smart living compared to emerging markets like Egypt, Thailand and Pakistan.
- Trust gap in technology: Fewer than 20% of consumers in key European markets (France, Spain, UK, Germany) trust AI-powered appliances, despite widespread recognition that smart appliances benefit the environment.
- Going analogue: A huge proportion of the public engage in appliance substituting behaviour to save energy at home – for example, in many countries around two-thirds of respondents signaled that they dry laundry on a line.
- The age vs. income paradox: Energy-saving activity increases with age, but decreases with income, defying conventional assumptions about environmental engagement. The over-54 age group leads across all energy-saving behaviours.
- Demand for government support: Over 50% of respondents from all markets agreed that government policy should support consumers as they switch to more resource-efficient home appliances rather than leaving the transition entirely to households.
- The future is smart: Thailand (81%), Pakistan (86%) and Turkey (80%) show most enthusiasm for appliances to become even smarter, with Germany (39%), the UK (40%) and France (43%) placing less focus on smart innovation. However, countries are united in being most excited by innovations that are self-cleaning or energy-generating.
Commenting on the launch of the Smart Living Index, Hakan Bulgurlu, Chief Executive Officer at Beko, said: "The Smart Living Index highlights the urgent need to bridge the trust gap in smart technology and its benefits to unlock its full potential for smarter, more sustainable living in every household. The findings also show how small, individual changes – when adopted at scale – can create significant collective impact. At Beko, we believe that consumers should have access to options designed to reduce environmental impact, regardless of financial pressures. By understanding global energy-saving trends and perceptions of smart appliances, we are even more equipped to meet the needs of our customers and support the shift toward more sustainable living."
About Beko
Beko is an international home appliance company with a strong global presence, operating through subsidiaries in more than 55 countries with a workforce of over 50,000 employees and production facilities spanning multiple regions — including Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Beko has 22 brands owned or used with a limited license (Arçelik, Beko, Whirlpool*, Grundig, Hotpoint, Arctic, Ariston*, Leisure, Indesit, Blomberg, Defy, Dawlance, Hitachi*, Voltas Beko, Singer*, ElektraBregenz, Flavel, Bauknecht, Privileg, Altus, Ignis, Polar). Beko became the largest white goods company in Europe with its market share (based on volumes) and reached a consolidated turnover of 10.6 billion Euros in 2024. Beko's 28 R&D and Design Centers & Offices across the globe are home to over 2,300 researchers and hold more than 4,500 international registered patent applications to date. The company has achieved the highest score in the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA) in the DHP Household Durables industry for the seventh consecutive year (based on the results dated 16 October 2025).** The company has been recognized as the 17th most sustainable company on TIME Magazine and Statista's 2025 list of the World's Most Sustainable Companies. Beko's vision is 'Respecting the World, Respected Worldwide.'
www.bekocorporate.com
*Licensee limited to certain jurisdictions.
**The data presented belongs to Arçelik A.Ş., a parent company of Beko.
About Beko's Smart Living Index
The Beko Smart Living Index (SLI) is the first of its kind — a comprehensive global study examining how consumers view and adopt sustainable home living and smart appliance technology. Developed to provide actionable insights for industry, policymakers, and media, the Smart Living Index explores how financial pressures, generational shifts, and cultural differences are shaping household behaviours worldwide.
The study surveyed 6,000 respondents across 12 markets — the UK, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, Romania, Turkey, Egypt, Thailand, Pakistan, and South Africa. Representative demographic quotas for age, gender, geography, and education were applied to ensure each market accurately reflects its population's views.
The research assessed multiple dimensions of smart living, including appliance usage, smart tech preferences, energy consumption awareness, sustainability priorities, trust in AI, and expectations of government policy.
The research was conducted by JL Partners, an independent research and insights agency, ensuring methodological rigor and representativeness.
About J.L. Partners
J.L. Partners is a global research and strategy consultancy specialising in understanding public opinion, consumer behaviour, and market dynamics. Founded by the team behind the research programme for 10 Downing Street in 2019, J.L. Partners combines deep political insight with commercial expertise to deliver meaningful, actionable intelligence. Using a range of quantitative and qualitative methods, we uncover how people think and why—whether targeting the general public, specific voter segments, product consumers, or emerging markets. More than just delivering data, we offer strategic guidance to help clients interpret insights and shape impactful campaigns in an increasingly uncertain and volatile world. We operate at a global scale with research capabilities across every major region.
