LG Washing Machines Upgrade Feature to Reduce Microplastics

70% Reduction in Microplastic Emissions Compared to Standard Course
Additional New Feature Upgrades

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Sun-mi] LG Electronics is starting to upgrade its UP appliances washing machines with a new feature that significantly reduces microplastic emissions to protect the marine environment.

On the 21st, LG Electronics announced that it will sequentially roll out the ‘Microplastic Care Course’ upgrade for Tromm washing machines in March. Any UP appliance customer can use the new feature through the ‘UP Appliance Center’ in the LG ThinQ app.

LG Electronics is starting to upgrade its UP appliance washing machines with a new feature that significantly reduces microplastic emissions to protect the marine environment. Customers can easily add the desired feature through the UP Appliance Center in the LG ThinQ app.

The ‘Microplastic Care Course’ is a new feature designed for customers who want to participate in environmental protection. This course reduces microplastic emissions caused by synthetic fiber damage by minimizing fabric friction with Tromm washing machine’s unique 6-motion technology. The ‘Rub’ motion dissolves detergent well, and the ‘Shake’ and ‘Knead’ motions provide delicate washing. Although the washing time increases, microplastic emissions decrease while maintaining washing effectiveness.

LG Electronics conducted an experiment with Intertek, an internationally accredited testing and certification organization, washing 3kg of training jackets made of 100% polyester, a representative synthetic fiber. The results showed that this course reduces microplastic emissions larger than 20㎛ (micrometers) by 70% compared to the standard course. Additionally, to reduce microplastic generation, the water temperature was lowered to about 75% of the standard course, reducing energy consumption by 30%.

Since announcing UP appliances in January last year, LG Electronics has launched 24 types of UP appliances including washing machines such as ‘Post-Wash Laundry Care’ and ‘Pet Care,’ and distributed over 150 upgrade contents. Baek Seung-tae, Vice President and Head of the Living Solution Division at LG Electronics H&A Business Division, said, “We will strengthen the differentiated customer experience unique to Tromm washing machines through continuous evolution of UP appliances with environmentally conscious differentiated upgrades.”