Leading UK bathroom industry figures who recently signed a landmark global commitment have outlined their motivations for taking bold action on two of the most urgent issues facing the sector today: water scarcity and anti-microbial resistance (AMR).

UK delegates met with counterparts from the USA and Europe behind closed doors at Windsor Castle to craft a unified industry declaration alongside a multi-million-pound investment and research initiative.

The summit’s goal was clear: to conserve billions of litres of water lost each day through faulty bathroom fittings and appliances, while simultaneously reducing the risk of bacterial infections in bathrooms.

On day two of the event, the world’s top 10 bathroom manufacturers pledged to invest in new research and collaborate on efforts to drive meaningful change. They committed to funding the development of more water-efficient toilets and showers, introducing clearer product labelling to help homeowners make water-saving choices, and lobbying governments globally for support in water conservation efforts.

The group also agreed to develop innovative products designed to reduce infection risks, focusing on improving hand hygiene, reducing toilet plumes, and limiting the growth of harmful biofilm. Initiatives include the further advancement of touchless technologies, enhanced flushing systems, and surfaces that inhibit microbial growth.

Lisa Whitfield, managing director of Ideal Standard UK and Ireland, highlighted the scale of the challenge, saying,“Addressing the issue of leaking toilets in the UK could save an estimated 400 million litres of drinking-quality water every day. This represents approximately 10% of the additional 4,800 million litres projected to be required daily by 2050 to meet future demand, along with lowering the possibilities of drought in drier areas, such as the southeast.

“That’s why we dedicated an invaluable few days attending the summit in Windsor Castle, with leaders from the global bathroom Industry.  It’s highly encouraging to see the industry experts collaborating on significant issues impacting us all, making plans and commitments for change.  

Tom Reynolds, from the Bathroom Manufacturers Association, played a central role in organising the summit, emphasising the need for a collective response to the global water crisis.

“The summit emphasised the need for collective action within our industry to advocate, educate, and innovate so that we can contribute towards being part of the solution in tackling these crucial issues. I look forward to seeing the impact of our joint commitment.”

Dr Helene Roberts, managing director of Norcros UK & Ireland, also spoke about the value of cross-industry collaboration and said: “There was some real rich agreement across some of the major issues that we’re discussing. I learned a huge amount around antimicrobial resistance and how we as an industry can be part of the solution.”

The Windsor Summit was a valuable opportunity for delegates to showcase the ongoing work being done to address the critical challenges of water scarcity and AMR.

Lisa Whitfield elaborated on this ongoing work, saying, “Our London Design and Specification Centre was the venue for the latest meeting of the working group charged with coming up with solutions for these issues.

“We’re looking forward to continuing to work with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, the BMA and fellow manufacturers to help increase water resilience in England in the face of climate change, a growing population and to protect our environment.”

In a landmark collaboration, global bathroom industry trade bodies have united to support the ambitious commitments outlined in the recently signed Windsor Declaration.

Led by the Bathroom Manufacturers Association (BMA) in the UK, Plumbing Manufacturers International (PMI) and the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) in North America, this coalition aims to address pressing global issues, including water scarcity and infection prevention, through sustainable product innovation, robust research, and cooperation with government entities worldwide.

The Windsor Declaration, endorsed by industry leaders at the recent Windsor Summit, outlines a commitment to improve water efficiency, reduce infection risks, and advance global sanitation. It is a pioneering initiative that emphasises the need for responsible manufacturing, public education, and regulatory alignment to make meaningful strides toward sustainability in bathroom products.

Tom Reynolds, chief executive of the BMA, stated, “The Windsor Declaration represents a united front within our industry to tackle the critical issues of water scarcity and sanitation. We believe that by pooling our resources, knowledge, and influence, we can inspire real change and support the global transition to more sustainable water management practices. Our industry has the potential to be a driver of positive environmental impact, and we are committed to that cause.”

Reflecting on the importance of this international alliance, Kerry Stackpole, CEO of PMI, highlighted PMI’s ongoing Rethink Water initiative, stating, “The Rethink Water initiative has been a cornerstone of our commitment to promote water conservation and efficiency across North America. The Windsor Declaration allows us to take that mission globally, uniting industry voices around the world to rethink how we manage water and make sustainable choices accessible to consumers everywhere. Together, we can influence regulatory frameworks, share best practices, and drive public awareness to benefit both our industry and the planet.”

Pictured top, Bill Darcy Jr., Global President and CEO of NKBA, added, “The commitment to water efficiency and hygiene is more crucial now than ever. The NKBA is proud to stand alongside BMA and PMI in this mission, recognising that sustainable practices must be the new standard across the kitchen and bath industries. By collaborating, we’re setting a path forward for products that not only meet consumers’ needs but also contribute positively to our shared environmental challenges.”

Key components of the Windsor Declaration include a pledge to:

• Improve Water Efficiency through enhanced product labelling aligned with ISO standards, empowering consumers to make informed decisions.
• Promote Infection Prevention by developing products that improve hand hygiene and inhibit microbial growth.
• Drive Research and Development in areas such as leak reduction and the creation of innovative materials and plumbing solutions that address global sanitation needs.
• Advocate for Regulatory Support to enforce water efficiency standards and modernise sanitation systems.

The Declaration calls on governments to support these objectives through investment in infrastructure, regulatory support, and public awareness initiatives to educate communities about the importance of water conservation and hygiene.

As the Windsor Declaration gains momentum, the BMA, PMI, and NKBA encourage other industry players, governments, and stakeholders to join them in creating a future where water resources are managed sustainably and sanitation standards are universally elevated.