PRODUCT FEATURE | International bathroom brands Zehnder says its
Charleston multi-column radiator still holds a place in the market as a stylish, timeless classic that is as popular today as when it was first launched
Schlüter-Kerdi-Board-W is a prefabricated set for creating a vanity unit sink which can be configured as a floating unit
Grohe says its Icon 3D taps are printed products that push the boundaries of manufacturing
Duravit says its spacious Bento Starck Box washbasins offer practical, convenient and ample storage areas, arranged like a Japanese lunchbox
The Oyo Duo from Kaldewei is a double-walled bathtub, inspired by Japanese porcelain design, and is made from 100% steel enamel
sanitary ware using Bluemint steel which reduces their carbon output by 70%.
Grohe achieved carbon-neutral production across all of its international sites in April 2020, and the brand uses brass with recycling proportions of up to 80%.
Duravit UK’s managing director, Martin Carroll adds that it aims to be an exclusively climate-neutral business by 2045, using electricity generated from renewable energies across its German sites. PEFC-certified furniture pro - duction adheres to the principles of sustainable forestry together with “local for local” production methods that ensure shorter transport routes. Additionally, by 2030, Duravit plans to increase its number of water saving products by over 80%, increase the
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proportion of recycled materials to around 30%, and reduce global carbon emissions by 20%.
Sustainability
Zehnder also sees sustainability as paramount,
particularly as a
manufacturer in the indoor climate sector. Zehnder’s factory in Lahr has been using 100% green
electricity
since 2022, and has almost halved its direct CO2 footprint. Zehnder Group’s Nathan Dracott adds that the launch of Zehnder’s new manufacturing plant in Kent has also been designed to meet the highest standards of quality and sustainability to minimise its environmental impact. RAK Ceramics sales director Ben
Bryden adds that having local distribution hubs in the countries they
serve helps to reduce the brand’s carbon footprint. “We’re committed to practicing environmental stewardship throughout and beyond our manufacturing chain.”
This leads nicely on to the practicalities of using international bathroom brands: lead times, customer service and training, and how companies have dealt with the potential impact of Brexit.
Many of our contributors have UK distribution facilities and can offer, in some cases, next-day delivery. Sonas
employing their own drivers. Because many European brands have UK hubs – some established before Brexit – Brexit hasn’t been a huge issue as manufacturers have adapted, although head of sales at Schlüter Systems, Lee Rowland, admits there has been “a lot of red tape to overcome and inevitable additional cost”.
Bathrooms CEO Richard Sloan recognises the importance of short and reliable lead times for retailers: “It’s why we have invested heavily in our distribution centre with a capacity of 11,000 pallets, which operates at 98%+ capacity. “By having the stock on hand, we
can dispatch on the same day and deliver within 48 hours.”
International brands also have other ways of ensuring lead times are as short as possible, such as owning their own fleet of delivery lorries and
For Sonas Bathrooms, initially Brexit delayed the brand’s entry into the UK market. “Because of this, our UK operations were set-up post-Brexit and therefore had no impact on relationships. Our service promise includes free
delivery and customs
paid on delivery – making it the most convenient option for the customer.” Looking beyond 2023, our contrib- utors all agreed that further innovation and exciting developments are likely to be on the horizon. We can, as Wilsonart’s Fairlie puts it,
“expect international brands to keep pushing the boundaries of design as a result
of that and resource”. • November 2023 international insight
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