Retail Observer

RETAILOBSERVER.COM JANUARY 2024 18 SlimTech™ insulation technology will make its debut in 2024 on the doors of select JennAir® luxury 30 in. Slimtech™ Insulation Column refrigerators, 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 and 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. • Increasing the thickness of SlimTech™ insulation walls can reduce thermal conductivity, allowing a refrigerator to be up to 50% more energy efficient. • SlimTech™ 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 SlimTech™ refrigerators 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," said Bitzer. "This is a step change in technology and process innovation that will cascade across the Whirlpool Corporation brand portfolio and manufacturing operations. Refrigerators with SlimTech™ insulation will be built at Whirlpool Corp.'s operations in Ottawa, Ohio. The company has invested $65 million in the plant. KBIS ANNOUNCES NEW, EXPANDED SPACES FOR 2024 SHOW The largest North American kitchen and bath show introduces a luxury lounge and an outdoor plaza along with expanded international pavilions The Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS), owned by National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA|KBIS) and produced by partner Emerald Expositions, will introduce two new gathering and programming spaces in 2024 as well as continue to celebrate its growing number of international brands. KBIS, held from February 27-29, 2024, in Las Vegas, will debut the Luxury Lounge, offering programming about what "luxury" is – and can be – in the kitchen and bath space. The new outdoor area, The Plaza, will host exhibitors as well as offer attendee activities, from games to food trucks and happy hours. "It's exciting to venture into new avenues for KBIS 2024," said Suzie Williford, EVP & Chief Strategy Officer of NKBA|KBIS. "The Plaza creates a space for show-goers to relax and connect as well as showcase products. And the Luxury Lounge offers attendees a chance to learn more about high-end kitchen and bath, as well as I N D U S T R Y [ N E W S ]

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