Whirlpool Corporation will feature SlimTech insulation, the first vacuum insulated structure (VIS) technology in a refrigerator in the North American market, at CES 2024. SlimTech insulation represents a significant step forward, unlocking increased capacity, better performance and future design evolutions, while paving the way for increased sustainability options when it is time to replace the appliance. SlimTech Insulation Technology starts with a proprietary, highly porous powder blend.

That powder is vacuum-sealed within the door or sides of the refrigerator itself, removing the need for bulky polyurethane foam insulation and reducing the wall thickness by up to 66% - allowing for up to 25% more capacity inside the refrigerator. This technology will make its debut later this year on the doors of select JennAir luxury 30 in. SlimTech Insulation Column refrigerators, and will roll out more broadly in KitchenAid refrigerators in the future, utilizing the technology for the entire structure.

In addition to design and capacity benefits, the material used in SlimTech insulation technology has the potential to be recycled, reducing the overall environmental impact of refrigerators. This would mark a significant advancement in the sustainability of refrigerators as the polyurethane foam used in many of today's refrigerators creates a significant barrier to making these appliances recyclable. Whirlpool Corporation is working to map out a path to reclaiming the material used in SlimTech insulated at a refrigerator's end of use, paving the way for a more circular future.

Additional consumer benefits that SlimTech insulation technology can unlock include: The proprietary material used in SlimTech insulation can reduce the wall thickness by up to66% - allowing for up to25% more capacity inside the refrigerator; Increasing the thickness of SlimTech insulation walls can reduce thermal conductivity, allowing a refrigerator to be up to 50% more energy efficient; SlimTech insulation 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 lengths that eliminate the need for the molded plastic interiors common in today's refrigerators. Fewer compressor cycles are needed to maintain cool temperatures, meaning refrigerators with SlimTech?? insulation deliver even quieter refrigeration.

CES attendees can experience SlimTech?? insulation technology first-hand at the Whirlpool Corporation suite, located in the Venetian Expo (Bellini #2102) from January 9-12.