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
Beko's Smart Living Index finds Economic Pressure Drives Surge in Sustainable Living
Beko's Smart Living Index finds Economic Pressure Drives Surge in Sustainable Living
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RICHMOND, BC, May 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Founded in 1996 in Beijing, Edifier has grown into a globally recognized audio brand with nearly three decades of expertise spanning design, engineering, and manufacturing. Listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange since 2010, the company has strengthened its global presence through strategic moves such as acquiring STAX, investing in Audeze LLC, and developing HECATE, a sub-brand dedicated to gaming audio gear. Guided by a mission to deliver exceptional listening experiences, Edifier continues to invest heavily in research and development to stay at the forefront of audio innovation.
Beyond the Desktop: The All-Scenario Evolution
Edifier's product evolution reflects a shift from its roots in desktop audio to a comprehensive ecosystem of sound solutions. Early successes like the R1000T and R1280 series established its reputation for reliable, high-quality speakers. Today, that legacy extends into a wide range of categories, including over-ear headphones such as the WH950NB, true wireless earbuds like the NeoBuds series, and premium offerings in the STAX SPIRIT lineup.
By embracing its "comprehensive scenario" strategy, Edifier now delivers tailored audio solutions across home entertainment, mobile listening, gaming, and professional environments—ensuring consistent performance and user experience across every product genre.
Technical Endorsement: Advancing Electroacoustic Innovation
At the core of Edifier's success is its deep expertise in electroacoustic engineering. The company continues to refine sound reproduction through proprietary driver designs, advanced digital signal processing, and precise acoustic tuning methodologies. Its adoption of planar magnetic technologies—drawing on the legacy of STAX—has elevated performance in its high-end headphone range.
In wireless audio, Edifier collaborates with Qualcomm to integrate Snapdragon Sound™, while also supporting a wide range of modern transmission technologies including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, AirPlay, and Miracast. These advancements enable stable, high-resolution audio streaming across devices and platforms.
Self-Owned Manufacturing and Supply Chain Excellence
Edifier's vertically integrated manufacturing model plays a critical role in maintaining quality and consistency. Its large-scale Dongguan production facility combines advanced automation with rigorous quality control processes, ensuring precision at every stage of production.
Beyond efficiency, the company emphasizes sustainability and responsible manufacturing, incorporating environmentally conscious systems and energy-saving technologies. This integrated approach allows Edifier to scale innovation while maintaining durability, reliability, and environmental awareness.
Harmonizing Industrial Design with Acoustic Performance
Design remains a central pillar of Edifier's brand identity. Through dedicated R&D centers equipped with advanced tools, the company blends acoustic engineering with refined industrial design to create products that are both functional and visually distinctive.
This commitment has earned international recognition, including the Red Dot, iF Design, and CES Innovation awards. By uniting aesthetics with performance, Edifier continues to deliver products that resonate with users worldwide.
Looking Ahead
Looking to the future, Edifier is expanding HDMI eARC integration across its 2.0 speaker lineup in 2026, including models such as the recently launched M90, R2750DB MKII and the upcoming S355DB. This development simplifies connectivity with TVs, streaming platforms, and gaming consoles, enabling cleaner setups, synchronized control, and improved audio performance.
As user expectations evolve, this shift reflects Edifier's focus on making high-quality audio more accessible and seamlessly integrated into modern digital lifestyles.
Since its founding, Edifier has evolved from a desktop audio specialist into a global brand delivering comprehensive sound solutions for every aspect of modern life. Its 30-year milestone represents not only a legacy of innovation, but also a forward-looking vision for the future of audio.
