Just two months after announcing that it intends to break into the wastewater treatment sector, consumer electronics giant LG yesterday launched its first water filtration system.

The South Korean conglomerate unveiled its new Green Membrane Bioreactor (G-MBR), arguing that the system uses new flat-type microfiltration membrane modules that are more efficient than rival technologies and ensure that the device requires 34 per cent less space than conventional MBRs.

The company also said that the technology’s debris screening and phosphorus removal systems are more effective than conventional MBRs, resulting in a longer life span and reduced maintenance costs.

Young-ha Lee, president and chief executive of LG Electronics Home Appliance Company, said that the company’s first foray into the water sector underlined the company’s commitment to clean technology.

“The lack of clean water is a major cause of hunger, disease and poverty throughout the developing world,” he said in a statement. “And the problem will only get worse if the warnings about climate change turn out to be accurate. With G-MBR, LG has taken a huge step in making affordable clean water a reality for millions of people around the world.”

In related news, LG today announced that its range of energy efficient LED lighting and Plasma Lighting Systems (PLS) has received official certifications from European, Chinese, Japanese and Korean governments for energy efficiency, quality, safety and environmental credentials.

The company said the awards would mark the start of a global roll-out of its latest energy saving lighting systems designed to establish the company as a “total green energy solution provider” also capable of offering energy efficient heating, ventilating and air conditioning units.

“Green energy, carbon and environmental protection concepts have been widely accepted throughout the world and there is enormous opportunity for companies with core technologies and brand recognition,” said Yonghwan Kim, vice president of LG Electronic’s Lighting and Solution Business Team. “With long-honed expertise in energy efficient technologies, the potential for LG to make a significant environmental contribution is enormous.”