Diane, Author at Bathroom Review

The Villeroy & Boch Group announces a proposal to close one kiln at Armitage Shanks site

August 26, 2025

The Villeroy & Boch Group has shared its proposal to close one tunnel kiln at the Armitage Shanks site in Staffordshire, potentially impacting 100 employees.

The proposal is part of a strategic realignment to optimise operations, streamline capacity, and enhance long-term business competitiveness and growth. This proposal is part of the Villeroy & Boch Group’s wider evaluation of its global manufacturing footprint, which aims to ensure efficient operations and overall cost-competitiveness within a highly competitive marketplace.

“This is an incredibly difficult announcement to make”, says UK managing director, Lisa Whitfield. “We recognise the impact this proposal will have on our employees, their families, and the community and we are grateful for the dedication and hard work of our site manufacturing team.”

As one of Villeroy & Boch’s largest markets, the UK is a key country for the company with an offering of a full range of bathroom solutions through its brands Villeroy & Boch, Ideal Standard and Armitage Shanks. With commercial roles and its central distribution center not impacted by the proposal, the company is committed to maintaining a strong commercial and manufacturing presence in the UK and does not expect any disruption for customers.

Villeroy & Boch will now enter a minimum formal 45-day collective consultation period with the trade unions and employee representatives in Armitage.

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Saniflo launches Clear Water range of clean water pumps

August 22, 2025

Saniflo has expanded its portfolio with the launch of the Clear Water range – a complete line-up of pumps designed for the collection, distribution and pressurisation of clean water.

Building on more than 70 years of experience in wastewater management, the new range introduces robust solutions for applications such as rainwater harvesting, garden irrigation, basement drainage and boosting domestic water pressure.

The line-up includes:

Sanijet – a five-model range of stainless steel centrifugal surface pumps, self-priming with Venturi (jet) technology for suction up to 8m. Maximum head: 50–54m; max flow: 3.6–5m³.
SaniMHP – ten multi-stage surface pumps suited to irrigation, rainwater and water supply. Models offer heads of 40–52m and flows of 4–8.7m³.
Saniboost – four domestic booster pumps with heads of 40–54m and flows of 3.6–5m³. Each features a buffer tank to regulate pressure, reduce noise and extend product life.
Sanisub – submersible pumps for flood recovery, basement drainage and rainwater re-use. Flow rates range from 9–15m³/hour with heads up to 11m.
Sanifos – two underground lifting stations with 110L and 280L capacities, designed for grey or treated water management in residential and garden outbuildings.

Saniflo says the Clear Water range supports sustainable water use by enabling collection and re-use of rainwater, grey water and alternative sources, helping reduce demand on mains supply.

With this addition, Saniflo now offers complete solutions for both wastewater and clean water applications.

For more details or to download the Clear Water brochure, visit www.sfasaniflo.co.uk.

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RAK Ceramics launches concrete-effect Opificio tile range

August 19, 2025

RAK Ceramics has extended the design possibilities of its Concrete Collection of wall and floor tiles even further, following the launch of Opificio. This intriguing new range will inject industrial-style luxe into any setting.

A minimalist masterpiece inspired by the organic beauty of traditional, industrial workplaces where raw materials are transformed into high performing products, the Opificio tile range is effortlessly elegant and stunning in its simplicity.

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Incredibly versatile, Opificio can elevate any interior with its timeless charm and has been expertly manufactured to provide designers with a stylish surface solution that will excel in domestic as well as many commercial environments.

Featuring a tactile, textured matt finish, Opificio benefits from an R10 slip rating, with rectified edges for precision laying and a seamless aesthetic. Available in a diverse palette that extends its visual appeal, porcelain Opificio tiles come in White, Light Grey and Beige, pictured right, as well as a dark and dramatic Grey, which can create contrast when paired with lighter colours and materials.

Easy to clean and maintain, 9mm thick Opificio tiles are infinitely durable, can be used on walls as well as floors and come in sizes of: 30 x 60cm, 60 x 60cm, 60 x 120cm and 120 x 120cm. Ideal for designers looking to create a visual link between different spaces, including interiors and exteriors, these tiles are also available as an 80 x 80cm outdoor version measuring 20mm thick.

Also part of the new Opificio collection are white body ceramic wall tiles, which can be specified in two modern neutral finishes of Ivory and Light Grey, pictured left. They come in a 30 x 60cm format, measuring 8.5mm thick, and have a chic and sophisticated matt finish that makes them perfect for bathroom and kitchen walls as well as a diverse selection of commercial settings.

