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The British Beauty Council recently announced support for ‘Plastic-free July’, calling on consumers to make small lifestyle changes to reduce single-use plastic waste in their households.

The influential movement has spread across 190 countries and gathered over 100+ million participants. Plastic-free July means brands are working harder to remove visible and hidden plastics from everyday use. Nowhere is this more prevalent than in the bathroom. From smaller items such as toothbrushes and toothpaste tubes to acrylic baths and shower trays, plastic is everywhere in our bathrooms, and it is sometimes hard to find sustainable alternatives.

For Kaldewei, sustainability is in their DNA. However, it continues to improve and, like many brands, has invested time to ensure its products are as sustainable and eco-friendly as possible. From being proud partners with the WWF to ensuring all materials are 100% authentic and natural. Kaldewei launched their own “Less Plastic in the Bathroom” initiative, in which Kaldewei showed how much plastic can be found in our bathrooms.

Since the beginning, Kaldewei has only used one hundred per cent real and natural steel enamel instead of acrylic to ensure that all bathtubs and washbasins are manufactured sustainably and to the highest quality. However, it’s not only the products that are sustainable the packaging is to.

In 2022, Kaldewei stopped using polystyrene in its packaging and changed it to cardboard. Since then, Kaldewei’s packaging has been 95% recyclable. It continues to invest time and money into discovering new sustainable technology that will allow it to cut plastic from its packaging completely. Currently, all packaging from Kaldewei is made from 48% cardboard and 48% wood, which means products are sustainable from production to delivery.

Kaldewei says be-it beauty products or bathtubs, when buying online, it is important to understand the brand’s ethics and know that you can trust them.

www.kaldewei.co.uk

Drummonds has unveiled a new addition to its family of cast iron bathtubs, the Newton. Said to offer a playful nod to mid-century Scandi design, the Newton features a generously rounded base. The bath’s body is subtly fluted to a broad rolled edge at the top and rests on four oversized bun feet. 

Drummonds’ creative director, James Lentaigne, said: “In fact, we began with a stark and playful geometry almost reminiscent of Mephis Milano, but the bath’s ultimate iteration became something much more pared back with an airiness and symmetry. Grounded in the human form, the organic curves of Scandinavian design have a soothing harmony that works well here.”

All Drummonds’ baths are made from solid cast iron using the time-honoured sand-casting technique first used by the finest Victorian foundries. Renowned for its mastery of enamelling and hand-finishing, each bath product is considered one-of-a-kind.

The business owns and operates three foundries that manufacture cast iron baths, brass fittings, and china sanitaryware. Drummonds’ head office and warehouse are located in Surrey, UK, with flagship showrooms in London and New York.

A new partnership between bathroom brand VitrA and Ideal Bathrooms will see the distributor hold the largest UK stock of VitrA’s Bathroom Collection, including ranges such as S20, Zentrum, Milton and Layton, and new V-Fix frames. It will also hold brassware ranges Minimax S and Solid S, in addition to the new Flow Line range with V-SuperFix technology.

VitrA has also announced the return of the highly popular S50 range, to which Ideal Bathrooms will have exclusive rights. The range includes the resurgence of 16 products and washbasin units in three sizes. The units feature a minimalist, handleless design and are available in high-gloss white, anthracite, and golden oak.

Bathroom retailers will be able to place orders 24/7; in addition, Ideal Bathrooms offers 99% UK coverage with next-day delivery. A recently introduced fleet of new Euro 6 compliant delivery vans marks an important step in their Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) agenda.

Sam Cooke, VitrA’s head of independent retail, said: “We are delighted to be entering this new phase of working with Ideal Bathrooms. Ideal Bathrooms have a fantastic service proposition and we are confident that this collaboration will bring significant benefits to our retail customers.”

Will Hickman, sales and marketing director at Ideal Bathrooms, said: “Realigning our strategic partnership with VitrA on their bathroom collection range marks a significant milestone for Ideal Bathrooms. As the exclusive distributor of the S50 range, we are thrilled to offer our loyal customers access to this high-quality and versatile collection. This relationship reinforces our commitment to providing exceptional value and innovation in the bathroom market.”

More news and product information from VitrA

Flair Showers displayed its shower enclosure ranges, including its brand new Flair PRO Essential Collections range, engineered specifically for trade professionals, at InstallerSHOW 2024.

Flair also revealed its ‘Installer’s Choice’ campaign to emphasise to visitors that Flair is a trusted and reliable partner while showcasing its easy-fit showering solutions. Installers got hands-on at the exhibition, too, taking on Flair’s Click-Fit PRO test to experience for themselves how quick and hassle-free a Flair Verve PRO shower door is to assemble.

The Flair PRO Essential Collections boasts a variety of shower doors, bath screens, and wetroom solutions. The Verve PRO range of shower doors features easy-to-fit frames and materials that will stand the test of time. Flair also displayed enclosures from its premium Harmony Collections and the affordable Flair PRO range.

