BENTON HARBOR, Mich.,
Nov. 15, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- A
revolutionary new food recycler from Whirlpool Corporation's
innovation incubator, WLabs, is bringing new meaning to
sustainability in the home. The Zera™ Food Recycler
now gives consumers an easy and convenient way to help reduce the
amount of waste they're sending to the landfill by converting food
waste into ready-to-use, homemade fertilizer.
The Zera™ Food Recycler, debuting this January at
the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2017, can break down a week of
the average family's food waste within 24 hours1 – and
95% of a typical family's food waste overall.
"Zera™ is one of the first products from our global
innovation lab – WLabs of Whirlpool Corporation – which fast-tracks
products to market that address previously unsolved and real
consumer needs," said Brett Dibkey,
Vice President of Integrated Business Units at Whirlpool
Corporation. "Zera™ has been designed to help families
recycle household food waste, help reduce landfill waste, all while
enhancing their own lawn and garden."
Fitting alongside most kitchen countertops, the
Zera™ system utilizes oxygen, moisture, heat, a
plant-based additive, and an agitator to expedite decomposition of
food scraps, reducing its volume by two-thirds within 24 hours.
Unlike traditional composting methods, this unique food recycler
allows families to recycle food year-round, even in colder climates
where outdoor methods may not be possible. The process can be
controlled via the Zera™ mobile app, offering the
ability to remotely operate the machine.
"With an estimated 40% of food in the
United States wasted every year, the Zera™
system ensures that food waste can be converted into a homemade
fertilizer, as opposed to being disposed into a landfill," said
Dibkey. "We're thrilled to be introducing this latest offering for
home kitchens, which delivers on Whirlpool Corporation's promise of
purposeful innovation."
The test market launch will be supported through a crowdfunding
campaign in partnership with Indiegogo, set to go live on
January 6, 2017 to coincide with the
Consumer Electronics Show. The Zera™ system will
be unveiled in select test markets including Austin, Chicago and San
Francisco starting in April.
Zera™ is the third product to be launched by
WLabs of Whirlpool Corporation. Earlier this year, WLabs also
launched the Vessi™ Beer Fermentor and Dispenser
system, giving users a chance to brew beer at home in as little as
seven days.
Visit Zera.com to learn more and sign up for updates.
1Based on estimated 3.5 kg household food waste for
average U.S. family.
About Whirlpool Corporation
Whirlpool
Corporation (NYSE: WHR) is the number one major appliance
manufacturer in the world, with approximately $21 billion in annual sales, 97,000 employees and
70 manufacturing and technology research centers in 2015. The
company markets Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Maytag, Consul, Brastemp,
Amana, Bauknecht, Jenn-Air, Indesit and other major brand names in
nearly every country throughout the world. Additional information
about the company can be found at WhirlpoolCorp.com, or find us on
Twitter at @WhirlpoolCorp.
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SOURCE Whirlpool Corporation