After a four-year development programme, Schlüter-Systems has welcomed customers to the company’s impressive new 980 sq m extension at Coalville, Leicestershire, which includes a gallery with 24 displays, a training facility, and 682 sq m of warehouse space along with administrative support offices.

At the open evening, guests saw company directors Marc and Udo Schlüter, whose father Werner founded the company in 1966, cutting the traditional ribbon and listened to a speech from UK MD, Joachim Backes, where he explained, “This milestone aligns seamlessly with Schlüter’s vision to extend our reach to more installers. It underscores Schlüter’s unwavering commitment to training installers across our organisation. Our aim is, and has always been, to exceed expectations by providing the best possible solutions for tile and stone applications”.

After the presentations, guests were invited to explore the new facilities alongside rugby World Cup-winning rugby captain, Martin Johnson, who hosted a Q&A session. A band and magician provided the ongoing entertainment during the evening.

For further information, call 01530 813396 or visit https://www.schluter.co.uk/

The Bathroom Manufacturers Association (BMA) has released its latest research findings, revealing previously unseen insights into the intimate area of UK adults’ bathroom habits.

Key findings from the study include:

Toilet Habits:

• Men use toilet paper less frequently than women. On average, women use 6.1 sheets of toilet paper per use. However, when men do use toilet paper, they use more per visit, averaging 7.5 sheets.
• 3 out of every 50 of us don’t wash our hands after a toilet visit at home.
• 1 in 25 of our toilet visits need a little extra help to clear the pan, with men particularly fond of the double flush.  

Bath Utilisation:

• Despite the prevalence of baths in 87% of households, nearly a third remain unused.
• Reading a book and catching up with social media are our two favourite bathtime activities.

Water Wastage:

• 3 out of 5 participants admitted to leaving the tap running while washing hands, with 42% doing so while brushing their teeth.
• More than 2 in 5 leave the tap running while brushing their teeth.

Showering Preferences:

• Women like their showers hot. While most people favour maintaining a consistent shower temperature, the study suggests that 19 out of 50 women opt to increase the temperature during their showers.

Technology in the Bathroom:

• People are turning their back on tech in the bathroom. Despite the digitalisation of modern life, only 13% would desire more technology in their bathrooms. Instead, the majority sought a tranquil sanctuary without external distractions, focusing on water-saving innovations rather than intrusive gadgets.

The study, supported by Professor Ian Walker of the School of Psychology at Swansea University, embarked on a journey to unravel the mysteries behind the bathroom door. Focusing on daily routines and behaviours, the research aimed to uncover why we engage in certain practices and the underlying factors that drive our actions, particularly concerning water-saving habits.

Many bathroom habits are deeply rooted in childhood, forming subconscious routines that persist into adulthood. However, installing a new bathroom presents a unique opportunity for behaviour change, disrupting established patterns and paving the way for adopting more sustainable practices.

Reflecting on wasteful bathroom habits, participants cited deep-seated routines and prioritisation of personal well-being as primary drivers, indicating a reluctance to modify behaviours despite acknowledging their environmental impact.

As the study drew to a close, participants were tasked with envisioning “the perfect bathroom,” revealing emerging design trends such as black brassware, botanical accents, and thoughtful lighting arrangements.

Commenting on the findings, the BMA’s research manager, Jane Blakeborough, remarked, “Our research offers insights into the complexities of human behaviour within the private realm of the bathroom. By understanding the motivations behind our habits, we can create more sustainable and satisfying spaces that harmonise with our lifestyle needs.”

The comprehensive report, enriched by Professor Walker’s expertise and real-world observations, promises to inform future strategies for promoting water conservation and enhancing bathroom design.

An overview of the research findings is available here.

Leading global brand Grohe has revealed its strategic roadmap for the forthcoming fiscal year, which includes its anticipated return to ISH in March 2025. Additionally, Grohe has disclosed its membership in influential organisations such as VDMA (Mechanical Engineering Industry Association Germany). Grohe’s decision to withdraw from ISH in 2021 was due to health and safety concerns amidst the pandemic.

Bijoy Mohan, LIXIL International’s leader, affirms, “Our roadmap for the upcoming fiscal year reflects our unwavering commitment to our consumers and customers, product leadership, and organisational excellence. A first highlight was our recent presence at Milan Design Week where we showcased the pinnacle of our portfolio with GROHE SPA.

“Through product innovations and collaborations with key industry partners, we are confident in our ability to drive sustainable growth, delivering value to our customers and stakeholders alike, empowering them to thrive in a dynamic market environment. In the face of challenging global market conditions, our international business, especially in Europe, experienced a notable slowdown in demand throughout the year. To address these unprecedented challenges head-on, we have implemented strategic measures for the GROHE brand and the European market. We are confident that these proactive initiatives will not only mitigate the impact of adverse market conditions but also enhance our profitability throughout the fiscal year ending March 2025.”

During the fiscal year 2024 (April 1st, 2023 – March 31st, 2024), the LIXIL EMEA region witnessed a 17% decline in sales on a local currency basis. To enhance customer engagement and foster sales growth for its Grohe brand, LIXIL has implemented a new regional structure to address varied market demands and conditions effectively.

Since April 1st 2024, the EMENA region was split in two: Europe and IMEA, comprising India & Subcontinent, the Middle East, including Turkey, and the entire African continent. According to Grohe, this strategic reorganisation will enable better customer support across Europe, IMEA, and beyond. Plus, it opens up chances for growth in the IMEA region beyond the Grohe brand, showing how LIXIL aims to expand and reach more markets.