About Edifier:
Edifier specializes in the design and manufacture of premium audio solutions that showcase technological innovation and design excellence. Founded in 1996 and headquartered in Beijing, China, Edifier delivers outstanding sound experience through a wide range of audio systems for personal entertainment and professional use. Renowned for its award-winning design philosophy, expertise and innovation in acoustic technology, and superior manufacturing standards, Edifier is one of today's leading innovators of audio electronics. More information about Edifier is available online at www.edifier.com/global
RICHMOND, BC, May 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Founded in 1996 in Beijing, Edifier has grown into a globally recognized audio brand with nearly three decades of expertise spanning design, engineering, and manufacturing. Listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange since 2010, the company has strengthened its global presence through strategic moves such as acquiring STAX, investing in Audeze LLC, and developing HECATE, a sub-brand dedicated to gaming audio gear. Guided by a mission to deliver exceptional listening experiences, Edifier continues to invest heavily in research and development to stay at the forefront of audio innovation.
Beyond the Desktop: The All-Scenario Evolution
Edifier's product evolution reflects a shift from its roots in desktop audio to a comprehensive ecosystem of sound solutions. Early successes like the R1000T and R1280 series established its reputation for reliable, high-quality speakers. Today, that legacy extends into a wide range of categories, including over-ear headphones such as the WH950NB, true wireless earbuds like the NeoBuds series, and premium offerings in the STAX SPIRIT lineup.
By embracing its "comprehensive scenario" strategy, Edifier now delivers tailored audio solutions across home entertainment, mobile listening, gaming, and professional environments—ensuring consistent performance and user experience across every product genre.
Technical Endorsement: Advancing Electroacoustic Innovation
At the core of Edifier's success is its deep expertise in electroacoustic engineering. The company continues to refine sound reproduction through proprietary driver designs, advanced digital signal processing, and precise acoustic tuning methodologies. Its adoption of planar magnetic technologies—drawing on the legacy of STAX—has elevated performance in its high-end headphone range.
In wireless audio, Edifier collaborates with Qualcomm to integrate Snapdragon Sound™, while also supporting a wide range of modern transmission technologies including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, AirPlay, and Miracast. These advancements enable stable, high-resolution audio streaming across devices and platforms.
Self-Owned Manufacturing and Supply Chain Excellence
Edifier's vertically integrated manufacturing model plays a critical role in maintaining quality and consistency. Its large-scale Dongguan production facility combines advanced automation with rigorous quality control processes, ensuring precision at every stage of production.
Beyond efficiency, the company emphasizes sustainability and responsible manufacturing, incorporating environmentally conscious systems and energy-saving technologies. This integrated approach allows Edifier to scale innovation while maintaining durability, reliability, and environmental awareness.
Harmonizing Industrial Design with Acoustic Performance
Design remains a central pillar of Edifier's brand identity. Through dedicated R&D centers equipped with advanced tools, the company blends acoustic engineering with refined industrial design to create products that are both functional and visually distinctive.
This commitment has earned international recognition, including the Red Dot, iF Design, and CES Innovation awards. By uniting aesthetics with performance, Edifier continues to deliver products that resonate with users worldwide.
Looking Ahead
Looking to the future, Edifier is expanding HDMI eARC integration across its 2.0 speaker lineup in 2026, including models such as the recently launched M90, R2750DB MKII and the upcoming S355DB. This development simplifies connectivity with TVs, streaming platforms, and gaming consoles, enabling cleaner setups, synchronized control, and improved audio performance.
As user expectations evolve, this shift reflects Edifier's focus on making high-quality audio more accessible and seamlessly integrated into modern digital lifestyles.
Since its founding, Edifier has evolved from a desktop audio specialist into a global brand delivering comprehensive sound solutions for every aspect of modern life. Its 30-year milestone represents not only a legacy of innovation, but also a forward-looking vision for the future of audio.
About Edifier:
Edifier specializes in the design and manufacture of premium audio solutions that showcase technological innovation and design excellence. Founded in 1996 and headquartered in Beijing, China, Edifier delivers outstanding sound experience through a wide range of audio systems for personal entertainment and professional use. Renowned for its award-winning design philosophy, expertise and innovation in acoustic technology, and superior manufacturing standards, Edifier is one of today's leading innovators of audio electronics. More information about Edifier is available online at www.edifier.com/global
** This press release is distributed by PR Newswire through automated distribution system, for which the client assumes full responsibility. **
From Desktop Classics to All-Scenario Audio: Edifier Celebrates 30 Years of Innovation
