RainStick Shower, an award-winning innovator in sustainable water technology, is the latest affiliate member to join the Bathroom Manufacturers Association (BMA). This collaboration marks a significant step toward advancing water conservation efforts within the bathroom industry, aligning RainStick’s groundbreaking technology with the BMA’s commitment to environmental stewardship.

RainStick Shower was founded with a simple yet powerful mission: to revolutionise how people use water without compromising luxury or performance. Since its invention in 2019, RainStick has redefined sustainable showering by creating a system that captures, circulates, and cleanses water in real time—saving up to 80% of water and energy while delivering double the flow rate of a standard low-flow shower.

With the UK government and global industries intensifying efforts to promote water efficiency, RainStick’s entry into the BMA is timely and crucial. The company’s advanced showering system, which includes high-intensity UV-LED purification and an automated self-cleaning function that eliminates 99.99% of exposed bacteria and viruses, provides an innovative solution for reducing water waste without sacrificing user experience.

Tom Reynolds, Chief Executive of the BMA, welcomed RainStick to the association, emphasising the value of their expertise in water-saving technology:

“RainStick’s membership of the BMA comes at a pivotal time when the BMA is working with relevant stakeholders to address perceived regulatory barriers to recirculating shower technology here in the UK. Their innovative approach to sustainable showering aligns perfectly with our mission to drive forward water efficiency and environmental responsibility in the bathroom industry.

“We look forward to the insights and expertise they will bring to our existing members and our efforts in furthering a collective goal of improving sustainability standards.”

Alisha McFetridge, CEO and Co-founder of RainStick expressed enthusiasm about joining the BMA and contributing to its environmental initiatives:

“We are thrilled to be joining the BMA as an affiliate member. RainStick was created to provide a meaningful solution to water scarcity while enhancing the showering experience. By collaborating with the BMA and its members, we hope to drive further awareness and adoption of water-efficient technologies, supporting a future where sustainability and performance go hand in hand.”

With a growing portfolio of prestigious awards, including recognition from TIME’s Best Inventions list and the Best of KBIS Awards, RainStick continues to push the boundaries of sustainable bathroom innovation. Through its affiliation with the BMA, the company aims to work alongside leading manufacturers to advocate for greater water conservation across the industry.

Innovative technologies, renewable energy, and efficient building systems are key to meeting global climate targets. ISH 2025, taking place in Frankfurt am Main from 17-21 March, will showcase the latest sustainable solutions from 2,183 exhibitors across 54 countries.

As the urgency to combat climate change grows, the building sector plays a critical role in reducing energy consumption and emissions. In Europe, buildings account for approximately 40% of energy usage and 36% of energy-related greenhouse gas emissions.

The theme of ISH 2025—“Solutions for a Sustainable Future”—will focus on critical advancements in the sanitary and HVAC sectors. Highlights include energy-efficient heating solutions, water-saving sanitary concepts, smart building management, and technologies designed to improve indoor air quality. Digital tools and sustainable production processes will also play an essential role in transforming the building sector towards climate neutrality.

Wolfgang Marzin, President and CEO of Messe Frankfurt, says, “The sanitary and HVAC sectors are at the forefront of energy innovation. ISH 2025 serves as the leading global platform where industry leaders—manufacturers, planners, tradespeople, and policymakers—come together to develop sustainable solutions for the future of the built environment.”

This year, ISH 2025 will debut a new fair format, informed by extensive feedback from exhibitors and visitors. The exhibition will feature eight key solution areas, including bathrooms, water systems, heat generation, installation, indoor air, intelligent building management, software, and HVAC production, focusing on integrated, sustainable solutions. Sustainability and digitalisation are central themes across all areas.

Two major conferences will complement the exhibition. The Value of Water Conference (17-18 March) will explore sustainable water management practices aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal No. 6 on clean water access. The Building Future Conference (17-20 March) will delve into strategies for achieving climate-neutral building services with insights from leaders in business, politics, and science.

A comprehensive overview of all events is available on the ISH website at www.ish.messefrankfurt.com/events

Villeroy & Boch has announced record revenue of €1.42 billion for 2024, marking a 57.6% increase year-on-year. This surge is primarily attributed to the acquisition of Ideal Standard in March 2024, which also contributed to a 10% rise in operating EBIT, from €88.7 million to €97.6 million, despite challenging market conditions.

Strategic Integration of Ideal Standard

The integration of Ideal Standard has been a key focus for Villeroy & Boch in 2024. CEO Gabi Schupp commented, “The successful integration of Ideal Standard has strengthened our position in the market, with two powerful brands, a clear growth strategy, and an international structure.” The combined strengths in product portfolios, sales channels, and regional presence have enhanced the Group’s competitiveness.

