The Unified Water Label Association is calling on the KBB industry to work together and promote a change in attitudes toward using water wisely on and beyond World Water Day (Saturday, 22 March).
UWLA MD Yvonne Orgill says, “World Water Day presents a fantastic opportunity to raise awareness about the need for water efficiency, but the world water crisis is so serious we must work every day towards using water efficiently, helping to save energy and protect our planet.”
World Water Day is an annual event hosted by the United Nations, and in 2025, itstheme is ‘Glacier Preservation’. Glaciers are critical to life—their meltwater is essential for drinking water, agriculture, industry, clean energy production, and healthy ecosystems. Rapidly melting glaciers are causing uncertainty in water flows, with profound impacts on people and the planet.
“The UWLA has just returned from the world’s leading trade fair for water and HVAC, ISH in Frankfurt. Water was at the heart of the show this year, and the UWLA received a significant number of enquiries about our voluntary Unified Water Label.
“The UWLA is growing its base of supporters with more retailers, manufacturers and distributors than ever pledging their support to use the Unified Water Label, driving home the message that for the sake of the planet, we must use water wisely.
“Together we can all play an important role in influencing and educating consumers on the options available and helping them make the right environmental choices when investing in their home.”
“There has never been a better time to become involved and support the UWLA – visit the website today to find out how you can play your part.”
The eco-cistem™ is a pioneering toilet cistern designed to revolutionise water conservation. It flushes with grey condensate water from air conditioning units, providing an innovative solution to reduce freshwater consumption. Already installed in numerous commercial hotels and office buildings, the eco-cistem™ is delivering substantial water savings.
This advanced cistern is specifically engineered to capture and reuse condensate water – typically wasted and sent to the drain – by redirecting it to the toilet cistern for flushing.
The eco-cistem™ unit features a unique, patented 18-litre, twin-chamber design. It can store up to 12 litres of ‘free’ condensate grey water, with the remaining six litres dedicated to flushing. The system prioritises using grey water, only drawing fresh water when no condensate is available, ensuring optimal flush performance without any compromise.
Condensate production from air conditioning units varies, but even in the UK, the demand for air conditioning is growing due to climate change and increasingly thermally efficient buildings. For instance, a small 1.75kW air conditioning unit can generate over 1 litre of condensate per hour. An eco-cistem™ installation will yield significant freshwater savings even in this scenario.
The eco-cistem™ has been designed and manufactured in the UK and is suitable for various projects, including hotels, apartments and office blocks. It has been created as a concealed installation and, at 485mm high x 476mm wide x 195mm deep in size, can fit in all standard service voids. It is simple to install for wall or frame-mounted WCs and has adjustable flush volumes between 3.5 and 6 litres to suit different regions worldwide. It has undergone testing and received WRAS approval, ensuring compliance with UK Water Supply Regulations.
Additionally, it has passed the AB Air Gap test conducted by KIWA, achieving Category 5 compliance. The cistern is also eligible for BREEAM points under WAT 01 for water consumption and can earn up to six points in LEED’s water efficiency.
In 2023, Paul Crossley was appointed managing director of eco-cistem™ to refine the product design and branding, streamline the UK manufacturing process, and establish several test sites to measure water savings and gain the required accreditations. The development work has now been completed, successful case studies have been conducted, and the product is currently in stock and ready for distribution.
Manufactured in the UK, the eco-cistem™ is ideal for hotels, apartments, and office blocks. Its compact size (485mm high x 476mm wide x 195mm deep) allows for easy installation within standard service voids, whether wall or frame-mounted. The cistern offers adjustable flush volumes between 3.5 and 6 litres, catering to diverse regional needs. It has been tested and certified with WRAS approval for UK Water Supply Regulations and achieved Category 5 compliance in the AB Air Gap test by KIWA. The eco-cistem™ also qualifies for BREEAM points under WAT 01 for water consumption.
eco-cistem™ is the world’s most environmentally friendly toilet cistern. More at https://ecocistem.co.uk/
BAGNODESIGN, the luxury bathroom brand from SANIPEX GROUP, has introduced the vibrant Toko Flavours collection of mixers, showering solutions, and accessories.