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Contact: RAK Ceramics UK, 01730 237850

www.rakceramics.com/uk/

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Kudos introduces the ultimate roller deflector

August 19, 2025

Designed to create a larger showering area and to prevent overspray from splashing out of the enclosure, Kudos has introduced a retrofittable glass roller deflector panel for its range of Ultimate showering panels.

This new and robust roller deflector is 500mm wide and comes in both 8mm and 10mm toughened safety glass to suit their flexible Ultimate8 and Ultimate10 showering collections. Available with fittings in four coloured finishes, chrome, matt black, brushed brass and brushed nickel, the panel is 1985mm in height and the glass is treated with Lifeshield for easy cleaning. These new panels can be used to create corner or recesses options and can be installed to open either to the left or right. They feature a stylish finger pull handle to assist with opening and closing and are supplied with a trimmable runner so that they can be used on enclosures as small as 1200mm and as large as 2000mm. This new product is manufactured in the UK and comes with a lifetime manufacturer’s warranty.

Kudos Shower Products has been designing and manufacturing shower products at its Cumbria facility since 1999. Now part of the Ronal Bathroom Group, its portfolio includes shower enclosures, shower trays, over-bath screens, and wet-room solutions sold via KBB showrooms and merchants across the UK.

Visit their website kudosshowers.co.uk.

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Grant Westfield launches new 2025 Specification Brochure

August 19, 2025

Grant Westfield, the UK’s leading manufacturer of wall panels, has released its new 2025 Specification Brochure, providing architects, designers, developers and contractors with an essential guide to the company’s complete range of interior solutions.

The brochure brings together Grant Westfield’s full portfolio, including the market-leading Multipanel collection, the distinctive Naturepanel range, and high-performance waterproof flooring, while demonstrating how these products meet the diverse challenges of residential, commercial and specialist projects.

Multipanel, the UK’s best-selling waterproof wall panel, is trusted for delivering grout-free, low-maintenance finishes that install quickly and protect against water ingress. Available in designs that beautifully replicate marble, concrete and tile, Multipanel gives specifiers fully compliant solutions that also achieve high aesthetic standards.

Alongside it, Naturepanel remains a favourite among designers seeking to introduce warm, biophilic elements into interiors. Crafted to emulate the look of acoustic wood slat panelling, it brings sophisticated natural textures into a wide range of spaces, from hotel receptions and workplaces to healthcare environments, all without compromising on durability or hygiene.

Completing the integrated offering, Grant Westfield’s brochure details waterproof click-fit flooring that coordinates seamlessly with both wall ranges. It enables cohesive, design-led schemes throughout bathrooms, living areas and beyond, offering specifiers and developers maximum flexibility across an entire building.

What truly sets this latest specification brochure apart is its focus on addressing sector-specific priorities. It shows how wall and floor panel systems can reduce build times and remove the need for tanking in new housing developments — a key advantage under the latest NHBC regulations. In social housing, it highlights how easy-clean, grout-free surfaces cut maintenance costs and minimise tenant disruption. For student living and build-to-rent, it underlines long-term durability and appearance retention, while also illustrating how seamless systems support infection control in healthcare and enhance guest experiences in hospitality.

Information on Grant Westfield’s Free Trial Scheme, which offers free products, installation and training services for both Multipanel and Naturepanel, is provided in the new brochure alongside customer testimonials and case studies. Here, details of completed specification projects can be found, demonstrating how Grant Westfield consistently exceeds the expectations of its varied customer base.

Sustainability is another clear thread. Grant Westfield manufactures in the UK using FSC® certified timber, reducing transport emissions and supporting clients’ ESG goals. Its products are rigorously tested to EAD 030437-00-0503 standards and lifecycle assessments demonstrate they deliver up to 60% lower environmental impacts than traditional tiling, giving specifiers assurance on both compliance and sustainability performance.

Jamie Sandilands, Specification Director at Grant Westfield, commented: “This brochure is designed to be so much more than a product catalogue. It’s a practical tool that helps professionals navigate compliance, meet ambitious design aspirations and deliver projects faster and more sustainably. It really brings together everything specifiers need to make confident, informed choices.”

The 2025 Specification Brochure is available to download now at: www.grantwestfield.co.uk/specification-brochure/, offering an essential new reference for the future of residential, commercial and specialist interior design.

To find out more about Multipanel’s independently accredited waterproof wall panels, visit: www.multipanel.co.uk. For more information on Naturepanel, visit: www.naturepanel.co.uk

To speak to a member of the Specification team, visit: https://www.grantwestfield.co.uk/spec-area-sales-map-2025

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PJH employees step up to raise over £1,700 for Macmillan Cancer Support

August 19, 2025

Employees at KBB distributor, PJH, have been going the extra mile, quite literally, in support of Macmillan Cancer Support, the company’s chosen charity for 2025, with two remarkable colleagues raising more than £1,700 between them through gruelling endurance challenges.

