How To Build A Sustainable Kitchen Design
In a world increasingly focused on environmental responsibility, Häcker Kitchens stands at the forefront of sustainable kitchen manufacturing. As Australia’s kitchen renovation industry evolves to meet eco-conscious consumer demands, Häcker Australia brings German precision engineering and environmental stewardship to our shores, offering homeowners the perfect balance of luxury, functionality, and sustainability.
What is Sustainable Kitchen Manufacturing, According to Häcker Kitchens?
Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword for Häcker, it’s the fundamental principle underpinning their entire corporate strategy and the benchmark for their long-standing business success. The company adheres to strict sustainability standards and continually pushes boundaries to exceed them whenever possible.
With a clear ecological orientation, Häcker demonstrates a genuine commitment to nature conservation and promotes a sustainable approach to the environment throughout their operations.
For Australian homeowners, this means access to kitchens that not only look beautiful but are created with environmentally responsible practices at every stage, from design and material selection to manufacturing and delivery.
A Legacy of Sustainability
Founded in 1898 by cabinet craftsman Hermann Häcker, this family-owned kitchen cabinet manufacturer is now in its 4th generation of ownership, bringing over 125 years of craftsmanship experience to Australia.
Through twelve decades of refinement, Häcker has learned to give back as much as they take. Responsibility towards the planet underpins every Häcker kitchen, influencing everything from how they source materials to how they ship finished products.
Today, Häcker is the largest independently owned kitchen manufacturer in Germany with over 500 global partners. Häcker Australia proudly brings this global kitchen icon to our shores, with flagship showrooms in Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth.
This expansion allows Australian homeowners to experience world-class sustainable kitchen solutions without compromising on style or quality.
Green Manufacturing Practices at Häcker Kitchens
Comprehensive Sustainable Manufacturing
Häcker has operated an environmental management system since 2009 and an energy management system since 2014, both certified to international standards, DIN ISO 14001 and DIN ISO 50001, respectively. Significantly, Häcker Kitchens was the first kitchen furniture manufacturer to have its entire range certified as climate-neutral, as proven by a CFP study from the “Fokus Zukunft” institute. With Häcker, you get a kitchen that comes with a high level of ecological awareness built in.
In fact, sustainability is the foundation of the Häcker design and manufacturing process. The Häcker team’s focus on efficiency, sustainability and emission reduction ensures that energy, water usage, and waste disposal no longer need to be hazardous to the environment.
For environmentally conscious Australian homeowners, this represents a significant step forward in reducing the carbon footprint of their kitchen renovations.
Eco-Friendly Materials and Practices
Every Häcker kitchen incorporates top-quality wood certified by the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC), ensuring that timber is sourced from sustainably managed forests.
Häcker collaborates with renowned manufacturer ADLER Lacke, which has been a member of EMAS (the European eco-management system) for 25 years and produces more than two-thirds of its products on a water basis. This offers multiple advantages for both nature and consumers: the surfaces are resistant, feel good, and look perfect while contributing to a positive ecological balance by sustainably protecting and refining the renewable, natural raw material wood. Water-based coating materials produce about 90 percent less solvent during processing, making them environmentally friendly while extending the life of the wood. This approach supports Häcker Kitchens’ sustainability philosophy for a clean environment and a premium lacquer finish. Additionally, Häcker predominantly uses paint laminate with a high recycled content (more than 50%).
For Australian homes, where harsh sunlight and varying humidity levels can put kitchens under stress, these durable, eco-friendly finishes ensure longevity without environmental compromise.
Innovative Design and Production Techniques
Through careful selection of composite wood products and suppliers, Häcker has succeeded in optimally reducing formaldehyde emissions from its products. They not only fulfil the requirements of European standards but also meet the higher US standards of TSCA Title VI, which correspond to the Californian CARB2 requirements. Their proprietary PURemission standard provides the best conditions for healthy indoor air (according to Your Home), setting high standards both for customers and for a better environment.
The high-quality “PUResist” gluing is consistently used for all edges, utilising a formaldehyde- and solvent-free polyurethane reaction adhesive. With this innovative PUResist gluing technology, Häcker achieves the highest quality properties for all edges, making them water repellent and characterised by high resistance.
This is especially valuable in Australian kitchens, where moisture resistance is crucial for durability in our varied climate zones.
Green Packaging and Recycling Systems
From eco-friendly packaging and non-biodegradable waste reduction to optimised energy efficiency, Häcker ensures their kitchens are built mindfully at every stage.
While most manufacturers use foam blocks and polystyrene sheets during transport to secure high-value cargo, Häcker has a better way. The company’s trailers are equipped with sturdy paper bags filled with cardboard waste to secure the load, reducing plastic waste.
For Australian kitchens that often need to be shipped long distances from German manufacturing facilities, this commitment to sustainable packaging means your eco-friendly kitchen doesn’t arrive with an eco-unfriendly packaging footprint.
Certifications and Häcker’s Environmental Commitments
The German Furniture Quality Association (DGM) has certified Häcker Kitchens as a “Climate Neutral Manufacturer.” This certification is based on a detailed CO2 balance sheet that Häcker has drawn up. They record emissions, offset the positive savings already achieved in the company, and compensate for the remaining delta by purchasing climate protection certificates. These certificates support important climate protection projects around the world, such as renewable energy production and reforestation efforts.
