Silver has long been been known for its sterilising effects. So when Samsung and LG began devising micro or nano technology to prolong the shelf life of frozen foods, it was no surprise that they turned to silver to assist them.
"It's an old science that's been made into an active technology that is now used to make food last longer, freshen air and even make your clothing less smelly," explained Samsung's home appliance marketing executive, Bronwyn Williams.
"Silver Nano has become a big thing in Asian countries where SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) has made everyone health conscious.
"There, people live in closed environments so this technology makes the recycled air safer to breathe," she added.
While both companies have introduced the technology into various air conditioners, refrigerators, vacuum cleaners and recently into washing machines, LG claims to have been the first to bring the modern technology to market.
"We've been using Bio-silver and Bio-shield in our appliances for close on two years," explained Karen Kaly, LG's home appliance marketing executive, "and it's revolutionising the industry."
In fridges, Samsung's Silver Nano and LG's Bio-silver technology have managed to breathe as much as 15 extra days into the life-span of frozen foods.
"We've conducted tests that have shown that strawberries will last seven days longer and bread will last as much as 10 days longer. The technology also eliminates odours and reduces fungal growth," said Kaly.
Samsung, however, is the first to introduce the technology into washing machines using an active ionising process as opposed to the passive process employed in the other appliances.
"With our washing machines, water is passed through two silver plates and ionised silver particles are released into the water. These particles wash into the clothing.
"The silver kills off bacteria that causes clothing to become smelly, allowing a pair of socks to be worn for as long as 30 days without becoming smelly," said Williams.
In fridges and vacuum cleaners that silver exists in the lining of the interior to prevent bacteria from setting in. Both companies are quick to point out that the food is not irradiated, nor does it come into contact with any silver.
"In our air conditioners we use five filters to filter the air, one of which is a nano mesh that kills 99,9 percent of all bacteria, leaving the recycled air fresher and clean," explained Williams.
LG also employs additional technologies like Bio-shield. "We've put silver in the fridge gasket so that it lasts longer - up to 15 years. This seals the fridge better, resulting in cost savings and better preservation of food," explained Kaly.
Unfortunately, this cost-saving and life-enhancing technology does come at a price. The nano technology has been installed only on high-end appliances which usually come with a hefty price tag.
How does silver technology help you...
- It improves your health.
- It preserves food for longer.
- It freshens and purifies the air that you breathe.
- It saves you energy (less cooling needed).
- It's a safe technology to use.
What to look for when you buy a fridge...
- How long the fridge can maintain freshness and its coolness.
- How well the fridge gasket seals the door.
- Multi-flow technologies that regulate cooling.
- Whether it is odourless - this helps to reduce bacteria and smells.
- Icebeam technology that cools the fridge all round, not just from the back.