SANITARYWARE FEATURE

WISE UP ON WATER SAVING

The Sensuelle freestanding bath in Peacock Blue from Utopia's Roseberry Collection

This issue, BiKBBI The Installer takes a look at the sanitaryware market to see what you and your customers need to know this 2017…

According to Waterwise, UK water treatment experts, every person in the UK uses on average 150 litres of water, each day: with bathing, washing and teeth cleaning using up to 21% cent of a household’s water. With that, new technologies are elevating sanitaryware designs to now offer energy efficient and water saving solutions for the modern bathroom.

Margaret Talbot, Marketing Manager from VitrA tells us more, “Water efficiency has increasingly become a factor for the development of new sanitaryware. There are great savings to be made by reducing the amount of water that is used during simple everyday activities: whether it’s hand-washing, brushing your teeth or having a shower. Consumers are starting to make more informed decisions and developers are under growing pressure to answer this call and look to manufacturers to supply the demand. This trend is already apparent in the sanitaryware market with dual flush WC’s which are specifically designed to flush with lower water volumes. By using less water, the WC benefits both your customer and the environment. The partnership between design and sustainability encourages new eco-friendly products, so it’s just a matter of time before sustainability becomes a standard practice, not a feature.”

VitrA V-care WC

“Water efficiency has increasingly become a factor for the development of new sanitaryware. There are great savings to be made by reducing the amount of water that is used during simple everyday activities"

Margaret Talbot, Marketing Manager, VitrA

VitrA released the V-care system last year for easy hygiene and greater water efficiency in the modern bathroom. The high-tech WC uses 3 to 6 litres for flushing and has three different flush modes for the height of energy-saving. To continue to acknowledge this ever growing conservation problem, manufacturers are investing in new technologies to answer what has become a very clear demand for eco-conscious products.

For example, 2017 is welcoming the Resinite reinforcement technology created by Utopia: a technology consisting of an extremely hardwearing finish where its insulation properties allow hot water to stay warmer for longer. Sam Ball, Marketing Manager from Utopia further explains “Energy efficiency is very important. Rensite results in each bath being incredibly strong and hardwearing with the added benefit of increased insulation properties. In effect, the baths have the solid strength and rigidity of a traditional cast iron bath combined with natural warmth, high gloss finish and easy clean features associated with acrylic.”

This pioneering technology from Utopia allows a bath to be 30% heavier and stronger when compared to typical designs, guaranteeing it will retain heat for approximately 30 minutes longer. Added value features, like a need for increased heat retention, are forcing manufacturers to discover new ways to innovate the bathroom through choice pieces of sanitaryware: bog, bath or basin!

According to the Green Building Store, “Most of the low flush toilets currently available on the UK market are dualflush valves. These can save water until the valves become faulty, when unless rectified, they leak water continually down

through the pan” says Nell Griffiths, Water Saving Manager at Green Building Store. Its Siphon Flush Technology has been introduced to create leak free WC’s as it estimates 20% of WC’s leak at a rate of 20,000 US gallons per year. This Flush Technology ensures completely leak free results and will avoid future plumbing costs when compared to installing a valve flush. Green Building Store has also introduced a new ES4 WC: a 2.6 litre lower flush option for the ultra energy efficient choice.

Style of sanitaryware is another factor you must not overlook and 2016 saw slim line designs with thin profiles sore in popularity. With this, Roper Rhodes for 2017 has introduced its new Cover Sanitaryware Range. Helen Shaw, Marketing Manager of Roper Rhodes tells us more “Characterised by its smooth, curved design and slim edges Roper Rhodes new Cover sanitaryware range beautifully complements its fitted furniture.”

This trend for thin profiles, slim shapes and contouring has also been noted by Laura Ashley through its Bayswater Ceramic Sanitaryware Range. Featuring organic shapes and crisp, contemporary styling, this bathroom collection is perfect for creating a designer look at an affordable price point.

“Energy efficiency is very important. Rensite results in each bath being incredibly strong and hardwearing with the added benefit of increased insulation properties."

Sam Ball, Marketing Manager, Utopia Bauhaus Wild Wall Hung WC & Soft Close Seat

Cover Sanitaryware by Roper Rhodes

The Sensuelle freestanding bath in London Grey from Utopia's Roseberry Collection