The Toko Flavours collection expands on the original Toko brassware range with six distinctive new finishes: Sage, Cocoa, Truffle, Blueberry, Mandarin, and Lip Gloss. Designed to make a bold style statement, the collection offers the flexibility to pair these handles with standard Toko mixer finishes. This versatile range is perfect for anyone looking to add colour and personality to their bathroom interiors, embracing the growing trend for personalisation in bathroom design.
The Toko Flavours colour palette provides endless design possibilities, suitable for various settings, including hospitality, commercial, institutional, and home environments. For those seeking an organic aesthetic, the earthy tones of Cocoa, Truffle, and Sage offer the opportunity to create nature-inspired designs that complement materials like wood, stone, and porcelain tiles, fostering a serene and tranquil atmosphere.
On the other hand, Blueberry, Mandarin, and Lip Gloss bring an exciting burst of vibrant colour, adding a playful and unique visual impact. These finishes can also be paired with other stimulating designs, enhancing the overall look of BAGNODESIGN’s colourful basins and giving bathroom designs room for creativity.
Crafted in Italy and plated in-house at SANIPEX GROUP’s Dubai facility, each Toko Flavours piece incorporates the brand’s advanced Armour technology. Originally developed for military, aerospace, and automotive industries, Armour technology offers exceptional durability for products that require resistance to wear and tear.
The Toko Flavours collection undergoes rigorous testing in both lab and real-world conditions to ensure the highest levels of resistance to corrosion and chemicals. This makes Toko Flavours the ideal choice for both residential and high-traffic commercial bathrooms, providing long-lasting beauty and performance.
Backed by a 10-year guarantee, Toko Flavours reflects BAGNODESIGN’s commitment to inspiring designers and homeowners to transform their interiors with stylish, high-quality bathroom products that offer both boldness and durability.
For more details, contact SANIPEX GROUP on 01924 233977 or visit www.bagnodesign.it
The NUIO DUO designer bathtub, created by Stefan Diez for Kaldewei, was on display at ISH Frankfurt. The new high-end Zen Edition bathtub includes infrared heat, music and lighting, all of which are operated by an intuitive panel on the side of the bath. The innovative features pamper the senses, encouraging holistic regeneration.
The NUIO DUO is a stylish upgrade for any bathroom. It features Kaldewei’s Heat Wave technology, an outstanding innovation that combines soothing and precisely adjustable infrared radiant heat within an ergonomic tub shape that gently accommodates the body. The balanced synergy of heat and water creates a pleasant atmosphere, promoting relaxation while having a positive effect on muscles and bones thanks to targeted infrared heat.
The elegant control panel with LCD display and intuitive slider function enables the bather to operate Heat Wave, Sound Wave, various lighting moods with a wide colour spectrum, and other practical functions with a single touch. The LCD display shows the current settings, including the water temperature. It simplifies the tub filling and stylishly integrates the overflow.
Designer Stefan Diez is responsible for the clear lines of the Kaldewei NUIO DUO. Inspired by nature, it integrates discreetly and harmoniously into the bathroom. The flowing shape is reminiscent of pools created by water and combines natural geometry with modern minimalism. Generous dimensions, ergonomic back sections and the pronounced neck and shoulder area ensure luxurious comfort in the deep bathtub. Available in a range of coordinated colours and crafted from 100% recyclable Kaldewei steel enamel, the sophisticated material stands for longevity and sustainability.
Jaquar, the renowned Indian bathroom solutions brand, showcased the Navia Collection at ISH 2025. Through its minimalist aesthetic, the collection celebrates everyday rituals, transforming ordinary spaces into havens of tranquillity and sophistication.
Inspired by the iconic straight lines of French artist Daniel Buren and the timeless architecture of columns, Navia brings an atmosphere of pure elegance to every space. Each piece in the collection harmonises form and function, reflecting Jaquar’s commitment to creating products that not only enhance the aesthetic of a room but also elevate the experience of daily living.