Katy Burns, PJH’s HR Business Partner for the North, along with her fiancé Royston, recently completed the 13.1-mile Macmillan Mighty Hike in the Lake District, braving torrential rain, thunder, and lightning to cross the finish line. The event, part of Macmillan’s nationwide series of fundraising hikes, challenges walkers to tackle scenic but demanding routes to help raise funds for people living with cancer. Katy and Royston raised an incredible £774, all of which will go towards supporting Macmillan’s vital services.

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Meanwhile, over in Manchester, John Travis, solutions delivery manager from PJH’s Bolton distribution centre took on the Manchester Marathon, his first ever, completing the full 26.2-mile course in just over five hours despite sweltering heat on the day. His efforts raised £970, nearly doubling his original fundraising target.

These inspiring achievements are part of PJH’s wider commitment to raise £15,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support.

PJH has also pledged to match employee fundraising up to a total of £10,000, helping to amplify every pound raised by the team.

Commenting on the fundraising, PJH’s Lynn Statham, head of people said: “Katy and John have both shown exceptional determination and spirit, taking on physically and mentally demanding challenges in aid of a fantastic cause. Their achievements embody the values we hold dear at PJH, which are teamwork, resilience, and a commitment to making a difference.”

With momentum building and more fundraising events planned throughout the year, PJH is well on the way towards hitting its ambitious £15,000 goal.

Further information:

PJH: T: 0800 8 77 88 99 / www.partners.pjh.uk / www.pjh.uk / www.macmillan.org.uk

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Kaldewei refurbishes bathrooms at the 25hours Hotel Bikini Berlin

August 15, 2025

Bathroom brand Kaldewei has launched a first-of-its-kind circular economy pilot in partnership with the 25hours Hotel Bikini Berlin, refurbishing and reinstalling used shower surfaces and bathtubs on a large scale.

The project demonstrates the viability of high-end upcycling in hospitality and construction. More than a decade after installation, existing Kaldewei Superplan showers and bathtubs were dismantled, returned to the manufacturer, and restored using a proprietary multi-stage process. This included sandblasting, re-enamelling, and the application of the anti-slip Secure Plus enamel surface for added safety and performance.

“With this project, we are not only saving resources, but we are also sending out a clear message: durable products can remain valuable even at the end of their useful life – and can be reused,” says Jakob Klingenberg from Kaldewei.

The process achieved a substantial reduction in carbon footprint compared with producing new products. “The remanufacturing of the shower surfaces and bathtubs by Kaldewei produced around 65 per cent less CO2 than the manufacture of new products,” Klingenberg continues.

The refreshed bathroom products complement the hotel’s updated interior, revealed on 4 July 2025 during its anniversary celebrations. The design merges environmental responsibility with style, reflecting a shared goal between Kaldewei, 25hours Hotel Bikini Berlin and all project partners to advance sustainable hospitality.

Margaux Verbeeck, Project Manager at KNSA Hospitality, commented: “The hotel development industry still has many opportunities to become more environmentally friendly. The upcycling story at the 25hours Hotel Bikini Berlin is a step in the right direction and hopefully the start of a long journey.”

“We show how upcycling works in the project business and bring Cradle to Cradle to life,” adds Klingenberg.

Kaldewei is the first bathroom manufacturer to apply upcycling on this scale, setting a benchmark for the industry. The company now plans to extend this model to other partners and projects, underlining its commitment to design excellence and resource conservation.

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Bathroom Association announces Sustainability Awards finalists

August 15, 2025

The Bathroom Association has announced the finalists for its highly anticipated 2025 Sustainability Awards. Reflecting our ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship, the awards shine a spotlight on the remarkable efforts of our members to reduce their environmental impact and champion sustainable innovation.

Open to all full and affiliate members, the award recognises a diverse array of initiatives that are paving the way toward a greener future. From transitioning to circular economy models and reducing carbon emissions to educating teams on water efficiency and inspiring eco-conscious consumer choices through marketing and product design, our members are making a tangible difference.

This year’s finalists exemplify creativity, determination, and forward-thinking approaches to sustainability:

Thomas Dudley Limited – Quantum: The world’s first pushbutton toilet syphon, revolutionising water efficiency in bathroom technology.
Kohler Mira – Mira Advance Heatloop™: Designed to enhance energy performance and support the decarbonisation of UK homes.
Triton Showers – ENlight® with HeatRepeat®: The manufacturer’s first electric shower designed to integrate with Waste Water Heat Recovery Systems (WWHRS).
The Green Futures Initiative Ltd – eco-cistem™: The world’s most environmentally friendly toilet cistern, enabling large-scale water savings.
Roca Group – Electric Kiln: Transforming ceramic production with a focus on sustainability and precision.