Sarah O’Reilly, senior marketing executive at Flair Showers, says: “Exhibiting at InstallerSHOW 2024 was important for us at Flair Showers to meet and engage with the trade professionals in our industry. We launched the Flair PRO Essential Collections, a product range designed and engineered with installers in mind. We are delighted with the interest and feedback our Verve PRO shower doors received at the exhibition. It was exciting to see installers getting hands-on with our Verve Click-Fit PRO assembly system and experience the quality and reliability in our product. 

“Our Flair PRO ‘VAN’ project communicates the values behind our Flair PRO Essential Collections and our appreciation for the skilled trade professionals we rely on every day while embedded within is the unrivalled customer and technical support that we offer to trade professionals. Following a successful launch at InstallerSHOW, we look forward to working alongside more UK trade professionals. Trust Flair, Trust PRO.”

For more information on the brand new Flair PRO Essential Collections, please contact sales@flairshowers.co.uk or visit the website www.flairshowers.co.uk/flairpro    

The PJH Contracts Division, part of the PJH Group, has announced a new contract win with Churchill Retirement Living Ltd.

PJH Contracts, a national team of contract managers, site liaison officers, installers, and a dedicated Customer Service Resource, will supply and install all cooking, cooling, and cleaning kitchen appliances for the 55 retirement apartments at Caxton Lodge in Tenterden, Kent. As Churchill’s ‘solus’ supplier and installer of appliances throughout all its UK developments, this new project further strengthens the partnership.

This strategic alliance involves PJH outfitting each of the development’s 55 apartments with the latest Hoover built-in and integrated appliances, ensuring future residents enjoy style, functionality and energy efficiency in their new homes. Caxton Lodge offers a variety of 1- and 2-bedroom apartments designed to provide a high degree of comfort and security, allowing residents to savour their retirement in a beautiful setting.

The PJH Contracts Division, with over 50 years of experience, covers the entire UK with clients across four key housing industry sectors: Developers, Builders, Kitchen Furniture Manufacturers, and Affordable Housing Providers.

It prides itself on offering a professional end-to-end supply and installation service to the housebuilding industry. With high stock availability (3.5 million pounds worth of quality household appliance brands held in its distribution centres), fast efficient delivery, and a team of nationwide fitters, the PJH Contracts Division provides a same-day on-site delivery and fitting service to its range of customers, backed by PJH’s ‘First Choice’ service promise.

Speaking about the project, Aaron Willumsen, Head of Sales, PJH Contracts said: “We are delighted to partner with Churchill Retirement Living on this exceptional flagship project. At PJH, we are committed to delivering not just products, but complete made-to-order solutions that enhance the lives of the end-users and this project allows us to showcase our dedication to quality and customer satisfaction.”

Aaron added: “This supply and fit project is just one of many contracts we’ve secured in recent months as ever more builders and developers recognise the benefits of partnering a national team of dedicated contracts managers that can source and supply the widest range of the latest branded appliances, in the shortest possible time, together with full site liaison and installation.”

For further information on PJH Contracts, visit www.pjh.uk or call, T: 03432 909090

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Roca Group has acquired Idral, an Italian manufacturer of self-closing faucets and taps for public and semi-public spaces. This significantly strengthens Roca Group’s faucets division and enhances its position in the market for public and communal bathrooms, such as those in schools, hospitals, and the hospitality industry.

Boasting 50 years of experience, Idral is the leading supplier of public bathroom taps in Italy. It specialises in a wide range of products, including electronic, self-closing, and pedal taps. The family-owned company is one of 87 manufacturers located around Milan, representing 20% of Italy’s national production of taps and fittings.

Idral is also a leader in smart tap technology, offering solutions like self-closing thermostatic cartridges and sensor taps. Its portfolio of products complements Roca Group’s existing lines and offers potential for growth in this sector across Europe.

KPMG and Baker McKenzie assisted Roca Group in this transaction. Alisea Corporate Finance and Tonucci & Partners assisted Idral Group.

Bathroom brand Villeroy & Boch has completed a structural reorganisation of its management board responsibilities, effective August 1, 2024.

The move follows the acquisition of all operating companies of Ideal Standard earlier in the year. The existing Bathroom & Wellness division will merge with Ideal Standard into three functional areas: Operations, Sales and Marketing/R&D/Product Management.

Operations will be assigned to Georg Lörz, who takes the newly created position of chief operations officer; Bathroom & Wellness (COO B&W) Purchasing and ESG will also fall under the remit of Lörz.

Ideal Standard’s current managing director, Jan Peter Tewes, will become executive vice president of sales of Bath & Wellness. He will be joined by the executive vice president of marketing/R&D/product management, this position is yet to be confirmed.

Both positions are established below the management board and will report to Gabi Schupp, the chairwoman of the management board (CEO).

