LG, the Steam Technology Patent Powerhouse... 'Hot Solo Run' in the New Home Appliance Market

[Asia Economy Reporter Changhwan Lee] LG Electronics' self-developed steam technology patents have surpassed 1,000 for the first time in 15 years. This is seen as a sign that the 'differentiated technology' strategy, continuously emphasized by LG Group Chairman Koo Kwang-mo since his inauguration, is bearing fruit.

LG Electronics announced on the 6th that the number of steam patents registered domestically and internationally exceeded 1,000 for the first time this month. The company first introduced the steam function in washing machines launched in 2005. This technology sprays fine steam during washing to enhance washing power and remove clothing odors and bacteria.

Since then, LG Electronics has applied and developed differentiated steam technology in various home appliances. In 2008, it added steam functionality to the Dios microwave oven, enabling steaming cooking. In 2011, it launched the Tromm Styler, which created new customer value using steam. Following the introduction of a steam dishwasher last year, it applied steam to dryers sold domestically for the first time in March this year.

Steam technology has become a growth engine for LG Electronics' new product sales. For example, the Tromm Styler, a representative steam appliance of the company, saw sales increase by more than 30% in February compared to the same period last year.

The Styler sterilizes 99.99% of harmful bacteria on clothes with TrueSteam and removes odors and dust mites embedded in garments. Sales of large-capacity products that can manage up to six pieces of clothing at once increased by about 50% during the same period, driving the growth of steam appliances.

LG Electronics' 'Dios Dishwasher Steam,' launched in March last year, is credited with leading the popularization of dishwashers in the domestic market by emphasizing significantly improved cleaning power and hygiene management. The Tromm Dryer Steam ThinQ, which began full-scale sales in early March, is also receiving positive responses. From two weeks after its launch, steam products accounted for half of the total dryer sales.

Steam technology has been a driving force behind LG Electronics' strong performance despite difficult business conditions caused by the recent COVID-19 pandemic. LG Electronics achieved an operating profit of 1.09 trillion won in the first quarter, thanks to strong sales of steam appliances. This is the second-highest profit ever recorded for a first quarter.

The development of LG Electronics' steam technology aligns with Chairman Koo's recent emphasis on discovering and nurturing growth engines. At the shareholders' meeting in March, Chairman Koo stated, "We will prepare for the future and increase corporate value through portfolio advancement and the discovery and nurturing of growth engines."

A company official emphasized, "As customers' interest in hygiene, health, and convenience has recently increased, LG Electronics' differentiated steam technology is gaining attention in the home appliance market," adding, "Accordingly, LG Electronics is actively promoting TrueSteam, the steam technology applied to major home appliances."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.