WLabs of Whirlpool Corporation Turns Food Scraps into Fertilizer with New Zera™ Food Recycler
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
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