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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
The Bathroom Association has welcomed QURE Group as its newest affiliate member, further strengthening the Association’s commitment to supporting consumer confidence and business excellence across the bathroom industry.
QURE Group brings a wealth of specialist knowledge in resolving disputes and unpaid invoices across home improvement, renewable energy installations, and construction sectors. Their Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI)-approved mediation service provides homeowners, installers, trade associations and retailers with flexible, efficient, and cost-effective solutions designed to de-escalate tensions and resolve disagreements swiftly and fairly.
Tom Reynolds, chief executive of the Bathroom Association, commented, “QURE Group’s industry-leading expertise in impartial dispute resolution is a valuable addition to our affiliate network. They offer a powerful resource to our members, helping them enhance customer satisfaction, safeguard their reputation, and resolve issues efficiently and professionally. This partnership underlines our ongoing commitment to raising standards and protecting consumers across the bathroom sector.”
QURE Group’s team of experienced mediators is recognised for their calm and measured approach to handling complex disputes. Their tailored services support businesses in demonstrating accountability, avoiding costly legal actions, and maintaining healthy cash flow, particularly in cases involving delayed or disputed payments.
Scott Robinson, managing director of QURE Group said, ” We specialise in resolving disputes across the home improvement industry, helping businesses maintain trust, uphold standards and move forward with confidence. We are excited to be members of the Bathroom Association, whose commitment to raising standards, supporting professionals and driving positive change mirrors our own. It’s a great opportunity for us to offer our services to fellow members and play our part in strengthening the bathroom sector, making it better for businesses, and more positive for customers too.”
This partnership will give Association members new tools to bolster consumer trust, navigate disputes more effectively, and uphold high standards of professionalism throughout the customer journey.
Bathroom brandGrange Design examines the latest trends in bath shower mixer taps, as people in the UK continue to enjoy a long soak in the bath at least once a day.
Clive Griffiths, manager at Grange Design says “Despite being dubbed a ‘shower nation’, the desire in Britain for freestanding bathtubs shows no signs of abating with recent market reports showing they hold a 46% share of revenue in 2025. Driven by the rise in home renovations, luxury design trends, and wellness-focused lifestyles, the latest trends are leaning into opulent soaking tubs featuring distinct bath filler taps with integrated handshowers for the ultimate in self-care luxury and relaxation at home.”
With a huge range of options for the classic and contemporary bathroom space, please find the latest trends in bath shower mixer taps from the experts at Grange Design:
FORM –Traditional style taps in 2025 exude maximalist charm with ornate handles and spouts designed to complement other classic elements in the bathroom such as period-style furniture, decorative tiles, print wallpaper, and the very best roll top, slipper, and freestanding bathtubs. The contemporary bathroom continues to emphasise clean lines and sleek finishes, with modern double-ended tubs favouring slim and tall floor standing bath taps, as well as industrial-style wall or deck mounted designs, as they can be centrally positioned when the bath is in the middle of the room to enhance usability and overall aesthetics.
FUNCTION – From water flow and temperature control to bathing with a handshower for greater accuracy when washing, the latest technological advancements in bath shower mixer taps continue to focus on ease of use and overall design efficiency. Look out for bath fillers with extra wide spouts so you can fill a high volume tub quickly, flexible shower hoses to provide optimal flexibility when washing your hair or cleaning the bath, through to quarter turn action and integrated diverters, which change the water flow between the spout and shower handset so you can enjoy a relaxing soak or refreshing shower as needed.
FINISH – Conventional finishes continue to serve both traditional and contemporary décors, with chrome and nickel remaining staple choices for all bathroom styles in 2025. A great partner to brilliant white sanitaryware and natural surfaces in stone and marble, cool metallic finishes will keep your taps looking pristine and more hygienic thanks to their smooth, non-porous finish. Although they require a little more effort to maintain their shiny appearance, polished metallic bath taps are a popular choice in high-end bathrooms for creating a luxurious appearance with enhanced durability.
Grange Design recommends its timeless 1920s style Leonardo Bath Shower Mixer, which is available either deck mounted, wall mounted or floor standing for maximum flexibility. Alternatively, consider a Brunel Bath Filler or Bath Shower Mixer, which fuse industrial design with a prominent six spoke handwheel. Leonardo Bath Shower Mixers start from £822 including vat, with Brunel Bath Taps priced from £681 including vat.
If you prefer a more contemporary bathroom style then Grange Design recommend its modern Atlantic Bath Shower Mixer Taps, which are linear by design and available in either Chrome or high fashion Matt Black finish. Prices start from £1,232 including vat, across both floor standing and wall mounted models.
For more information or to buy online, please contact Grange Design:
Zehnder Group UK has launched its latest aluminium radiator collection, designed in response to the growing demand for energy-efficient heating solutions that align with modern interior design expectations. The new range introduces four new models: Zehnder Kymaira, Zehnder Myra, Zehnder Symena and Zehnder Olympoz.
