NEWS | Round-up
Sensio Lighting launches new KBB training academy
YORKSHIRE-BASED KITCHEN and bathroom lighting supplier, Sensio Lighting, has launched a new academy and mobile training centre aimed at KBB designers and sales teams. The Sensio Academy is made up of a digital training platform, live online and in-person training programmes, and MICK — the Mobile Illumination Centre for KBB.
What do Brits really think about eco issues?
NEARLY HALF (46%) of Brits are taking part in daily activities that are harmful to the environment. While 29% of Brits are in denial when it comes to environmental issues, according to Grundig. The global home appliance brand conducted a survey on 2,000 UK adults about how British people feel about their impact on the environment. The study also found that, whilst the majority (59%) of respondents think about environmental issues on a weekly basis, they are prevented from giving up actions that they know are detrimental to the planet due to a lack of better, more affordable alternatives. In addition to this, Grundig’s research also highlighted a distinct lack of knowledge and awareness related to the causes of microfibre pollution - an issue the company has been keen to tackle.
Whilst 67% of respondents believed microplastics to be a significant issue for the environment, 49% of those surveyed did not know that the leading source of plastic pollution in the
oceans comes from microfibres shed from
synthetic clothing.
Grundig’s survey showed that seven out of 10 adults would stop eating certain foods if they could see the number of microfibres they were consuming.
And overall, 75% of respondents agreed more needs to be done to raise awareness of the hidden dangers of microfibres in our waterways and how the issue can be combated. Teresa Arbuckle, managing director
of Beko plc and spokesperson for Grundig, commented: “It is important for us as a nation to understand the
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extent to which our daily activities are having an impact on our planet. Grundig’s brand purpose is to lead by example and inspire people to take small steps towards a better future. We believe that each individual can positively impact the planet by making small changes in their daily activities and we are proud to empower them to achieve more sustainable living. “We are committed to leading the
industry forward with the launch of Grundig washing machines with FiberCatcher technology, all with the world’s first integrated synthetic microfibre filtering system, helping minimise synthetic fibre pollution.” To raise awareness of the impact of microfibre plastic pollution and to encourage
people to take action,
Grundig has partnered with UK charity, Marine Conversation Society. Laura Foster, head of clean seas at
the charity, commented: “No matter where you live, our actions can and do impact the ocean’s health. Many people are really concerned about plastic getting into the ocean. However, many of us aren’t aware of the connection between our laundry, and microplastics entering the ocean. “In
fact, over 700,000 fibres are
released every wash. With research suggesting that it can take up to 1,000 years for microplastics to break down, stopping microfibres from going down the drain in the first place makes all the difference in slowing the flow of plastic into our ocean. New technologies that capture microfibres before they reach the marine environment can contribute greatly to reducing the amount of marine pollution by stopping it at source.”
Sensio says the aim of the new initiatives is to equip designers with the knowledge to confidently specify lighting in their kitchen, bedroom and bathroom projects. The Sensio Academy’s mission is to deliver on the company’s brand promise of ‘Making Lighting Simple’.
Neil Oldfield, Sensio training and product manager, said: “Lighting can often be overlooked on a new installation project. Either the same single set of under-cabinet lights are specified time and time again, despite advances in technology or different styles of kitchen, or more often dismissed from plans altogether. The most common reason we hear for this barrier is the fear designers have about lighting. They worry it’s complicated to install and fit, they’re unsure where wiring needs to go, how to power it or what to order, and don’t often appreciate the transformational impact
that lighting can have on the space. “The purpose of the Sensio Academy is to demystify lighting and end the notion that lighting is complex.” As a bespoke mobile training centre, MICK will be visiting design and sales teams up and down the country to deliver training at retailers’ own premises.
“MICK isn’t just a showroom on wheels,” says Oldfield. “We’ve designed this in such a way that when designers
come on board, they
are participating in a fully immersive experience.
“From understanding the impact of
lighting, how to install it, considerations when planning lighting and all the features and benefits of our range of lights and illuminated LED mirrors, the training van elevates the online and in-person training we offer as part of the Academy programme and brings everything to life with the convenience of coming direct to their door.”
Two-thirds of consumers would pay
more for Wras-approved products CONSUMERS SAY they would be prepared to pay a premium for plumbing products that carry the Wras approval logo. Water Regulations Approval Scheme (Wras) conducted what will become a regular, annual survey of 2,000 UK householders into public awareness of Wras. This year’s survey found that half of respondents said they would trust a product bearing the Wras logo and almost two-thirds (62%) said they would pay more for a product bearing the logo. The survey also showed growing public awareness of Wras, with one-in- five (21%) saying they had heard of the organisation, while 74% of non-householders interviewed were aware of the Wras approval scheme, with just over two-thirds (67%) saying they would trust a plumbing product bearing the Wras logo.
Wras approvals manager Ian Hughes said: “One year on from the launch of approvals as a dedicated business, these results are very encouraging and shows that a Wras approval is a recognised route to demonstrating compliance with the regulations.”
More than three-quarters (77%) of those surveyed said they knew that Wras-approved products were checked to ensure they do not leak, while eight out of 10 (79%) knew that Wras-approved products are checked to ensure any non-metallic materials do not impact on water quality. Hughes added: “Not only does a Wras approval offer the security that the Water Fittings Regulations have been complied with, it also offers commercial opportunities to manufacturers and retailers. “Sixty-two per cent of
the trade
audience in our study said they would pay a premium for a plumbing product that had a Wras approval.”
· May 2022
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