As part of its on-going strategy to enhance product safety, Sharp Home Appliances has introduced, as standard, non-combustible metal-backed panelling for all its UK cooling appliances.
Already in production, the brand’s newly launched range of larder, freezer and 70/30 split combi models will be amongst the first Sharp products to feature the metal-backed panel design.
Sharp is also set to introduce a metal backed cooling logo, making all Sharp display models easier to identify and highlight as safer, more flame-resistant refrigeration.
Product manager Zoe Thomas commented: “This design modification is an important update, considerably reducing the risk of fire spreading at the back of the fridge. Whilst standard PP back panelling cannot start fridge/freezer fires, there have been legitimate concerns that it does little to contain them.
“With our initial introduction of aluminium foil, and now for 2018, metal back panelling, as standard, we’re continuously addressing the issue, acknowledging the importance of regularly reviewing our designs to make them as strong, robust and safe as possible.”
UK sales and marketing director Andy Warren added: “Although we continuously work on product safety for all our categories, in light of the recent media attention on fridge/freezer-related fires, we felt that it was important to highlight what we’re specifically doing for our cooling ranges. We’re sharing our plans, not only to support our retailers, but also, importantly, to assure everyone that we are being as pro-active as possible when it comes to the safety of our products.”
