By Dianne M. Pogoda
COMPANY NEWS
LG INTRODUCES THINQ UPGRADE: LG Electronics has launched its LG ThinQ Up upgradeable home appliances, including refrigerators, washers, dryers, oven ranges, and dishwashers. These appliances enable users to upload software and add hardware for new features and functions. Launched in South Korea last year, LG ThinQ Up will debut in the U.S. and internationally starting in March. LG showcased the new ThinQ UP appliances at KBIS last week. For more details, see KBB.
HAIER EARNS TOP EUROMONITOR RANKING: For the 14th consecutive year, market research firm Euromonitor International has ranked Haier Smart Home the world’s leading appliance brand by sales, with an annual revenue exceeding $32 billion (U.S.) GE Appliances are part of the Haier family. For more info, go here.
KOHLER LAUNCHES SPRIG: Kohler Co.’s new brand of wellness products, Sprig, is designed to create at-home spa experiences, elevating daily routines into premium self-care rituals. Sprig includes shower infusion systems and pods with skincare ingredients like hyaluronic acid, premium bath bombs with shea butter and coconut oil, and versatile body and linen mists. See KBB for more details.
INDUSTRY NEWS
KCMA’S SUSTAINABILITY EFFORT: The Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association (KCMA) has partnered with Climate Positive NOW™ to help kitchen and bath showrooms as well as dealers educate their customers about the sustainability advantages of using wood-based materials in kitchens and cabinets. “Many companies and industries say they are planning to be ‘climate positive’ by 2030 or 2040 — but our members are there now,” said Betsy Natz, CEO of KCMA. “Research shows 23 percent of consumers will switch to buy products from companies that share their values on environmental issues, while another 42 percent have changed their consumption habits based on their environmental beliefs.” Check out the new KCMA website for more information.
AIA SURVEY CITES SUSTAINABILITY, RESILIENCE: The latest Home Design Trends Survey from the American Institute of Architects(AIA) lists resilient communities and sustainable building practices as top priorities. Resilience is especially important in areas prone to wildfires and other natural disasters; sustainability enhances energy efficiency as well as the health of individuals and the planet. NKBA member Jamie Gold, CKD, reports in Forbes.