The Navia Collection is a perfect blend of contemporary design and timeless style. It showcases Jaquar’s dedication to quality craftsmanship and innovation, transforming the ordinary into extraordinary. With an eye for detail and a focus on elevating every moment, Navia seamlessly fits into the lives of those who appreciate the finer things. The collection celebrates the beauty of simplicity, turning everyday spaces into serene, luxurious retreats.
Jaquar also highlighted its revolutionary Triegene 3-Stage Water Filtration System at ISH 2025. The health-enhancing benefits of a whirlpool are now better than ever, thanks to this innovative filtration system that makes water cleaner, clearer, safer, and more hygienic. The Triegene system is designed to ensure that your whirlpool experience is not only luxurious but also hygienic. With features that make it easy to maintain, the system saves time, conserves water, and is environmentally friendly.
Patricia Urquiola’s Balcoon bathroom range for Duravit creates a fascinating combination of modernity and timeless elegance—minimalistic yet also with a strong design identity. By uniting premium features with first-class finishing, she sets a new standard in the medium-price segment, making her design accessible to a broad public.
The range’s objects pair simple geometric forms with clear lines, creating a pared-down, timeless aesthetic that simultaneously exudes warmth and accessibility.
“The design plays with differences in height, projections and the overlapping of materials and textures, from which the name ‘Balcoon’ is derived,” explains Patricia Urquiola.
Form, colour, and material to outlast short-lived trends
The above-counter basins create a sculptural focal point in the room that extends beyond their function. By placing round and oval washbasins on a square plinth, the designer created a specific architectural feeling. Playing with two different levels in this way is a constant across the entire collection – from the wall-mounted washbasins through the toilets and bidets up to the furniture elements and bathtubs.
Patricia Urquiola created an earthy terracotta shade for the Balcoon ceramic objects that brings their tactile and material qualities to the fore.
“Clay Terra Matt is the central colour of the new collection. A shade that makes the ceramics look more authentic and handmade,” says the designer.
This is also the basis of the nature-inspired colour scheme for the bathroom furniture, giving rise to unique combinations that flow from white to earthy brown tones into anthracite.
Textured furniture finishes set playful accents. The mineral consoles available in three colour options are another way of adding more depth and authenticity to the furniture.
Everyday furniture solutions with an aesthetic flourish
The console, with its integrated rear panel, is just one of the striking details within the Balcoon washing area elements and creates a special spatial dimension. The console is overlaid with the fronts of the storage solutions beneath, which Patricia Urquiola designed as an unusual, partly asymmetric arrangement of drawers and open shelves. The combination of contrasting colours further reinforces the visual tension of the furniture elements.
The designer opted for plain décors in a range of colour gradients as standard finishes for the medium-price segment. “The furniture is given a very special upgrade with consoles in a sophisticated terrazzo look and ribbed furniture fronts,” says Patricia Urquiola.
Design meets functional perfection and sustainability
The Balcoon acrylic built-in bathtubs skillfully capture the interplay between two levels and feature two visually striking details: the oval, raised edge of the tub sits on a seamless acrylic panel that extends into the corners and is easy to clean, while the ergonomically shaped interior invites you to indulge in a relaxing bathing experience. Matching faucets for the washing area, bidet, shower, and bathtub complete the range. The cylindrical handle transitions into the faucet body in a gentle curve, making it particularly pleasant to hold. The three surface variants—Chrome, matte black, and Stainless Steel—complement the harmonious colour spectrum of the range. The Balcoon faucets offer resource-saving functions in the form of Fresh Start and Minus Flow, which save energy and water.
Eczacıbaşı VitrA marked its 21st appearance at ISH, the world’s leading trade fair for building products, held in Frankfurt from March 17-21, 2025. The brand showcased its VitrA Grid product portfolio, celebrated for its ‘mix-and-match’ versatility, alongside an array of new washbasins, fittings, and bathroom furniture
This year’s stand embodied VitrA’s ‘Design for Life’ philosophy, encouraging visitors to rethink the role of design in the bathroom. A standout moment was the debut of the SustaINdex project – an industry-first in sustainability – which highlighted VitrA’s dedication to innovative, eco-conscious solutions.
