Sharp Launches Affordable Ice Slurry Refrigerator Rental Service for Japanese Schools
Japanese electronics manufacturer Sharp is launching a new rental service in May 2026, providing specialized refrigerators to schools and student sports teams. These units convert standard plastic-bottled beverages into 'ice slurry,' a sherbet-like mixture of ice and liquid designed to lower core body temperature and prevent heatstroke during extreme summer heat. The service targets educational institutions and club activities, offering rates 40 to 50% lower than previous corporate rentals to ensure accessibility. The refrigerators, with a 72-liter capacity holding up to forty 500ml bottles, utilize fan control to maintain a supercooled state without fully freezing the contents. This initiative builds on Sharp's existing business-to-business rental model launched last year, now adapted for the education sector by reusing older refrigerator models to reduce costs. With heatstroke prevention becoming a critical concern in Japanese schools, particularly following measures taken at events like the National High School Baseball Championship, this service aims to provide an effective, affordable cooling solution for students engaged in outdoor activities.
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Sharp Launches Affordable Ice Slurry Refrigerator Rental Service for Japanese Schools
Japanese electronics manufacturer Sharp is launching a new rental service in May 2026, providing specialized refrigerators to schools and student sports teams. These units convert standard plastic-bottled beverages into 'ice slurry,' a sherbet-like mixture of ice and liquid designed to lower core body temperature and prevent heatstroke during extreme summer heat. The service targets educational institutions and club activities, offering rates 40 to 50% lower than previous corporate rentals to ensure accessibility. The refrigerators, with a 72-liter capacity holding up to forty 500ml bottles, utilize fan control to maintain a supercooled state without fully freezing the contents. This initiative builds on Sharp's existing business-to-business rental model launched last year, now adapted for the education sector by reusing older refrigerator models to reduce costs. With heatstroke prevention becoming a critical concern in Japanese schools, particularly following measures taken at events like the National High School Baseball Championship, this service aims to provide an effective, affordable cooling solution for students engaged in outdoor activities.
asahi