Engineered from lightweight, 100% recyclable aluminium, the collection combines refined construction with excellent thermal responsiveness, making it particularly well suited to low-temperature heating systems, such as heat pumps. Its ability to heat up rapidly provides a practical advantage in spaces where quick temperature adjustments are needed.
Designed for a long product lifespan and full recyclability at the end of life, the new models are precision-engineered for consistent indoor comfort. This makes them suitable for both new-build and retrofit projects, whilst meeting the building regulation standard, Part L.
“With the launch of our new aluminium radiator collection, we’re setting a new benchmark for what energy-efficient, design-led heating can look like,” says Phillip Conroy, National Sales & Key Account Manager for Heating at Zehnder Group UK. “Designed to perform at low water temperatures, this range demonstrates how sustainability and style can work hand in hand, delivering both aesthetic value and technical excellence to modern living spaces.”
The full collection includes:
· Zehnder Kymaira – Featuring finely narrowed, tapered vertical fins to create a bold architectural edge to any modern interior. Expertly crafted from aluminium, the Zehnder Kymaira responds quickly to changes in temperature, making it perfect for maintaining comfort and warmth.
· Zehnder Myra – Offers full reversibility in design, giving customers the option to display sleek flat-panelled sections or opt to showcase finely ridged minimalist lines. Innovatively designed from aluminium, the Zehnder Myra delivers exceptional heat efficiency and rapid response times, ensuring a perfectly balanced climate.
· Zehnder Symena – Defined by a smooth, rounded profile and a minimalist presence. Inspired by classic architectural forms, the Zehnder Symena is engineered for versatility and adapts well to both modern and traditional interiors.
· Zehnder Olympoz – Tailored for the bathroom, the Zehnder Olympoz is designed with a slim oval tube that delivers efficient heat while also functioning as a practical towel warmer. Its discreet profile makes it an ideal solution where space and function are equally important.
The Zehnder Kymaira, Zehnder Myra and Zehnder Olympoz come to market in two matt-textured finishes: Snow White and Silk Black. The Zehnder Symena will be available exclusively in Snow White. All radiators in the collection are EN442 certified and designed to meet today’s demands for low-energy, low-carbon heating.
With decades of experience and design credibility in home heating, which includes the creation of the first ladder towel radiator in 1980, Zehnder’s commitment to design and function is unwavering. This new range builds on the success of Zehnder’s inspiring portfolio of innovative products and its commitment to sustainable innovation.
Visit www.zehnder-radiators.co.uk for more information, to browse the extensive range of colour palettes and to find your nearest showroom.
Bathroom manufacturer, Tissino, has strengthened its team with two new appointments – Luke Phillips as regional sales manager for the South West and Emily Strefford-Johnson as marketing executive.
Luke (pictured top) brings valuable industry experience from his previous roles at Eastbrook and Faucets Ltd, where he worked closely with retailers and merchants to grow brand presence and deliver tailored product solutions. At Tissino, Luke will be responsible for supporting and developing relationships with customers across the South West. His focus will be on driving sales growth in the region, supporting retailers with product training, and ensuring they have the tools and information needed to benefit from Tissino’s product portfolio.
Emily (pictured below) joins the business from outside the bathroom sector, bringing with her a background in graphic design and a keen eye for brand development. Her design training and creative expertise will play a key role in shaping Tissino’s marketing output, from visual assets to campaign planning. Working across both trade and consumer channels, Emily will support the delivery of engaging content and brand-led initiatives designed to connect with retailers and inspire end customers.
With continued investment in its people, Tissino is reinforcing its commitment to delivering exceptional service and support for retailers nationwide, as well as ensuring its brand continues to stand out in a competitive marketplace.
Edward Lewis, managing director at Tissino, says: “As our business grows, so does our commitment to recruiting the right people who can help us deliver on our ambitions. Luke’s experience in the industry will be a great asset to our sales team, while Emily’s creative background will bring fresh ideas to our marketing. Both appointments reflect our ongoing investment in strengthening the Tissino brand and supporting our customers.”
Bathroom and kitchen brandAbode is expanding its LEVARTO brassware range to include 5 trendy finishes for the contemporary wash zone.
Part of the company’s newly-created FOCUS 60 Bathroom Collection, LEVARTO by Abode features a premium choice of innovative basin, bath and showering solutions, which are defined by a prominent slimline spout and signature handle with unique cut-out design.
Presenting a large range of designs and formats, all LEVARTO bathroom products feature an energy saving cold start valve, water saving flow restrictor, anti-splash technology, and choice of 5 trend finishes including two blended and three solid options: (1) Matt Black/Brushed Brass (2) Matt White/Brushed Brass (3) Chrome (4) Brushed Brass (5) Matt Black.