The stand, designed in four sections, showcased VitrA’s strengths in product variety, innovation, and design expertise. VitrA Grid, for instance, revolutionises bathroom planning by offering adaptable, stylish solutions that cater to various spaces and styles, ensuring seamless coordination within and across collections.
VitrA Signature, a collection developed in collaboration with renowned designers, introduced a fresh aesthetic to the bathroom, blending craftsmanship with deep design expertise to create inspiring living spaces. Visitors also discovered the latest wellness products, including the Sense Hybrid washbasin and kitchen faucet, as well as new shower and faucet designs, each prioritising comfort and convenience.
VitrA’s sustainability commitment was evident with the introduction of SustaINdex – a new methodology that evaluates and enhances the social and environmental impact of products throughout their life cycle. This initiative, developed in collaboration with universities, assesses products’ sustainability profiles and continuously improves them.
Among other innovations, VitrA unveiled the V-Care smart toilet family, SonicFlush technology for improved hygiene, and V-Fit, a new installation system for concealed cisterns. The brand also introduced the world’s first 100% recycled ceramic washbasin and a toilet seat made from 92% recycled materials, cutting carbon emissions by 80% compared to standard products.
VitrA’s latest bathroom furniture, including the Integra Round & Square collection, showcased contemporary design with practical features. The Plural collection, designed by Terri Pecora, expanded storage solutions in luxury bathroom furniture, ensuring style and functionality.
Detailed information was available at VitrA’s stand with experts on hand to engage with visitors throughout the event.
Barbie and HEWI have unveiled a collaboration centred on a shared goal: design with limitless possibilities. The new Barbie x HEWI sanitary collection marries timeless Bauhaus design principles with Barbie’s iconic colour palette, creating a series that celebrates individuality and inclusivity.
This collection not only sets new standards for bathroom design but embodies the spirit of independence, inspiration, and appreciation for every person’s uniqueness. The special collaboration was presented for the first time at the ISH in Frankfurt, where the entire collection was showcased at the HEWI stand.
Universal HEWI – design for everyone
Universal design has always been at the heart of HEWI’s philosophy. For over 95 years, the company has been crafting products that deliver real value to people. HEWI stands out with premium materials, iconic colours, and simple, intuitive usability. These values shine in the Barbie x HEWI collection—a design made accessible to all, regardless of individual needs or abilities.
Barbie – a symbol of optimism and diversity
Barbie is the most diverse doll line in the world, with more than 175 looks, including body types, skin colours, hairstyles, hair colours, eye colours, and visible and non-visible disabilities. This diversity is reflected in the Barbie x HEWI collection, which honors the beauty of uniqueness.
The colour pink stands for optimism, self-confidence and hope. In architecture, it is increasingly perceived as a tone that evokes emotions and offers versatile effects. Depending on the setting, pink can be stimulating and inspiring or serve as a calming and harmonizing accent. In the Barbie x HEWI collection, this striking colour choice is combined with HEWI’s minimalist, functional design to create an expressive and innovative synergy.
In the context of “Healing Architecture” – an approach that emphasizes the restorative impact of spatial design – pink contributes to creating environments that promote openness, warmth, and creativity. The collection integrates seamlessly into a wide range of architectural spaces: from private bathrooms to boutique hotels, accessible healthcare facilities, and public spaces. With its clean design language and distinctive stylistic features, the Barbie x HEWI collection demonstrates how design can be not only functional but also emotionally impactful.
Design with limitless possibilities
The Barbie x HEWI collection comprises almost 40 high-quality sanitary products that blend HEWI’s iconic design with Barbie’s unmistakable style. From towel holders and soap dispensers to toilet brush sets and folding support rails, the collection offers thoughtful solutions for design-conscious customers seeking to combine functionality and flair. With a fresh colour palette, HEWI reimagines its legendary 477/801 series, bringing a modern edge and stylish charm to bathroom spaces.
The collection’s products meet the highest standards of quality, durability, and functionality. The colour range spans elegant pale pink to chic combinations of pale pink, white, and black, offering versatile design possibilities for any bathroom.
