LG Electronics is accelerating the development of eco-friendly dry cleaning machines using carbon dioxide, and the regulatory sandbox approval in 2021 has enabled full-scale development.
The technological principle of using carbon dioxide as a cleaning solvent without water and detergent, and the eco-friendly advantages of zero wastewater and exhaust gas emissions, are expected to revolutionize the commercial laundry market.
Currently under development primarily for commercial use, future expansion to general household use and LG Electronics' efforts towards a sustainable future through strengthened ESG management are anticipated.
LG Electronics has embarked on the development of a carbon dioxide (CO₂) washing machine capable of washing clothes without water. This innovative washing machine is attracting attention for its eco-friendly technology and is considered a new solution that transcends the limitations of traditional washing methods. In this article, we will examine the development process of LG Electronics' carbon dioxide washing machine, its technological principles, and its expected effects.
Background of Waterless Washing Machine Development Using Carbon Dioxide
LG Electronics is actively pursuing the development of a waterless washing machine that uses carbon dioxide instead of water for washing. The carbon dioxide washing machine uses carbon dioxide in a gaseous state inside the washing machine, cooling and compressing it into a liquid state, then using it as a washing solvent instead of water. After washing is complete, the carbon dioxide is converted back to a gas, collected, and reused for the next wash. This minimizes wastewater and exhaust gas emissions, making it an eco-friendly technology that is gaining attention.
The development of carbon dioxide washing machines has been discussed for a long time, but commercialization has been difficult in Korea due to regulations. In particular, under the High-Pressure Gas Safety Management Act, the process of compressing carbon dioxide into a liquid is classified as high-pressure gas manufacturing, making it difficult to meet the safety standards for washing machines. However,In 2021, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy allowed pilot operation of CO₂ washing machines through the 'regulatory sandbox' system, enabling full-scale developmentto begin.
Technological Principles and Advantages of CO₂ Washing Machines
CO₂ washing machines are devices that wash clothes by circulating liquid carbon dioxide without using any water. Carbon dioxide has high viscosity and surface tension, allowing it to remove stains without water. Because it does not use water, it causes less damage to clothing, and detergents or chemicals such as oil are not required. Above all, it is very eco-friendly because it does not produce wastewater or exhaust gas.
The washing machine cools and compresses gaseous carbon dioxide into a liquid, then supplies it inside the washing machine to wash clothes. After washing is complete, the carbon dioxide is converted back to a gas, recovered, and reused for the next wash. In this process, carbon dioxide leakage is minimized to ensure safety, and no waste is generated.
Several home appliance companies overseas, including Electrolux in Sweden, have already commercialized CO₂ washing machines, but commercialization has not been achieved in Korea due to regulations. However, following the 2021 regulatory sandbox approval, LG Electronics quickly started development, laying an important foundation for the commercialization of carbon dioxide washing machines.
LG Electronics' Development Status and Future Prospects
LG Electronics plans to install test equipment at its research institute for CO₂ washing machine development and verify safety and efficiency through two years of pilot operation. After confirming the commercialization potential of the carbon dioxide washing machine through this verification process, they plan to apply for a temporary permit from relevant government agencies so that it can be used in laundromats in general stores.
Currently, carbon dioxide washing machines are being developed for commercial use rather than household use. This is because the equipment for compressing CO₂ is large and complex, making it difficult to use with general household washing machines, and safety concerns may make it unsuitable for use in general households. If used in commercial laundromats, it will greatly contribute to environmental protection by eliminating wastewater and chemical discharges due to the lack of water and detergent use.
In addition, LG Electronics plans to actively invest in other eco-friendly technologies in the future, in addition to CO₂ washing machines. Recently, LG Group has been accelerating the development of eco-friendly technologies through large-scale technology festivals such as the 'LG Tech Fair', with various affiliates within the group collaborating. In particular, it is focusing on developing new materials using carbon dioxide as a raw material together with LG Chem, and is expected to establish itself as a global leader in the field of eco-friendly technology in the future.
CO₂ Washing Machines as a Pillar of ESG Management
LG Electronics is strengthening its ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) management through the development of carbon dioxide washing machines. Washing machines that do not use water are technologies that can greatly contribute to the conservation of water resources and the solution of environmental problems. LG Electronics aims to practice responsible management for a better future by continuously developing such eco-friendly technologies.
Carbon dioxide washing machines will become an important tool for protecting the environment and creating a sustainable society, going beyond the simple level of technological development. If LG Electronics successfully commercializes CO₂ washing machines, it will be an innovative example that will bring about significant changes to the global home appliance industry.
If the commercialization of carbon dioxide washing machines expands in the future, eco-friendly washing methods that save water and reduce wastewater can become a new standard. LG Electronics plans to continue its technological development and ESG management, contributing to the creation of a better world.
LG Spark 2024 / Source: LG
Closing Remarks
According to an article from January 2022, it was reported that 'CO₂ commercial washing machines' would soon be sold in Korea. However, according to 'LG Spark 2024', which opened at LG Science Park in Magok, Seoul in August 2024, it seems that LG Chem is still developing the technology. Still, it will be commercialized soon, right?!