Acquisition-Driven Growth in Bathroom & Wellness

The Bathroom & Wellness Division saw a substantial revenue increase of 89.7%, reaching €1.1 billion. The acquisition of Ideal Standard contributed €512.1 million in sales. Despite a sluggish construction sector, revenue growth was recorded in ceramic sanitary ware and fittings. Operating profit (EBIT) in this division rose 13.8%, reaching €65.2 million.

Stability in Dining & Lifestyle Division

The Dining & Lifestyle Division maintained a stable revenue of €319.3 million despite economic challenges. Growth in project business for hotels and restaurants, along with e-commerce, offset declines in brick-and-mortar retail. The division closed 2024 with an operating profit (EBIT) of €32.4 million, a 3.2% increase from the previous year.

Investments and Modernisation

In 2024, Villeroy & Boch invested €58.3 million in modernising and automating production sites, as well as enhancing its brand presence. This included the opening of Villeroy & Boch World and an outlet in Mettlach, Germany, along with updates to company-owned retail shops.

Dividend Proposal

The Supervisory and Management Boards propose a dividend of €0.85 per ordinary share and €0.90 per preference share, to be discussed at the Annual General Meeting on 9 May 2025.

Outlook for 2025

Looking ahead, Villeroy & Boch forecasts high single-digit percentage growth in consolidated revenue for 2025, with a moderate increase in operating EBIT. The rolling return on net operating assets is expected to remain stable.

IAPMO® has joined the Bathroom Manufacturers Association (BMA) as an affiliate member, strengthening its commitment to water efficiency, product safety, and industry collaboration. This partnership combines IAPMO’s global expertise in plumbing codes, standards development, and product certification with the BMA’s leadership in advancing the bathroom sector in the UK and beyond.

IAPMO has long been a global leader in protecting public health and safety through comprehensive codes and standards development, product testing and certification, personnel training, and industry research. As an affiliate member of the BMA, IAPMO will contribute its wealth of knowledge to help advance the association’s key initiatives, particularly in addressing sustainability challenges and regulatory advancements.

Tom Reynolds, chief executive of the BMA, welcomed IAPMO to the association, recognising the valuable role it will play in advancing industry priorities. “IAPMO brings a deep well of technical expertise and a global perspective that will benefit our members and the broader industry.

“Their support for the Windsor Declaration demonstrates their commitment to tackling two of the most pressing global challenges we face: water scarcity and antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Their contribution to this initiative will be instrumental in driving forward innovative solutions and best practices.”

The Windsor Declaration, a landmark initiative enacted by the BMA and key industry stakeholders, is focused on addressing water efficiency and combating antimicrobial resistance in plumbing systems. IAPMO’s participation reinforces the initiative’s global significance and strengthens the collective effort to find effective solutions.

Tom Palkon, executive vice president and chief Technical Services officer at IAPMO, emphasised the organisation’s objectives in joining the BMA: “Our affiliation with the BMA is an opportunity to continue collaborating with like-minded industry leaders in advancing sustainable solutions for water use and plumbing safety.

“We look forward to sharing our expertise in plumbing codes, certification, and product standards while gaining valuable insights from BMA members on the evolving regulatory landscape in the UK and Europe. Together, we can make meaningful progress in enhancing water efficiency, product safety, and public health protection.”

Comprised of more than 20 companies and maintaining a membership spanning 17 countries, IAPMO continues expanding its influence in international collaborations that drive positive industry change. As part of the BMA, IAPMO will work alongside leading bathroom manufacturers to help shape policies, improve standards, and drive innovation in the bathroom sector.

The Unified Water Label Association (UWLA) has welcomed a new MD following the announcement that Yvonne Orgill is to retire on 31 March 2025.

Lee Cartwright joins the UWLA on 10 March and will be visiting ISH in Frankfurt with Yvonne from 17-21 March to meet with members and supporters attending the show.

Lee says, “I am thrilled about this new role and looking forward to building on Yvonne’s legacy. During her time in the industry, Yvonne has become well-recognised as a strong leader and influencer, and I am passionate about driving forward continued growth and future success for the organisation.

“Over the next month, I’ll be working closely with Yvonne to ensure a smooth transition and to gain deeper insights into the role.”

Yvonne added, “I am delighted to welcome Lee into the UWLA and wish him every success. I know that under his leadership, the UWLA will benefit from new opportunities and an exciting next chapter.”

Lee will be speaking at The Unified Water Label Association (UWLA) press event at ISH on Tuesday, 18 March, in room 4/4.2 Brillanz, from 13.00 to 15.00.

The UWLA presentation is open to all ISH attendees; visit www.uwla.eu for details or email Vikki Hollins at Vikki.hollins@uwla.eu