This year’s entries impressed the independent judging panel with their outstanding quality. The judges remarked that “virtually all submissions demonstrated a strong understanding of environmental impact challenges” and that narrowing the field was a challenging task.

While only one overall winner will be crowned, the finalists will be presented with commendations for exceptional entries. The awards will be presented at the Connect Conference Gala Dinner on 17 September, a highlight of the industry calendar. Tickets remain available, although accommodation at the Grand Hotel, Birmingham, is now fully booked.

Bathroom Association chief executive, Tom Reynolds, commented: “These awards are a celebration of innovation and dedication in our sector. Each finalist is an example of how the bathroom industry can lead the way in tackling environmental challenges, and we are proud to showcase their achievements.”

For more information about the awards or to book tickets for the Gala Dinner, visit the official Connect Conference website.

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UL Solutions joins Connect Conference 2025 as a silver sponsor

August 15, 2025

The Bathroom Association has announced that UL Solutions will be a silver sponsor of the Connect Conference 2025, taking place on September 16–17 at the renowned Grand Hotel in Birmingham.

Since becoming an affiliate member in May 2023, UL Solutions has demonstrated a deep alignment with the Association’s mission, particularly in areas of safety, sustainability, and product performance. As a global leader in testing, inspection, and certification, UL Solutions helps businesses in over 100 countries transform safety, security, and sustainability challenges into opportunities for growth and innovation.

This year’s conference theme, “Connecting the Dots,” will focus on building closer partnerships across the bathroom industry, with a view to enhancing collaboration, sharing insights, and tackling shared challenges to improve supply chain resilience.

Tom Reynolds, chief executive of the Bathroom Association, welcomed the continued engagement: “We’re delighted to welcome UL Solutions as a silver sponsor for Connect Conference 2025. Their global expertise in testing and certification, combined with their clear commitment to safety and sustainability, brings enormous value to our industry. Their support since joining the Association has been fantastic, and we look forward to continuing this momentum at this year’s event.”

Christian Kurdy, director and global industry leader, Water Systems at UL Solutions, commented: “UL Solutions is proud to sponsor the Connect Conference 2025 and to support the bathroom industry as it pursues greater collaboration, innovation, sustainability, and compliance. Since joining the Association, we’ve seen firsthand how powerful collaboration can be. Our testing and certification services play a crucial role in enabling manufacturers to meet both regulatory requirements and their sustainability targets. We’re excited to contribute to these vital conversations at the conference.”

With a full programme of keynote talks, panel discussions, and networking opportunities — including appearances by Alex Depledge and Anna Leach — the Connect Conference 2025 is set to be a key moment for bathroom sector professionals to come together and shape a resilient, forward-thinking future.

For more information and to register, visit the official Connect Conference 2025 website.

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Duravit presents smart design ideas for compact bathrooms

August 15, 2025

Compact bathrooms are an essential part of modern living – from city apartments and tiny houses to stylish guest toilets. While space is tight, the demand for comfort, functionality and design remains unchanged. With careful planning, smart products, and a clear design concept, even the smallest bathrooms can feel spacious and luxurious.

Washing area solutions
Asymmetric furniture washbasins with vanity tops at the side make the most of every inch. Matching vanity units with drawers and open shelves keep items tidy and close at hand. For narrow rooms, compact handrinse basins with vanity units offer a practical alternative. For those who prefer lightness, elegant metal consoles with integrated glass shelves and towel holders add style without bulk. Mirror cabinets provide storage exactly where it’s needed while keeping the look uncluttered.

Toilets that save space
Compact toilets with short projections are ideal for narrow bathrooms or guest toilets, offering comfort without taking up valuable floor area. Shower toilets save even more space by combining a toilet and bidet in one product, delivering hygienic cleaning with water in a slimline form.

Shower or bath – or both
A floor-flush shower with a glass partition opens the space visually and makes the bathroom feel bigger. Compact built-in bathtubs can be fitted into niches, blending seamlessly with the overall design. With the right layout, it’s possible to include both a shower and a bath without crowding the room.

Design for a feeling of space
An open, calm design can make a compact bathroom look and feel larger. Avoid visual breaks and treat the room as a single harmonious unit. Large tiles, continuous floor finishes and transparent glass screens enhance the effect. Light colours and reflective surfaces brighten the space, while clear lines, minimalist forms and discreet tones maintain a tranquil atmosphere.

From clever storage to space-saving sanitaryware, Duravit’s compact bathroom concepts prove that small rooms can deliver big on comfort, style and function.

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