The ETL at HRC 2025: New trends in energy efficiency
Key takeaways from industry professionals at Hotel Restaurant & Catering 2025
At this year’s Hotel, Restaurant & Catering (HRC) show, the ETL team joined manufacturers and industry leaders to discuss the technologies shaping the future of energy efficiency in hospitality. From AI-integrated ovens to smarter connectivity between appliances, the innovations highlight how the sector is evolving to meet the demands for greater sustainability and clearer information.
We spoke with exhibitors about the latest product developments, the role of independent verification, and how schemes like the ETL can help businesses navigate a complex market while fostering innovation.
New technologies shaping tomorrow’s industry
Emerging technologies like AI and connectivity are set to play a big role in shaping energy efficient Professional Foodservices Equipment. As Andy Threlfall from the Foodservice Equipment Association (FEA) put it, “AI and connectivity are going to be key for improving how we manage energy. It is the way forward.” These innovations are helping manufacturers create products that not only use energy more efficiently but also adapt to the changing needs of busy kitchens.
One example is Electrolux Professional’s new Skyline Duo system. As Natasha Carver explained, “Our Skyline Duo is a premium combi oven and blast chiller, and the innovation behind it is that the two machines actually communicate with each other. That leads to significant time and energy savings.” Connectivity like this is becoming more commonplace, allowing better coordination between appliances and helping to cut energy waste.
Unox UK also used HRC to debut its new eco-friendly oven, designed for high energy efficiency and easy integration into existing kitchens. “HRC is a great place to showcase our products and speak directly with users and distributors,” said Matthew Heavens, Regional Team Leader, “One of our highlights has been launching our new Speed Compact Eco, which has been really well received.” He noted growing interest from independent bakeries and coffee shops, reflecting a broader trend towards energy efficient solutions across the hospitality sector.
Guiding innovation with the right support
Manufacturers face a rapidly evolving landscape of regulations, policy shifts and emerging technologies. Andy Threlfall, Technical and Policy Director at the FEA, explained how they work to provide essential support and clear guidance for businesses navigating these changes:
“Our presence here is about supporting manufacturers, from a technical level right through to policy and legislation. We’re here to guide them on what they should be doing and how they should comply.”
Looking further ahead, Andy highlighted how manufacturers are already anticipating future needs and integrating long-term innovation into their product roadmaps.
“Technology is moving fast. What manufacturers are showing today is just part of the picture, because they are already working on what’s coming five years down the line.”
By aligning with future-focused standards, manufacturers can ensure their products meet evolving energy efficiency requirements and stay ahead of industry trends. The ETL acts as a guide for manufacturers to stay in step with leading-edge standards and supports manufacturers as they continue to advance their technologies. As Andy Threlfall points out, “Over the last five years, standout advances have come from better testing standards. Manufacturers can use those standards to list products on the ETL, and that will keep driving future technology forward.”
Why trust is winning the race in energy efficiency
Trust was a theme that came up again and again in our conversations at HRC. In a market crowded with energy efficiency claims and competing labels, independent verification stood out as essential to building confidence.
As Natasha Carver of Electrolux Professional put it, “Listing on the ETL gives our customers confidence that they are buying a product that has been independently verified and backed by the government.”
This assurance is especially important as businesses navigate growing pressures to deliver on sustainability. “It is definitely about trust, with that added element of being backed by the government,” said Matt Fewins of Adande Refrigeration. His colleague Grace Cruickshank agreed, noting that verification “allows people to make informed decisions without getting lost in all the greenwashing.”
The ETL’s government endorsement gives manufacturers a recognised mark of credibility. “The ETL carries considerable kudos. It is government-backed and independently verified, which I think is vital today,” says Stephen Ongley of Liebherr. For purchasers, it’s a clear signal of quality and a manufacturer’s commitment to sustainability.
Whether it’s a school kitchen, a hotel chain or an independent café, customers need confidence that claims will hold up in practice. As Graham Kille of RATIONAL UK explains, “It is part of DESNZ and that gives customers confidence that the equipment has been independently verified.” For manufacturers, the ETL helps ensure they stand out for the right reasons.
Cutting through complexity
With sustainability now central to many purchasing decisions, the volume of claims and competing certification schemes can make it difficult to compare products or assess performance with confidence. At HRC, several manufacturers spoke about how this complexity often creates confusion for customers. Independent sources of information such as the ETL can help bring clarity.
Matthew Heavens of Unox UK said “The ETL is a useful reference point for people to see what equipment is available and compare it with other options. It gives us a way to show customers that we are not just saying it is efficient; it has been independently assessed.”
Public sector procurement is one area where this type of verification can be especially useful. As Natasha Carver, Public Sector Sales Manager of Electrolux Professional noted, “We need to make sure we are getting the best value for money when using public funds, and it is essential to have the reassurance that those products will remain sustainable into the future.”
Some manufacturers also noted that going through the ETL application process helped them better understand energy performance expectations. Graham Kille of RATIONAL UK said, “The application process was easy and straightforward. It didn’t take long to complete, and it was a worthwhile journey that helped us better understand the requirements for energy efficiency.”
While the market continues to evolve, tools like the ETL can help simplify product comparisons and support more transparent, informed decision making.
The future of energy efficiency in hospitality
Our conversations at HRC made clear that the Professional Foodservices Equipment industry is entering a new era of intelligent, data-driven operation. Systems using sensors and analytics can now adjust cooking processes in real time to reduce waste, while connected appliances share performance data to streamline whole-site energy management. At the same time, evolving test protocols are setting clearer benchmarks so that claims about savings can be verified consistently across brands. In this landscape, a resource like the ETL serves as an impartial reference for independently assessed performance data and the latest test criteria, helping both manufacturers and purchasers navigate a more complex market.
To gain further insights into the ETL's presence at HRC and hear from industry experts, including manufacturers and professionals, watch the HRC round-up video available on the ETL YouTube channel.
As part of our Women Driving Change in the Energy Savings Industry series, we spoke with two leaders making a difference in the foodservice sector. Watch our interviews with Tracy Southwell of Hobart and Emma Brooks of Quintex to learn how they are helping shape a more energy efficient future.
See how Hobart’s professional kitchen equipment met NHS energy efficiency goals with ETL support. Read the case study.
Find out how Quintex helped Wetherspoon’s reduce ventilation energy in a busy pub kitchen. Read the case study.
If you’re a purchaser looking to find energy efficient Professional Foodservice Equipment, explore independently verified technology here.
If you’re a manufacturer looking to register your product on the ETL, click here.
Contact us at info@etl.energysecurity.gov.uk to explore how the ETL can get you closer to a Net Zero reality.