With a broad range of features and benefits available, check out why LEVARTO by Abode is such a noteworthy brassware collection for the contemporary bathroom:
BASIN, BATH, SHOWER – Designed to serve all areas of the bathroom wash space, LEVARTO offers a comprehensive range of mono basin taps, basin/bath mixers, bath/shower taps, and complementary shower sets featuring UNO shower heads, arms, handshowers, and push-button concealed shower valves. The LEVARTO Collection in blended and new solid finishes include:
Basin Mixer Chrome AB2809, Matt Black AB2860, Brushed Brass AB2870 (From £169 including vat)
Tall Basin Mixer Chrome AB2810, Matt Black AB2861, Brushed Brass AB2871 (From £239 including vat)
Wall-mounted Basin/Bath Mixer with Backplate in Chrome AB2811, Matt Black AB2862, Brushed Brass AB2872 (From £269 including vat)
Deck-mounted Bath Filler Chrome AB2812, Matt Black AB2863, Brushed Brass AB2873 (From £279 including vat)
Deck-mounted Bath/Shower Mixer with UNO Handshower Chrome AB2813, Matt Black AB2864, Brushed Brass AB2874 (From £329 including vat)
Floor-standing Bath/Shower Mixer with UNO Handshower Chrome AB2814, Matt Black AB2865, Brushed Brass AB2875 (From £749 including vat)
UNIQUE STYLE – LEVARTO brassware is defined by an ultramodern silhouette, prominent slimline spout, and signature handle with unique cut-out design. All deck mounted taps feature a tapered trim detail at the foot of the body, with wall mounted designs offering a two-hole layout with rectangular back plate and separate spout and lever controls, and floor standing models designed with a tall body, round base, and practical handshower. Creating ample design opportunities to mix and match finishes, LEVARTO brassware effortlessly creates a custom aesthetic that coordinates with your style of bathroom.
FIVE FINISHES – Showcasing exquisite craftsmanship and made of solid brass, the LEVARTO brassware collection is now available in 5 trend finishes! Choose from two blended finishes in either Matt Black or Matt White with Brushed Brass design elements or three brand-new solid finishes in Chrome, Brushed Brass, and Matt Black. Whether you’re looking for a tap finish with matt, polished, or brushed patina, LEVARTO brassware is the modern way to personalise your bathroom essentials.
COST EFFECTIVE – Both energy saving and water saving, LEVARTO brassware is designed with a range of functions that help to reduce wasteful energy consumption and encourage efficient water use in the home. Featuring the company’s fully integrated Water Saving & Anti-Splash technology, users can save water and keep the bathroom clean with ease! The cold start valve technology is designed to reduce energy waste by preventing unnecessary hot water usage, and the flow-limiting aerator restricts the water flow in each tap to 5 litres per minute and showering to 8 litres per minute. Helping to provide efficient water delivery without sacrificing performance, LEVARTO is safer too as the tiltable aerator helps to minimise splashes to deliver a cleaner bathroom experience.
COMPLEMENTARY – Specially designed for the FOCUS 60 Bathroom Collection, bathroom owners can choose from a suite of products, which all coordinate in one complete space. Offering a total of 12 FOCUS 60 packs, each pack offers a choice of CAVA or IOX basin with TABLEAU basin shelf and matching sink accessories. Once you know which Pack you want, all you need to do is select your choice of complementary Abode brassware like LEVARTO or AQUIP, alongside either a MAYAR or ARUNA mirror and your pick of UNO accessories.
Bringing ‘Streamlined Synergy’ to the UK bathroom, the new suite of FOCUS 60 bathroom products also support existing product lines including Kite, Harmonie, Chao, Serenitie, Fervour, Zeal, and Sentiment to present a carefully curated collection, which seamlessly blends luxury and functionality.
The Bathroom Association has announced that Adroit Services has joined the association, marking a significant milestone as the first independent retailer to become a member.
Based in Buckinghamshire, Adroit Serviceshas been delivering exceptional bathroom installations across the county since 1989. What began as a one-man enterprise has evolved into an award-winning family business renowned for its customer-centric service, technical expertise, and a deeply held commitment to three core values: Partnership, Integrity, and Quality.
With over 200 years of combined trades experience, the Adroit team is dedicated to helping clients achieve bathrooms that are both beautiful and functional, guided by expert advice, trusted products, and a seamless installation process.
Tom Reynolds, chief executive of the Bathroom Association, commented: “Welcoming Adroit Services into the Association is an exciting and important development. As our first independent retailer member, their joining signals the beginning of a broader conversation about how we engage with this vital part of the supply chain. The team brings a wealth of insight, and I’m confident they will help shape our future offer for independent bathroom retailers. We hope Adroit will be the first of many to join our community.”
The addition of Adroit Services follows the Association’s recent call to unite the entire bathroom supply chain, encompassing manufacturers, merchants, designers, specifiers, retailers, plumbers, and installers. By extensive industry-wide collaboration, the Association is seeking to overcome challenges and create a world where bathrooms are better for people and planet.
Emma Butt, managing partner at Adroit Services, said: “Joining the Bathroom Association is an important move for us, and we’re honoured to be the first independent retailer welcomed into the Association.
“We believe in delivering more than just amazing bathrooms; we’re here to build trust, raise standards, and support positive change in our industry. Partnering with the Association allows us to contribute to important conversations, connect with like-minded businesses, and ensure we’re staying ahead of the curve in delivering quality and compliance to our customers.”
