LG Electronics has embarked on full scale mass production of its popular side-by-side refrigerators adopting state-of-the-art, environmentally-friendly compressors. The step marks a first-of-its-kind production move from a white goods maker in the world.
Major home appliance makers in Japan, the United States, and Europe have been developing ‘linear technology’ as core next-generation standard since the early 1990s. However, this is the first time the technology has been commercially applied to side-by-side refrigerators.
“Linear side-by-side compressor technology activates direct linear movement, unlike existing compressors which convert rotational movement into linear,” said Mr. M. B. Shin, President, LG Electronics Middle East and Africa.
“With the adoption of a linear compressor, the new side-by-side reduces electricity consumption by 30 percent. It also uses natural refrigerant and a next-generation blowing agent, ensuring zero levels of ozone depletion potential (ODP) and global warming potential (GWP).”
The global trend to reinforce environmental regulations has almost become another trade barrier, but LG believes the regulations present an opportunity for products using ‘green technology’.
“LG will definitely gain an advantage in the Europe and North America markets with its green technology applied to linear compressors and natural refrigerants,” Shin explained.
“White goods makers will undoubtedly try to outdo each other in coming up with products that use less and less electricity, but the launch of LG’s linear side-by-side refrigerator is likely to drastically change the refrigerator market landscape.”