International Oscar for Design goes to Vileda

Weinheim, March 22, 2012. Have you ever wondered what an innovative waste container, a bucket and wringer with cloth and cleaning fluid combo, and a robotic duster have in common? They not only make light work of cleaning commercial buildings and homes using the most advanced technology, they're also turning heads with their eye-catching designs and elegant ergonomics. The Design Center in North Rhine Westphalia, Germany, has recently nominated four products manufactured by Freudenberg Household Products to receive the distinguished "red dot design award." The official award ceremony will take place on July 2 in the Aalto Theater in Essen.

Freudenberg Household Products faced fierce competition from companies applying for the award. No less than 4500 products, 1800 companies and 58 countries competed to win the coveted design accolade. Freudenberg received the red dot design award for the Vileda products "1,2 spray floor mop system," for "ViRobi" the robotic duster, as well as for "Geo" the waste disposal system from Vileda's Professional range. The "1,2 spray mini" was presented with the "red dot design award - honorable mention 2012". As an internationally-recognized seal of quality, the award is just as important to the product design industry, as the Oscars are to the film industry in Hollywood. The red dot jury, comprising experts of international repute, award the accolade for outstanding design in the fields of product design, communication design and design concept. Klaus-Peter Meier, CEO of Freudenberg Household Products explains, "That we have been so successful in an international design competition, serves to endorse our work. It proves that products with excellent cleaning performance can also look good."

The excellent "Geo" range of waste containers from Vileda Professional forms part of a waste disposal system in metal finish. The special foil technology makes it possible to combine the durability and performance of synthetics with the aesthetics of stainless steel. "Here in development, we are extremely proud that Geo has been honored as a product of high-quality with considerable attention to detail, and also for its extraordinary design. Geo was only launched on the market last year and arose out of a cooperation with our partner company, Rothopro," clarifies Dr. Jochen Wirsching, Head of Technical Services.

Supported by a unique fluid reservoir in the handle, the development of Vileda's "1,2 Spray System" - a mop and cleaning fluid combo - also meets the consumers‘ desire for simplicity. "The awards recognize the work not only of our team, but also of the entire Business Group," adds Wirsching.

Last but not least, talk of the town is "ViRobi" - and not just because of its attractive design. The red-domed robot with automatic navigation picks up dust, fluff and particles from the floor of its own accord and demonstrates superb cleaning performance. Able to manoeuver around any obstacle, "ViRobi" also helps people suffering from allergies to lead a better quality of life in a dust-free environment.

About Freudenberg Household Products

Freudenberg Household Products (Brands: Vileda®, O-Cedar®, Wettex®) is a leading international brand manufacturer of household cloths, cleaning systems and laundry care equipment. The Company is the market leader in almost all European countries. In 2010, the Business Group generated sales of round 677 million Euros and employed some 2,300 people.