Global icons
“Barbie and HEWI represent iconic design and bold visions—our collaboration brings these strengths together in remarkable ways,” says Christiane Küper, Head of Brand + Sales at HEWI. “The Barbie x HEWI collection embodies ‘design with limitless possibilities,’ blending functionality, aesthetics, and inclusivity to inspire people and set new standards in modern interiors.”
Ruth Henriquez, head of consumer products, Publishing and LBE EMEA Mattel, Inc., adds, “For over 65 years, Barbie has stood for creativity and self-expression. Through our partnership with HEWI, we’ve translated these values into an innovative and functional collection that inspires the design world while embracing our brand’s commitment to inclusivity. We’re thrilled to see this collaboration evolve into a new form of expression and functionality.”
Tile brand Ca’ Pietra has partnered with Zoe Glencross on a new collection of tiles that will be available to the trade.
Inspired by Zoe’s travels to the sunny and beautiful cities of Seville, Lisbon, Porto and Palma, the Aventuras Collection is an evolution of a design style that amalgamates Moorish mudéjar and Portuguese azulejo patterning.
Selecting four of Zoe’s signature prints from her fabric collection, the team at Ca’ Pietra worked with Zoe to translate them to porcelain tiles – giving retailers the versatility to create borders and custom layouts to suit their designs. Each tile in the collection can be used on both walls and floors.
As well as pattern, colour plays a hugely important role. It is divided into three colour stories of Terracotta and rich ochres: soft pink, blue and Olive, and coastal blues.
Grazzie Wilson, head of creative at Ca’ Pietra, says: “The House of Ca’ Pietra has long admired the work of Zoe Glencross and textile design and so when the opportunity arose to work together to bring one of her collections to life in tile format, it felt like a perfect match”.
About Zoe Glencross
Zoe Glencross is a talented fabric designer known for her vibrant and innovative textile designs. With a keen eye for colour and pattern, she creates unique fabrics that blend modern aesthetics with timeless appeal. Her work often incorporates nature-inspired motifs and a deep appreciation for craftsmanship, making her designs highly sought after in the fashion and interior design industries. Glencross’s ability to combine artistic vision with practical applications has earned her recognition in the world of textile design.
PJH, one of the UK’s leading distributors in the KBB sector, has announced the appointment of Lynn Statham as head of people. In this newly created role, Lynn will be responsible for shaping and leading PJH’s people strategy, reinforcing the company’s commitment to employee engagement, learning and development, and organisational growth—ensuring PJH remains the Employees’ FIRST CHOICE.
With a distinguished career spanning over two decades in HR leadership, Lynn brings a wealth of experience across the retail, distribution, and logistics sectors. Before joining PJH, she held senior HR roles at Culina Logistics and The Pallet Network (TPN), where she was instrumental in implementing strategic people plans, enhancing employee engagement, and driving cultural transformation. She has successfully led major projects, including HR system integrations and leadership development initiatives.
Richard George, CEO at PJH, commented: “We are delighted to welcome Lynn to PJH as our new Head of People. Her impressive track record in HR leadership, combined with her strategic vision, will be invaluable in driving our people’s agenda forward. As we continue to expand and invest in our people, Lynn’s expertise will play a crucial role in strengthening our culture, attracting the best people, and supporting our teams to thrive.”
In her new role at PJH, Lynn will oversee all aspects of talent acquisition, employee experience, learning & development, and diversity & inclusion. A key focus will be on aligning PJH’s people strategy with its broader business objectives, ensuring a high-performance culture that attracts, nurtures, and retains people and is in line with its ‘Employees First Choice’ approach.
Speaking about joining PJH, Lynn said: “I’m thrilled to be joining PJH at such an exciting time in its growth journey. The company’s commitment to innovation, customer excellence, and a people-first culture resonates strongly with me. I look forward to working with the leadership team to further enhance our employee experience, ensuring that PJH remains a dynamic and inspiring place to work.”
PJH remains committed to fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and professional growth, and Lynn’s appointment underscores this ambition.
