- link Copy URL - [ Share on X ](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=WLabs of Whirlpool Corporation Turns Food Scraps into Fertilizer with New Zera™ Food Recycler https://www.3blmedia.com/markdownify/node/76626?absolute=1&via=3blnews "Share on X") - [ Share on linkedin ](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://www.3blmedia.com/markdownify/node/76626?absolute=1 "Share on Linkedin") - [ Share on facebook ](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://www.3blmedia.com/markdownify/node/76626?absolute=1 "Share on Facebook") - [ email Share via email ](mailto:?subject=WLabs of Whirlpool Corporation Turns Food Scraps into Fertilizer with New Zera™ Food Recycler&body=News from Whirlpool Corporation https://www.3blmedia.com/markdownify/node/76626?absolute=1 "Share via email") [AI & Technology](/categories/ai-technology) # WLabs of Whirlpool Corporation Turns Food Scraps into Fertilizer with New Zera™ Food Recycler Nov 15, 2016 11:05 AM ET Campaign: [Whirlpool Corporation & Sustainability](/news/campaign/whirlpool-corporation-sustainability) ![](https://3blcdn.com/styles/carousel_2x/s3/2026-08/WhirlpoolCORP-2017_2C_B_1786917855.jpeg) BENTON HARBOR, Mich., November 15, 2016 /3BL Media/ – A revolutionary new food recycler from Whirlpool Corporation’s innovation incubator, WLabs, is bringing new meaning to sustainability in the home. The ZeraTM Food Recycler now gives consumers an easy and convenient way to help reduce the amount of waste they’re sending to the landfill by converting food waste into ready-to-use, homemade fertilizer. The ZeraTM Food Recycler, debuting this January at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2017, can break down a week of the average family’s food waste within 24 hours1 – and 95% of a typical family’s food waste overall. “ZeraTM is one of the first products from our global innovation lab – WLabs of Whirlpool Corporation – which fast-tracks products to market that address previously unsolved and real consumer needs,” said Brett Dibkey, Vice President of Integrated Business Units at Whirlpool Corporation. “ZeraTM has been designed to help families recycle household food waste, help reduce landfill waste, all while enhancing their own lawn and garden.” Fitting alongside most kitchen countertops, the ZeraTM system utilizes oxygen, moisture, heat, a plant-based additive, and an agitator to expedite decomposition of food scraps, reducing its volume by two-thirds within 24 hours. Unlike traditional composting methods, this unique food recycler allows families to recycle food year-round, even in colder climates where outdoor methods may not be possible. The process can be controlled via the ZeraTM mobile app, offering the ability to remotely operate the machine. “With an estimated 40% of food in the United States wasted every year, the ZeraTM system ensures that food waste can be converted into a homemade fertilizer, as opposed to being disposed into a landfill,” said Dibkey. “We’re thrilled to be introducing this latest offering for home kitchens, which delivers on Whirlpool Corporation’s promise of purposeful innovation.” The test market launch will be supported through a crowdfunding campaign in partnership with Indiegogo, set to go live on January 6, 2017 to coincide with the Consumer Electronics Show. The ZeraTM system will be unveiled in select test markets including Austin, Chicago and San Francisco starting in April. ZeraTM is the third product to be launched by WLabs of Whirlpool Corporation. Earlier this year, WLabs also launched the VessiTM Beer Fermentor and Dispenser system, giving users a chance to brew beer at home in as little as seven days. Visit [Zera.com](http://Zera.com) to learn more and sign up for updates. 1Based on estimated 3.5 kg household food waste for average U.S. family. **About Whirlpool Corporation** Whirlpool Corporation (NYSE: [WHR](http://studio-5.financialcontent.com/prnews?Page=Quote&Ticker=WHR)) is the number one major appliance manufacturer in the world, with approximately $21 billion in annual sales, 97,000 employees and 70 manufacturing and technology research centers in 2015. The company markets Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Maytag, Consul, Brastemp, Amana, Bauknecht, Jenn-Air, Indesit and other major brand names in nearly every country throughout the world. Additional information about the company can be found at [WhirlpoolCorp.com](http://whirlpoolcorp.com/), or find us on Twitter at @WhirlpoolCorp. Contact: Whirlpool Corporation Media: 269-923-7405 ### Additional Media #### Images [ ![](https://3blcdn.com/styles/carousel_thumbnail_x2/s3/images/Zera-core-vertical_lockup-2015.jpg?h=e50c8c8b) ](https://3blcdn.com/images/Zera-core-vertical_lockup-2015.jpg) [![Whirlpool logo](/sites/default/files/Clients/WhirlpoolCORP-2017_2C_B_1.jpeg)](/profiles/whirlpool-corporation) ### More from Whirlpool Corporation ###### [Whirlpool Corporation Recognized by Seramount for Workplace Inclusion and Talent Leadership](/news/whirlpool-corporation-recognized-seramount-workplace-inclusion-and-talent-leadership) Sep 1, 2026 9:30 AM ET ###### [Whirlpool Corporation Celebrates 115 Years in America’s Homes – Share Your Whirlpool Memory for the Chance To Win a New Appliance](/news/whirlpool-corporation-celebrates-115-years-americas-homes-share-your-whirlpool-memory-chance) Aug 27, 2026 3:50 PM ET ###### [Whirlpool Showcases Apprenticeship Programs During Visit From Acting U.S. Labor Secretary Keith Sonderling](/news/whirlpool-showcases-apprenticeship-programs-during-visit-acting-us-labor-secretary-keith) Aug 18, 2026 9:30 AM ET ###### [Whirlpool Community Golf Event Raises $3 Million for Southwest Michigan Youth](/news/whirlpool-community-golf-event-raises-3-million-southwest-michigan-youth) Aug 10, 2026 10:00 AM ET ###### [Whirlpool Foundation Announces 2026 Sons & Daughters Scholarship Recipients](/news/whirlpool-foundation-announces-2026-sons-daughters-scholarship-recipients) Jul 27, 2026 10:00 AM ET ###### [Whirlpool Corp. 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