Application of UV-C LED for disinfection to home electric appliances has seen fast growth in 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic, according to industry sources.

Samsung Electronics, LG Electronics, Haier, Hisense and other vendors have adopted UV-C LED disinfection for air conditioners, refrigerators, laundry machines and air purifiers to add value to these products for higher sales prices, the sources said.

Taiwan-based Lite-On Technology, Everlight Electronics, Bright Led Electronics, Ledtech Electronics and High Power Lighting have produced UV-C LED modules for disinfection applications, the sources said. While they are less competitive against China-based makers for use in China-made home appliances, they have business opportunities from US-based vendors and for niche-market applications, the sources said.

Ledtech has become a Taiwan sales agent for products with UV-C LED disinfection launched by Netherlands-based Signify and has offered UV-C LED modules under its own brand BioLED, the sources noted. Ledtech expects UV-C LED to take up 10% of 2021 consolidated revenues.

Bright Led's UV-C LED modules are being certified and it has developed 311nm-packaged UV-B LED modules for medical use, the sources indicated.

According to TrendForce, the global market value for UV-A, -B, -C together will keep growing to US$2.396 billion in 2025 at a CAGR of 51% during 2020-2025.

By DIGITIMES