March 28, 2022 – Premium refrigeration brands, U-Line and Marvel, today join a growing new segment of product innovations for homes and business with the introduction of BrightShieldTM antimicrobial lighting inside select refrigeration and ice making products. These are the first of their kind to feature around-the-clock protection on any surfaces the light touches from viruses, bacteria, mold, and mildew.
In 2021, The Middleby Corporation became an investor and licensing partner with Vyv, Inc., to bring antimicrobial/antiviral innovations to the home appliance and foodservice industries through its broad product portfolio. U-Line and Marvel lead the way for Middleby with today’s product introductions.
The upgraded interior lighting using Vyv’s patented UV-free antimicrobial lighting mitigates the risk of microbial contamination that can be introduced inside these ice and refrigeration environments from outside sources. Vyv lights create environments that are inhospitable to the growth of bacteria, viruses, mold, mildew, fungi, and yeast.
“As premium brands of ice and refrigeration products, this is a perfect place for us to focus on creating a more hygienic home environment,” said Andy Doberstein, President of U-Line and Marvel. “Harnessing this energy efficient and environmentally sustainable approach to reducing germs continues our tradition of leading the way through innovation and setting the highest standards for our customers.”
“The world’s many health challenges have always required innovative thinking and approaches,” said Colleen Costello, CEO, Vyv, Inc. “We are delighted to see Middleby, the global leader in home appliance and foodservice equipment, and their teams at U-Line and Marvel, join the innovative family of antimicrobial-enabled household products with a shared focus on promoting better health and well-being for us all.”
Availability
The new lineup of antimicrobial ice machines and refrigeration will be available in early second quarter this year. Pricing varies based on model selection.
About U-Line
U-Line creates products focused on functionality, style, and inspired innovations – paying close attention to even the smallest details. Applications include residential, outdoor, ADA height compliant, marine, and commercial. Product categories include Beverage Centers, Wine Refrigerators, Ice Machines, Refrigerators, Freezers, Dispensers, and beyond. Our advanced refrigeration systems, large and flexible capacities, and clean integrated look allow you to preserve the right product, in the right place, at the right temperature. Since 2014, U-Line has been part of the Middleby family of brands.
Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA.
For more information visit u-line.com
About Marvel
With roots in American manufacturing that began in 1892, Marvel is the longest standing refrigeration company in North America. Today, Marvel continues to lead the industry with an extensive line of premium undercounter products known for unrivaled craftsmanship, precise performance, and smart design. When you choose Marvel, you’re choosing 130 years of handcrafted American-made quality and intelligent engineering.
Headquartered in Greenville, Michigan, USA
Learn more at marvelrefrigeration.com
About Vyv, Inc.
Vyv is a health tech company and creator of a new kind of continuous cleaning protection. Vyv offers its patented UV-free antimicrobial LED technology that stops and kills* bacteria, viruses, fungi, yeast, mold and mildew. Unlike potentially harmful UV-C light that can negatively impact our eyes and skin, Vyv LEDs meet international standards for continual and unrestricted use around people, animals, and plants. For more information, visit www.vyv.tech.
1Testing on a non-enveloped virus (MS2 bacteriophage) showed a 97.12% reduction in controlled laboratory testing in 8 hours on hard surfaces. Testing on SARS-CoV-2 (enveloped virus) showed a 98.45% reduction in controlled laboratory testing in 4 hours on hard surfaces. Testing on MRSA and E. coli showed 90%+ reduction in controlled laboratory testing in 24 hours on hard surfaces. Results may vary depending on the amount of light that is reaching the surfaces in the space where the product is installed and the length of time of exposure. Use of Vyv antimicrobial light is not intended to replace manual cleaning and disinfection practices.
