SlimTech™ Insulation Technology to Make Its Debut in Whirlpool Corporation's return to CES

Rhea-AI Summary

Whirlpool Corporation (WHR) to Introduce SlimTech™ Insulation Technology in Refrigerators, Starting with JennAir® and Later Expanding to KitchenAid Brand

Insights

Market Research Analyst

Whirlpool Corporation's introduction of SlimTech™ insulation technology could potentially disrupt the home appliance industry by offering a product with increased internal capacity and improved insulation performance. This innovation aligns with current market trends that favor space-saving designs and energy efficiency. The technology's ability to reduce wall thickness significantly without compromising the appliance's functionality may cater to the growing consumer demand for larger storage within a standard external footprint. From a market perspective, the adoption of this technology by Whirlpool's luxury JennAir® and KitchenAid brands could enhance the company's competitive edge, potentially increasing market share in the premium segment.

However, the success of this technology will hinge on consumer acceptance, cost implications and the scalability of production. While the initial launch targets a niche luxury market, broader adoption across Whirlpool's product lines could lead to economies of scale and further market penetration. The long-term impact on Whirlpool's financials will depend on the consumer adoption rate, production costs and the ability to maintain a price premium for the enhanced features. Additionally, the environmental implications of the new technology, particularly in terms of sustainability and end-of-life disposal, could resonate with eco-conscious consumers, influencing brand perception and loyalty.

Environmental Sustainability Analyst

The introduction of SlimTech™ insulation by Whirlpool Corporation represents a noteworthy advancement in the realm of sustainable home appliances. The proprietary, highly porous powder blend used in the VIS technology could offer improved thermal performance with less material, which aligns with sustainability goals. The reduction in wall thickness by up to 66% not only increases internal capacity but may also reduce the environmental footprint during production and disposal.

However, the environmental benefits of this technology must be critically evaluated against the full lifecycle of the product. It is essential to consider the sourcing of the proprietary powder blend, the energy consumed during manufacturing and the recyclability of the materials at the end of the appliance's life. If the new technology proves to be more sustainable than traditional polyurethane foam insulation, this could attract environmentally conscious consumers and provide Whirlpool with a unique selling proposition. In the long term, this could lead to regulatory advantages if environmental standards become more stringent, potentially positioning Whirlpool as a leader in sustainable appliance manufacturing.

Financial Analyst

The strategic move by Whirlpool Corporation to implement SlimTech™ insulation technology could have financial implications for the company and its investors. The initial launch within the JennAir® luxury line and subsequent expansion to KitchenAid brand suggests a phased approach, likely aimed at mitigating risk and managing the cost of innovation. The increased capacity and performance promised by the technology may command a higher price point, which could improve profit margins if the market responds favorably.

Investors should monitor the adoption rate of SlimTech™ in the market and its impact on Whirlpool's revenue growth and profit margins. A successful launch may lead to increased R&D expenses in the short term but could result in significant returns if the technology becomes a standard across the industry. It is also important to consider potential risks, such as the costs associated with scaling up production, challenges in supply chain management for new materials and the possibility of competitors developing similar technologies. A critical factor will be Whirlpool's ability to protect its proprietary technology through patents, ensuring a competitive advantage in the market.

The future of refrigeration will launch this year in limited  JennAir® 30 in. Column refrigerator doors and will later expand to KitchenAid brand

BENTON HARBOR, Mich., Jan. 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Whirlpool Corporation will feature SlimTech™ insulation, the first vacuum insulated structure (VIS) technology in a refrigerator in the North American market, at CES 2024. SlimTech™ insulation represents a significant step forward, unlocking increased capacity, better performance and future design evolutions, while paving the way for increased sustainability options when it is time to replace the appliance.

SlimTech™ Insulation Technology starts with a proprietary, highly porous powder blend. That powder is vacuum-sealed within the door or sides of the refrigerator itself, removing the need for bulky polyurethane foam insulation and reducing the wall thickness by up to 66% - allowing for up to 25% more capacity inside the refrigerator. This technology will make its debut later this year on the doors of select JennAir® luxury 30 in. SlimTech™ Insulation Column refrigerators, and will roll out more broadly in KitchenAid refrigerators in the future, utilizing the technology for the entire structure.

"Whirlpool Corporation and JennAir brand once again are on the cutting edge of innovation and design with the introduction of SlimTech™ insulation," said Chelsey Whitehead, director of product and brand marketing for JennAir. "The JennAir refrigerators featuring SlimTech™ insulation will provide a greater ability to keep food fresher, longer, while also elevating and transforming kitchen spaces for design professionals and consumers alike."

SlimTech™ Insulation Technology also unlocks the potential 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 will help Whirlpool Corporation revolutionize how we think about refrigeration in our homes," said Rob Moser, vice president of design for Whirlpool Corporation. "With thinner walls, SlimTech™ insulation unlocks the ability to use refrigeration in previously unreachable or unthought of spaces – we're excited about all the potential future applications."

In addition to design and capacity benefits, the material used in SlimTech™ insulation technology has the potential to be recycled, reducing the overall environmental impact of refrigerators. This would mark a significant advancement in the sustainability of refrigerators as the polyurethane foam used in many of today's refrigerators creates a significant barrier to making these appliances recyclable. Whirlpool Corporation is working to map out a path to reclaiming the material used in SlimTech™ insulation at a refrigerator's end of use, paving the way for a more circular future.

Additional consumer benefits that SlimTech™ insulation technology can unlock include:

• The proprietary material used in SlimTech™ insulation can reduce the wall thickness by up to 66% - allowing for up to 25% more capacity inside the refrigerator.
• 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.

CES attendees can experience SlimTech™ insulation technology first-hand at the Whirlpool Corporation suite, located in the Venetian Expo (Bellini #2102) from January 9-12.

About Whirlpool Corporation
Whirlpool Corporation (NYSE: WHR) 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. In 2022, the company reported approximately $20 billion in annual sales, 61,000 employees and 56 manufacturing and technology research centers. Additional information about the company can be found at WhirlpoolCorp.com.

 

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SOURCE Whirlpool Corporation

FAQ

What is the new technology being introduced by Whirlpool Corporation in refrigerators?

Whirlpool Corporation is introducing SlimTech™ insulation, the first vacuum insulated structure (VIS) technology in a refrigerator in the North American market.

What are the benefits of SlimTech™ insulation technology in refrigerators?

SlimTech™ insulation technology unlocks increased capacity, better performance, and future design evolutions while also paving the way for increased sustainability options when it is time to replace the appliance. It removes the need for bulky polyurethane foam insulation, reducing wall thickness by up to 66% and allowing for up to 25% more capacity inside the refrigerator.

Which brands will feature the SlimTech™ insulation technology in their refrigerators?

The technology will make its debut on the doors of select JennAir® luxury 30 in. SlimTech™ Insulation Column refrigerators and will later roll out more broadly in KitchenAid refrigerators.

What is the potential for more discreet refrigeration spaces with SlimTech™ insulation technology?

SlimTech™ insulation technology unlocks the potential for more discreet refrigeration spaces that could be seamlessly brought to other rooms of the house or be contained within other pieces of furniture.