Electronic cos chart out 'health' plans

KOLKATA: Leading consumer electronics makers from LG, Philips, Samsung and Godrej seem smitten by the health bug like never before. Especially, with the high-aspiration Genext gang exploring every avenue to remain healthy in today���s stressed out lives, consumer electronics biggies are keen to play ball.

From air-purifiers, to anti-bacteria notebook keyboards, to nutritional microwaves, to steam washing machines, welcome to the seemingly esoteric realm of ���healthy white goods���, if you will.

While LG Electronics intends to venture into health products like air and water purifiers, Godrej recently did a soft launch of its water purifiers in select markets. Even Samsung wants to offer an array of health-oriented features across its products. Philips of Holland has already declared its intentions to transform itself to a full-fledged health and well-being company in India by 2015.

���Indian consumers are evolving rapidly in their lifestyle. Since the craving for healthcare products is growing, LG India wishes to be a pioneer in the healthcare white goods segment. Water and air pollution can be identified as potential categories for new health products in India,��� LG Electronics India MD Moon B Shin told ET.

LG India recently launched a portfolio of home appliances, which are targeted at health-conscious consumers. These include microwave ovens with a health menu, refrigerator which can preserve vitamin C in vegetables up to 70%, washing machines with steam technology that eliminates allergens, mites and residual detergent.

Similarly, Samsung has rolled out laptops with anti-bacterial keyboards, washing machines that remove bacteria and bio-ceramic enamel cavity in microwave oven which preserves food nutrition. The company���s India R&D team has developed a technology that preserves food in refrigerator during a power cut.