

Samsung Electronics, a global leader in digital convergence technology, has introduced to the Middle East market its first-of-a-kind range of ‘silver nano health system’ home appliances.
The new range, which employs the safe and sanitising power of the sophisticated silver technology to block bacteria from contaminating home and offices, will include over 100 new models, comprising washing machines, refrigerators, air conditioners, air purifiers and vacuum cleaners.
With the launch of these unprecedented silver nano technology-embedded products, Samsung further aims to consolidate its leadership position in the home appliances industry, targeting 40 per cent growth in 2005.
“Silver nano home appliances provide a ‘healthy’ and ‘green’ choice for environment- and health-conscious consumers,” a company spokesman said. “Samsung has coated key components with silver inside appliances that directly affect the health and well being of its users. The belief that only a clean air conditioner supplies clean air, clean refrigerator keeps food fresh longer and a dirty washer cannot clean clothes properly, spurred this development.
“Samsung chose to use silver because it is a safe and healthy method of purifying and deodorising surfaces that come in contact with food and skin.”
JH Park, president, Samsung Gulf Electronics (SGE), said: “Led by an increasingly health-conscious consumer base in the region, we expect a strong rise in demand for Samsung’s silver nano technology appliances. Silver nano will be a major contributor towards Samsung’s estimated 12 per cent market share for Middle East this year.
“Furthermore, we will aim to achieve the number one position in washing machine, refrigerators and air conditioners due to our continued technology leadership demonstrated by Silver nano.”
Samsung Electronics researchers worked for three years to perfect the technology. With over $10 million invested in R&D, Silver Nano is the first technology that combines the disinfectant and antibiotic properties of electrolytic silver nano-particles (Ag+) in washing machines to remove 99.9 per cent of bacteria.
Keun Yoo, director, Home Appliances division, said: “Silver nano technology, which ‘naturally’ kills 99.9 per cent of bacteria, mould and germs, will help prevent bacteria from growing in washing machines, refrigerators and air conditioners. The interior of Samsung refrigerators, washing machines and filters of air conditioners, air purifiers and vacuum cleaners are coated with nano-size silver that brings anti-bacterial and deodorisation benefits, ensuring that the clothes you wear, the air you breathe and food you eat are fresh and safe for your health and the environment.”
Chief among the home appliances incorporating Samsung’s silver nano technology are flagship models such as the Hauzen WM1245A washing machine with a 10-kg capacity; four refrigerators including the RT62 with ‘cool curtain’ climate zones and the RS29 side-by-side refrigerator; and the AST24P6GED air conditioner with digital display.
Commenting on the development, Sanjay Gajamer, sernior manager. Home Appliances division, SGE, said: “Following the outbreak of Sars and other viruses, newer features and good designs are no longer the potent factors to satisfy consumers’ needs.
Consumers, in addition to enhanced designs and features, also expect products to protect them from the hidden bacteria that can pose a serious threat to their well-being.
“Innovation, based on customer feedback, has always been the key to our growth worldwide and in Middle East. By incorporating Silver Nano technology, Samsung has taken a giant leap towards maintaining its consumers’ health related safety standards.”
Gajamer said Samsung had been a leader in the development of health-friendly and environment-friendly consumer electronics to address people’s health concerns for many years. It had remained at the forefront by continuing to develop and evolve new top-quality products that put the customers’ health and the environment first.