Häcker’s production process has been certified carbon-neutral by DGM, the leading carbon auditor for furniture brands in Germany. Carbon emissions during the manufacturing process are carefully recorded and responsibly offset to the last unit. To take their commitment to the planet a step further, Häcker also supports impactful reforestation and hydro-power projects.
Their in-house test laboratory measures precisely the quality of products in terms of longevity, functionality, safety, and resistance against environmental effects and wear and tear. Häcker furniture has been certified by the DGM, which has awarded them with the best emission class A. As a member of the VdDK (Association of the German Kitchen Furniture Industry), Häcker Küchen has acquired important certification marks including RAL “Golden M”, “Made in Germany”, “Climate neutral”, TÜV Rheinland “GS”, DIN EN ISO 9001, 14001 and 50001, which testify to the quality of their products.
For Australian consumers who value third-party verification of environmental claims, these certifications provide reassurance that Häcker’s sustainability commitments are genuine and independently verified.
Eco-Friendly Kitchen Appliances
When designing a sustainable kitchen, appliance selection plays a crucial role in both environmental impact and ongoing energy consumption. Häcker Kitchens can be integrated with energy-efficient appliances that complement their sustainable cabinetry:
| Appliance | Features | Benefits |
| Refrigerator | Energy-efficient cooling technology, LED interior lighting | Lower electricity consumption, reduced carbon footprint, longer lifespan |
| Dishwasher | No pre-rinsing required, loosen even heavy soiling, short programs for lightly soiled dishes, economy and eco programs for normally soiled dishes | Water conservation, energy savings, effective cleaning with minimal environmental impact |
| Oven | Heat recovery systems, triple-glazed doors, precise temperature control | Reduced energy consumption, improved cooking efficiency, better heat retention |
| Cooktop | Induction technology, automatic pot detection, programmable cooking zones | Lower energy use, faster cooking times, safer operation with automatic shutoff |
In Australia’s energy-conscious market, pairing Häcker’s sustainable cabinetry with energy-efficient appliances creates a comprehensive, eco-friendly kitchen solution that reduces both environmental impact and utility bills.
Sustainable Kitchen Renovation: Why Choose Häcker?
As the only carbon-neutral luxury kitchen design brand, Häcker delivers the promise of quality and exceptional functionality in a manner that is mindful of our planet.
With clever design, supreme product quality, and high-tech production, a Häcker kitchen will last a lifetime, that’s sustainable for you and the planet.
Sustainability is the foundation of Häcker Australia’s design and manufacturing process, and it was the first kitchen manufacturer whose entire product portfolio was developed to be climate neutral. The Häcker Australia team’s focus on efficiency, sustainability, and emission reduction ensures that energy, water, and waste disposal no longer need to be hazardous to the environment, thanks to Häcker Australia’s clever designs and superior, sustainable products.
The highly experienced and dedicated team at Häcker Australia focuses on providing clients with bespoke kitchens tailored to their exact needs. They encourage Australian homeowners to be inspired, be bold, and experience their breathtaking colours, large range of high-quality materials, and state-of-the-art fittings that will provide the kitchen you have long dreamed of.
FAQs
Does a sustainable kitchen cost more than a traditional kitchen?
While the initial investment in a Häcker sustainable kitchen may be higher than some alternatives, the long-term value lies in durability, energy efficiency, and health benefits. With a lifespan that can exceed 20 years, the cost per year of ownership is often lower than less expensive options that require more frequent replacement.
What materials are commonly used in sustainable kitchen design?
Häcker kitchens incorporate top-quality wood certified by the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC).
They also use environmentally friendly water-based paint systems and paint laminate with a high recycled content (more than 50%).
These materials create beautiful kitchens while minimising environmental impact.
Does using eco-friendly materials improve indoor air quality?
Yes. Through careful selection of composite wood products and suppliers, Häcker has succeeded in optimally reducing formaldehyde emissions. Their PURemission standard provides the best conditions for healthy indoor air, setting high standards both for customers and for a better environment.
This is particularly important in well-sealed Australian homes where indoor air quality is a growing concern.
Is it possible to design a sustainable kitchen in a small space?
Absolutely. Häcker’s design principles work effectively in spaces of all sizes. In fact, their German engineering expertise often shines brightest in compact spaces, where innovative storage solutions and space-efficient designs maximise functionality while maintaining sustainability commitments.
What is the difference between a sustainable kitchen and a standard kitchen?
A sustainable kitchen like those from Häcker features certified carbon-neutral production processes where carbon emissions during manufacturing are carefully recorded and responsibly offset. They incorporate advanced features like the PURemission Air Protection System that ensures your kitchen remains safe from toxic emissions, both during production and throughout its lifetime.
Standard kitchens typically lack these environmental considerations and certifications.
Conclusion
For Australian homeowners seeking to combine luxury, functionality, and environmental responsibility in their kitchen renovations, Häcker Kitchens represents the gold standard in sustainable kitchen manufacturing. From their flagship showrooms in Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth, Häcker Australia brings German engineering excellence and environmental leadership to the Australian market.
By choosing a Häcker kitchen, you’re not just investing in beautiful, durable cabinetry, you’re supporting a company with over a century of craftsmanship experience and a forward-thinking approach to environmental stewardship. Whether you’re renovating an existing kitchen or designing a new home, Häcker’s sustainable manufacturing practices ensure your kitchen will be as kind to the planet as it is beautiful in your home.
Visit one of Häcker Australia’s showrooms today to experience firsthand how German precision engineering and sustainable innovation come together to create the perfect kitchen for your Australian home.
