On December 5, The UNIT by sustainability champion Epta was announced among the winners of the 2024 German Design Award in the category “Excellent Product Design for Retail,” which recognizes groundbreaking international projects that promote sustainable transformation through design. Innovative and environmentally compatible offerings that reflect a different approach, focusing on the use of recycled and recyclable materials, efficiency and greener production. From this paradigm, UNIT is born, the first built-in refrigerated counter designed according to circular economy principles and destined to become a landmark model for the refrigerated counters of the future.
UNIT represents a revolution in the food and beverage sector in the era of the circular economy as an end-of-life solution. This rack is 95% recyclable, made from sheet metal with eco-paint finishes, glass, PLA and cork, 100% plant-based, to protect against deforestation as it comes from bark. Other distinguishing elements are modularity, scalability and ease of disassembly and assembly. This last feature simplifies maintenance and cleaning. In addition, the compact packaging optimizes transport and helps reduce CO2 emissions. The solution addresses Epta’s 4R principles – reuse, repair, refurbishment and recycling – the foundation for a more sustainable commercial refrigeration future. UNIT is the tangible embodiment of the Innovation Reloaded concept. The Epta Sustainability System, which expands the Epta system as an element of innovation to guide Customers towards the ecological transition.
