In recent years, there has been growing public interest in air quality due to concern over the pollen allergy problem, threat of avian influenza in Asia, and prevalence of norovirus and flu in winter. In particular, in spaces frequented by the public, such as offices, schools, commercial facilities, and healthcare centers, there is a strong need for clean air and therefore the demand for air purification systems capable of sterilizing large spaces is increasing. Against this backdrop, various companies are fiercely competing to develop products with powerful sterilization/deodorization functions.

SANYO’s “virus washer” technology was developed based on electrolyzed water technology, with its basic concept being “washing the air with the power of water.” Electrolyzed water is produced by applying electrolysis to tap water containing chloride ion, and contains two kinds of active oxygen highly effective in sterilization: electrolytic hypochlorous acid and OH (hydroxyl) radical. With electrolyzed water, it is possible to suppress airborne bacteria*1, viruses*2, pollens and other allergens*3, and odors*4 by more than 99%. Since its power comes from plain tap water without using any chemical agents its safety is ensured and with that comes peace of mind.

“virus washer” function

     The “virus washer” technology incorporates SANYO’s unique systems, such as “Disinfectant Element System” which circulates room air by forcing it to go through an element containing electrolyzed water, “Disinfectant Electrolyzed Mist System” which delivers electrolyzed mist to every corner of a room, and “Disinfectant Filter System” which lets air through the humidifying filter that soaks up electrolyzed water in the tank. These systems enable optimal sterilization in various types of spaces from large size to small size.

The effectiveness of SANYO’s electrolyzed water technology has been verified by various public organizations. In 2006, joint research conducted by SANYO and Gunma Prefectural Institute of Public Health and Environmental Sciences proved through experimentation on the Feline Calicivirus, which is a substitute virus for Norovirus, that this electrolyzed water technology is highly effective against Norovirus as well as influenza, and capable of deactivating its infectivity by more than 99%. Further, in the same year, through joint research conducted by SANYO and Tottori University, its effectiveness against avian flu virus became apparent. Furthermore, in 2007, HPA (Health Protection Agency), which was established to promote protection of health in the UK, verified that SANYO’s disinfectant element system using electrolyzed water technology was highly effective at eliminating airborne bacteria. Thus, SANYO’s electrolyzed water technology has been proved to be highly effective by various public organizations in Japan and overseas and these research results indicate the actual effectiveness of SANYO’s air purification systems.

SANYO has been applying its electrolyzed water technology to a wide range of home electric appliances and commercial equipment. In 1987, it was first applied to a cup-type beverage vending machine to keep the water inside of the machine clean where tap water is stored even when the machine remains unused for long hours, such as the nighttime. In 2000, “Aqua Clean System” - an automatic pool water purification system for managing pool water quality with electrolyzed water was announced. In 2001, a fully automatic washing machine equipped with “Detergentless Setting” was released, which uses electrolyzed water to effectively sterilize and clean lightly-soiled laundry without using detergent. In 2004, “mistream” - a home-use air purifier for Japan equipped with an electrolyzed water sterilization system was released. Finally, in 2006, “Professional Use Air Purification System” equipped with “virus washer” technology was developed, which realizes suppression of bacteria, odors, and viruses in a large space by using electrolyzed water.

In 2006, SANYO started joint development of an air purification system equipped with “virus washer” technology with Warner Mycal Corp. for its Warner Mycal Cinemas. First, stationary air purification systems were installed in the lobbies of Niigata and Kumagaya theaters and hallways of Omiya and Dainichi theaters. Following this, a system to incorporate the “virus washer” technology into the air conditioner of a movie auditorium was developed and to verify its efficacy was introduced into 5 screens at 4 theaters: Musashino mu (1 screen), Kohoku Newtown (2 screens), Takanohara (1 screen), and Dainichi (1 screen). The results were that a bacteria elimination effect of up to 83% was confirmed in a theater. In addition, 60% of the theater patrons who responded to the questionnaire felt “some difference with the air” and 70% gave a positive response, such as “the air feels better.” Thus, a high positive evaluation was received for the system.
     In June 2008, SANYO and Warner Mycal Corp. entered into an agreement on the full-scale introduction of this system. Based on its theater operation concept, which is that customers are most important, Warner Mycal Corp. works to “provide theatrical spaces where people of all ages may feel safe, clean, and comfortable for hours.” Meanwhile, as it aims to become a leading provider of Environment- and Energy-related products under the corporate vision “Think GAIA,” it is SANYO’s desire to “provide clean air for all aspects of people’s lives.” This project became a reality as a result of these visions resonating in harmony. Over the next 3 years, the corresponding system will be installed in all screens at 26 theaters, primarily at those with a large theater audience in the Kanto and Kansai regions.