Gorenje switches to aluminium backing for cooling ranges

Slovenian appliance manufacturer Gorenje has announced it will no longer produce fridge-freezers with plastic backing.

The move to manufacturing cooling appliances with aluminium flame-retardant backing only shows its commitment to the campaign for safer appliances, it said.

Back in February last year, the London Fire Brigade called for all fridges and freezers to have a fully fire-resistant backing as part of its Total Recall campaign.

The move gained momentum following a blaze in Grenfell Tower in North Kensington, London, on June 14, which resulted in 71 deaths. Police and fire services believe the fire started accidentally in a fridge-freezer on the fourth floor.

Iztok Krulc, managing director at Gorenje UK, commented: “This is a sensitive topic, but one we shouldn’t fail to approach. Obviously, this decision will have economic implications to the business, however we want to reinforce our position as a responsible manufacturer, not just something superficial.

“All Gorenje appliances fitted with the aluminium backing will have a stronger level of flame-retardance and taking this action, we hope that other UK manufacturers will be encouraged to follow suit and do their bit for the consumers.

“With home safety being central to our research development process, this initiative can reassure our customers that caring for them and their families is of utmost importance to us and we’re not valuing style over substance.”

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