[Asia Economy Reporter Ki-min Lee] To prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), the government has urged people to refrain from visiting their hometowns during the Chuseok holiday. As the number of single-person households spending the Chuseok holiday alone away from their hometowns is expected to increase compared to previous years, compact hygiene appliances are gaining attention.
Compact dryers for clothing are attracting consumers' attention. First, Samsung Electronics recently launched a new small-capacity model of the 'Grande AI' washer and dryer that can be installed even in narrow spaces. Samsung Electronics explained that they introduced the small-capacity Grande AI model reflecting the trend of rapidly increasing single-person households and consumers' needs for premium compact products that can be installed in limited spaces.
LG Electronics is also planning to expand its lineup of compact washing machines targeting single-person households by releasing the LG Tromm Washing Machine ThinQ 12kg new model next week. Prior to this, LG Electronics launched the Tromm Dryer ThinQ with a 9kg capacity in July. LG Electronics explained that installing the Tromm Dryer ThinQ vertically with the washing machine can also maximize space utilization.
Winia Daewoo's mini dryer is also gaining attention as a compact hygiene appliance among single-person households. The Mini Clothes Dryer is one-quarter the size of the existing 14kg clothes dryer and features an ultra-slim thickness of 40.1cm. Since it does not require an exhaust hose installation, it can be installed in various places such as utility rooms, balconies, and living rooms.
Major home appliance companies are actively entering markets not only dominated by washing machines and dryers but also markets where small and medium-sized enterprises have been active, such as compact air purifiers and disinfection electronic products. There are concerns in the industry that small and medium-sized companies may be pushed out of competition. However, many view this as an opportunity for the technology level of related appliances to advance, as the high technological capabilities of large companies are reflected in new products.
For example, in the case of electronic products for disinfecting smart devices, these were mainly produced by companies that made electronic device accessories such as earphones. However, with the increased importance of disinfection due to the spread of COVID-19, Samsung Electronics introduced a UV sterilization wireless charger in July. According to certifications from international certification bodies Intertek and SGS, using this device kills 99% of bacteria and germs such as Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and the mold Candida albicans. Samsung Electronics has released this product not only in Korea but also overseas in countries such as Germany and the Netherlands, and it was recently included as a pre-order option for the Galaxy series.
The same applies to compact air purifiers. LG Electronics introduced the portable air purifier PuriCare Mini in March last year, following home and commercial use models, and it is currently sold in more than 10 countries overseas. The portable PuriCare Mini was also showcased in the virtual exhibition hall of IFA 2020, Europe's largest home appliance fair, held earlier this month.
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