loewe AG, Kronach

• Loewe is a pioneer in integrating functionality and energy efficiency
• 45% reduction in energy consumption – with the new Loewe Individual TV
• 8.4 kg material savings – with the new Loewe Individual TV
• Low stand-by consumption
• Genuine power switch on Loewe televisions for 0 watt consumption – for years

Kronach. – Discerning consumers want branded products which meet their exacting requirements in terms of environmental friendliness and energy consumption. Satisfying this desire has been Loewe's goal for a long time. From manufacturing the first completely recyclable television (in 1995) to establishing an environmental management system (1998) and certification in accordance with ISO 14001 (2001) – Loewe protects the natural environment and uses resources responsibly.

Loewe televisions are thus particularly energy-efficient. The best example of this is the new Loewe Individual TV with cutting-edge LED backlight technology and maximum function integration. While many competing models with external components have considerably higher total standby consumption, a Loewe Individual TV – when you consider all the integrated functions including hard disk recorder, DVB receiver and DVB radio – is far more energy efficient. The integration of a multitude of functions in Loewe televisions is not only convenient, it is also environmentally-friendly. The material savings alone, in terms of the housings, power supply units, power/connection cables, remote controls and batteries that are not required, are crucial. In addition to the premium mode energy efficiency setting, Loewe offers an eco-standard mode for its televisions. The Optical Power Control (OPC) automatically adjusts the screen contrast to the ambient light, thus decreasing energy consumption.

Even the new screen technology saves energy. The Loewe Individual 40 Compose LCD TV’s LED backlight technology reduces energy consumption by 45% in comparison to its predecessor. LEDs (light emitting diodes) create higher contrast and more brilliant colours, and all with significantly higher energy efficiency. Furthermore, the "Edge-LED" profile accommodates a much slimmer housing design. The systematic functional integration and streamlining brought by Edge-LED meant that there was a weight saving of 8.4 kg on the Loewe Individual 46 Compose, which is equivalent to 25% in comparison to its predecessor. Every single kilogram that does not need to be manufactured, packed and transported contributes to the preservation of resources and the environment. In addition, all Loewe televisions use significantly less than a watt in stand-by mode, despite the numerous integrated functions for which additional devices would otherwise be necessary, all of which would naturally also have a stand-by consumption. With the integrated power switch, the television can be completely disconnected from the mains power supply – reducing consumption to zero. This is also a feature that has distinguished Loewe televisions for many years and has now set standards in the industry.

Product design and manufacture at Loewe avoids the use of materials that harm the environment and devices are designed to have a long service life. Only halogen and lead-free soldered circuit boards are used. Even the housings are made from halogen-free plastic. And naturally, the Loewe LED televisions are mercury-free. Loewe also requires its suppliers to adhere to stringent environmental requirements. This includes the avoidance of substances of very high concern listed in the EU directive. Naturally, all Loewe products are RoHS compliant. Single-use packaging for design parts has been banned from production and all suppliers now use recyclable packaging.

And now a brief word about the materials we use. The use of aluminium is a particularly good alternative to plastic in premium televisions. The Individual TV’s full aluminium housing is not only a visual highlight, but also represents enduring value as part of a high quality and durable product. At the end of the television’s life, the light metal scores points with its optimal recyclability. And from an energy point of view, it also comes up trumps! Only a tiny fraction of the energy used in manufacture is lost, as once aluminium is produced, it can be melted down and the production cycle repeated again and again, using less than 5% of the energy required for its manufacture.

Loewe allows all of its environmental credentials to be checked regularly by auditors to guarantee that its high standards are adhered to. Loewe also participates in the Bavarian Environmental Pact: 99 % of all waste is now recycled. Loewe’s commitment to the environment has been recognised many times, for example with the ‘Focus Green 2008’ design prize in silver from the Design Center Stuttgart for the Connect 37 and the highest marks for corporate responsibility from the consumer protection group Stiftung Warentest (05/2008 issue). Last but not least, the Loewe Art 37 SL Full-HD+ 100 DR+, with its integrated functions, came out on top in an energy efficiency test by Video-Home Vision magazine (08/2009 issue).