Refrigerator doors no longer need to be chunky, thanks to Whirlpool Corporation’s introduction of its SlimTech insulation. This innovation is the first vacuum-insulated structure (VIS) technology in a refrigerator in the North American market and will make its debut in 2024 on the doors of select JennAir luxury 30 in. Slimtech Insulation Column refrigerators
“For the past 112 years, we have shaped the landscape of modern home appliances in the kitchen and the laundry room, developing products that have improved life at home for millions of consumers from the introduction of the first electric wringer washer and first home dishwasher,” said Marc Bitzer, Whirlpool Corporation chairman and CEO. “SlimTech insulation is yet another turning point for the industry, and this launch is just the beginning of how we will utilize this technology.”
SlimTech insulation can reduce the wall thickness by up to 66% – allowing for up to 25% more capacity inside the refrigerator. Rather than the industry standard of bulky polyurethane foam, it uses a proprietary material that is vacuum-sealed within the door or sides of the refrigerator itself.
Refrigerators with SlimTech insulation will be built at Whirlpool Corp.’s operation in Ottawa, Ohio, and will roll out more broadly across KitchenAid refrigerators in the future, utilizing the technology for the entire structure.
The material used in SlimTech insulation technology also has the potential to be recycled, and Whirlpool Corp. is working to map out a path to reclaiming the material at a refrigerator’s end of use, paving the way for a more circular future.
“For years low recyclability due to polyurethane foam has created a significant barrier to making refrigerators more sustainable and reducing environmental impact,” said Pamela Klyn, Whirlpool Corporation executive vice president of corporate relations & sustainability. “This is an extremely important leap forward on the journey to a more circular approach to home appliances. Implementation of SlimTech insulation marks the beginning of the end for foam insulated refrigerators.”
Beyond adding refrigerator capacity and increasing the potential for sustainability, SlimTech insulation technology also unlocks additional consumer benefits, including:
- Increasing the thickness of SlimTech insulation walls can reduce thermal conductivity, allowing a refrigerator to be up to 50% more energy efficient.
- SlimTech insulation can keep food fresh for longer by reducing temperature swings from door openings by cooling up to 30% faster.
- SlimTech insulation technology will enable more interior customization via metal interiors with cleaner angles that eliminate the need for the molded plastic interiors common in today’s refrigerators.
- Fewer compressor cycles are needed to maintain cool temperatures, meaning refrigerators with SlimTech insulation deliver even quieter refrigeration.
- With SlimTech insulation technology Whirlpool Corp. aims to revolutionize how consumers think about refrigeration in their homes by allowing for more discreet refrigeration spaces that could be seamlessly brought to other rooms of the house or be contained within other pieces of furniture.
“Slimtech insulation technology – along with other recent product launches – shows our commitment to innovation and will allow us to expand our market share and our margins,” added Bitzer. “This is a step change in technology and process innovation that will cascade across the Whirlpool Corporation brand portfolio and manufacturing operations.
Visit WhirlpoolCorp.com for more information.
About Whirlpool Corporation
Whirlpool Corporation is committed to being the best global kitchen and laundry company, in constant pursuit of improving life at home. In an increasingly digital world, the company is driving purposeful innovation to meet the evolving needs of consumers through its iconic brand portfolio, including Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Maytag, Consul, Brastemp, Amana, Bauknecht, JennAir, Indesit, Yummly and InSinkErator. WhirlpoolCorp.com.
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