Sales of Products Equipped with Sharp’s Plasmacluster Ion Technology Reach 30 Million Units Worldwide

Total sales of products from Sharp Corporation and products from companies in other industries equipped with Plasmacluster Ion technology, Sharp’s proprietary air purification technology, reached 30 million units worldwide at the end of December 2010, approximately 10 years after Sharp first embedded this technology in air purifiers in September 2000. Although it took approximately five years to achieve the first 10 million units sold, it required only about three years to reach 20 million total units sold and then only two more years to reach the 30-million-unit mark, evidence that the use of Plasmacluster Ion technology is spreading at an accelerating pace.

Thus far, Plasmacluster Ion technology has been deployed in 11 of Sharp’s own products, including air purifiers, air conditioners, refrigerators, and MFPs. In addition, this technology is being used in an ever broadening array of interior spaces, including inside vehicles, railway passenger cars, and elevators, and last year, was adopted for use in manufacturing plants and amusement facilities. Also, with the recent decision of Nankai Electric Railway Co., Ltd. to introduce Plasmacluster Ion technology on its “Southern” 12000 series limited express railcars scheduled to begin service around the autumn of 2011, the number of companies adopting this technology has grown to 27.

At the same time, internationally, the number of countries where Plasmacluster-equipped products are available has doubled in the past two years, and currently stands at approximately 100. In addition, Plasmacluster is increasingly being adopted for use in prominent hotels. Sharp has also been intensifying the development of products equipped with Plasmacluster Ion technology designed specifically for local markets to encourage wider use not only in developed countries, but also in emerging markets, particularly in ASEAN countries. For example, Sharp took note of the rising demand for motorbikes and scooters in Indonesia and will introduce a Plasmacluster Ion generator designed to deodorize motorbike helmets in late January.

To demonstrate the efficacy of Plasmacluster Ion technology, Sharp has taken the lead in the industry in promoting “academic marketing”, a collaborative research approach to product marketing that works with independent scientific research organizations around the world. In the nearly 10 years to date, the effectiveness of Plasmacluster Ion technology has been proven against 29 different types of harmful substances, including viruses and bacteria. Now, the range of its efficacy has been extended to include skin beautifying effects and the ability to neutralize pet odors, and is receiving high marks from users.

Sharp will continually assess the global market, and will strive to contribute to society by offering a series of new products equipped with Plasmacluster Ion technology intended to create a healthier environment.