Villeroy & Boch was founded in 1748 and is located in Mettlach/Germany. Villeroy & Boch is represented in 125 countries, and its products are sold in the bathroom & wellness and dining & lifestyle divisions. 

New and exclusive to the luxury BAGNODESIGN brand from SANIPEX are two beautiful PVD finishes, now available on many of its popular mixers, accessories and showering ranges

PVD Oyster is a luxurious, soft finish that perfectly complements soft-shaped mixer designs. Highly sought after by bathroom designers looking for a finish that elevates the entire space in a sophisticated way, PVD Oyster responds to a growing trend at the top end of the market.

The new finish is available on BAGNODESIGN brassware ranges, including Bristol (pictured below), Orology (pictured bottom), Corsair and the newly launched Nara collection (pictured top)

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In stunning contrast, BAGNODESIGN PVD Soft Burgundy is a modern and distinctive finish with a rich colour and soft brushed metallic texture. It caters to the increasing demand for warm-toned brassware, a popular trend in bathroom design. PVD Soft Burgundy now features on two of BAGNODESIGN’s popular and contemporary mixer ranges, Vitesse (pictured right) and Mezzanine (below), giving even more creative freedom and design flair for bathrooms and washrooms.

Both PVD finishes are not only beautiful, but they are also highly durable, resistant to finger marks, tarnishing, corrosion and wear. For complete peace of mind, the finish comes with a 10-year guarantee.

For more details, contact Sanipex Group on 01924 233977 or visit www.sanipexgroup.com/uk

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Saniflo and Kinedo are celebrating the outstanding success of their presence at Installer 2024. This year, the innovative stand design featuring Saniflo on one side and the Kinedo shower brand on the other received more than 400 visitors over three days. 

The comprehensive Saniflo portfolio of pumps, macerators, and lifting stations, including models like the Sanifos underground lifting station and the Sanicubic GR, drew significant attention. The working display of the Sanicubic 2 Pro floor standing pump range and the Sanicom grey water lifting station were also popular highlights. The domestic range, featuring macerators, shower pumps, condensate pumps, and the innovative Saniflush and Sanicompact WCs, was well-received, particularly for spaces with limited access to gravity drainage.

The Kinedo Ekinox Duo in cobalt blue, Kinequartz Solo with smoked glass, and the Smart Design Solo Nordic with an oak-look frame were standout pieces on the stand. The versatile Smart Design enclosures, available with both sliding and saloon doors, were paired with Kinemooon, Kineline, and Kinerock Evo trays in natural stone designs, demonstrating the variety and elegance of Kinedo’s offerings. The luxurious Kinewall shower panels, featuring vibrant designs such as banana trees, white waves, herringbone, and vertical wood, created a colourful and eye-catching display. These Kinewall designs were specifically chosen to complement the enclosures and trays, underscoring Kinedo’s comprehensive shower solutions. The Nordic frame showcased a hexagon design in beige, harmonising perfectly with its frame, while the Ekinox blue enclosure was paired with a patterned Kinewall panel in matching blue, creating a cohesive and stylish look.

Saniflo UK marketing manager Amanda Mills says: “We were delighted with how the show went. The stand was bustling with activity on both sides, attracting a lot of interest from attendees. We received visits from journalists, known industry contacts, and many new people, which added to the excitement. Over three days, we scanned 432 badges and engaged in many more conversations, reflecting the high level of interest in our products. The show was a great success for the company, and we look forward to building on the connections made.”

Central Park by Meraas, located in the vibrant City Walk area of Dubai, is the most recent example of high-end urban living. As part of a large-scale development that promises to be in high demand, SANIPEX GROUP has been chosen to provide bathroom fittings for three residential buildings: Celadon, Myrtle, and Viridian.

Working alongside Parkway International Contracting and Eastern International, SANIPEX GROUP is delivering complete washroom and bathroom solutions from its BAGNODESIGN and AQUAECO brands.

Scheduled to compete in late 2024, Celadon, Myrtle, and Viridian will boast state-of-the-art sanitaryware, brassware, and accessories chosen for modern design, durability, and functionality. These fittings align perfectly with the contemporary urban living theme and will outfit approximately 500 bathrooms across 1–3-bedroom apartments and communal washrooms.

In the residential bathrooms, double washbasin vanities add a touch of practical luxury, making it easy for two people to share their morning routine. Residents can relax in bathtubs or enjoy step-in showers with convenient slide rail kits, hand showers, and concealed mixers.

For the communal washrooms, sleek Matt Black touchless taps and accessories were chosen, providing a stylish urban feel. The addition of trendy round basins gives these spaces a modern twist on traditional designs.

“We’re proud to be a part of Central Park by Meraas, bringing high-quality and innovative bathroom solutions to this prestigious development and setting a new standard for urban living in Dubai,” commented SANIPEX GROUP’s Guy Wilson, group managing director Trade & Projects.

For more details, contact Sanipex Group on 01924 233977 or visit www.sanipexgroup.com/uk