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Roca Group has reached an agreement with Schneider Electric to define a three-step roadmap towards decarbonization, establishing a single, global strategy across the Group.

Roca Group operates in 170 countries, owns 85 factories and has a workforce of 24,000 professionals. Though the company has been actively working on the improvement of its environmental footprint for several years, it has decided to broaden its commitments and to establish a common sustainability policy with the help of Schneider Electric’s new climate change consulting services.

Schneider Electric’s is specialized in the digital transformation of energy management and automation. The collaboration between the two partners will consist of three phases. In the first one, Roca Group will work with Schneider Electric to define its vision of the decarbonization process, analyzing the environment and setting new, more ambitious goals. During the second phase, Schneider Electric will study Roca Group’s plants to set commitments to reduce energy consumption and emissions, to implement sustainable energy generation in the factories and to compensate for those emissions that cannot be eliminated.

Finally, during the implementation phase, Roca Group and Schneider Electric will advance in the digitalization of the company’s processes and will proceed to the sensorization of the different production centers to monitor and optimize energy consumption in order to reduce costs and emissions. Schneider Electric will also help Roca Group to define its decarbonization needs so that, with its own resources, the Group can implement projects to reduce emissions and implement sustainable energy.

Roca Group is committed to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations and works to reduce the carbon footprint of its industrial activity, promoting the reduction of water consumption and continuously innovating in the production processes carried out in its plants. The figures back up the Group’s commitment to the environment. The Group cut carbon dioxide emissions by 8% in 2019 compared to the previous year, a figure that escalated to 22% in 2020 due to the company’s efforts and the drop in activity in a pandemic context.

In other areas related to the environment, water consumption in the Group’s plants was cut by 24% last year, and as part of its Zero Waste project, 28% less waste was generated, 71% of which is recoverable in other production processes. In addition, the products that Roca Group designs for the bathroom space incorporate the latest technologies to optimize both energy and water consumption.

“At Roca Group, we work hard every day to optimize our production processes by incorporating the latest technologies with the aim of reducing our environmental footprint, as well as to provide society with products for the bathroom space that combine wellbeing with respect for the environment. Far from being satisfied, we want to continue advancing in this strategy and offer all our divisions and factories a common framework that allows us to continue driving our decarbonization,” said Roca Group CEO, Albert Magrans.

“At Schneider Electric we are not only committed to decarbonizing our value chain, we want to become the digital partner in sustainability and efficiency for companies that are leading the change. And Roca Group is one of them,” said Josu Ugarte, president of Schneider Electric Iberia. In this regard, Ugarte pointed out that “companies that incorporate sustainability into their strategy are ahead of legislative requirements, attract more talent, have better access to capital and strengthen their brand and business, making it more attractive to multiple stakeholders”.

More news from Roca

As customers continue to seek high-quality digital experiences, Acquabella, best known for manufacturing shower trays and textured materials, invite consumers to step into their very own comfort zone through its new 3D bathroom planner.

The planner is the perfect canvas for those looking to redesign their bathroom sanctuary. The 3D tool allows users to recreate and refresh their own bathroom. The overall floorplan can be rendered through the input of measurements – even accounting for pillars and asymmetrical walls, and the very last details such as bookcases and toilet roll holders can be added easily. Flooring, tiling and colours can all be customised, and the entire range of Acquabella shower trays, worktops, basins and the Quiz Bathtub. The wide portfolio of products includes the award-winning Quiz and best-selling Base Slate, which can be seen in situ with over 2,000 colour options.

Once everything is in place, users can step through the doorway and take a 360-degree room tour, experiencing their “new bathroom” from every angle. Users can then request an email and the design is sent to them (accompanied by a detailed list of products and photorealistic rendered images) to their nearest Acquabella stockist to finalise the details and place the order.

This exciting tool demonstrates the digital innovation of the brand, following on from the unique virtual tour launched last month. The new 3D bathroom planner can be found on the Acquabella website.

www.acquabella.com/en/

More news from Acquabella

Bathroom manufacturer, Bette, is calling on creative minds to design ‘the walk-in shower bathroom of the future’ featuring BetteAir, the world’s first glazed titanium-steel shower tile. Architects, designers, bathroom planners and students have the chance to give free rein to their creativity and win a personal feature on Bette’s social media channels, as well as a free BetteAir shower tile.

With BetteAir, Bette completes the evolution of the shower tray into part of the bathroom floor and opens up unprecedented possibilities in bathroom design. Like a conventional tile, it can be glued directly onto the screed, making the shower area an integral part of the bathroom floor and seeming to merge with it. With a choice of 31 colours, there are virtually no limits to creativity – whether colourful, contrasting or barely seen.

To participate in the BetteAir Design Competition, submit a design for the “walk-in shower bathroom of the future” as a PDF, JPG or PNG. Real bathroom projects are also welcome. The deadline for entries is 28.06.2021. A jury, including Dominik Tesseraux (Tesseraux & Partner, Potsdam), the designer of BetteAir, will select the most exciting, unique and creative design concepts from the entries. The winner will be decided by a community vote on Bette’s social media channels from 05.07.2021. In addition, direct voting is possible at betteair.my-bette.com/en/walk-in-to-the-future, where the CAD downloads and entry conditions can also be found.

BetteAir Design Competition

About Bette

Bette is a specialist in bathroom products that are made of a special metal in a unique manufacturing process: titanium steel sheets are shaped under high pressure and then finished with a thin coating that is related to glass – hence the name “glazed titanium steel”. This composite material is perfect for the bathroom (it is skin-friendly, hygienic, durable and robust), and Bette uses it to make its baths, shower areas, shower trays and washbasins.

The Bette family company was founded in Delbrück in North-Rhine Westphalia in 1952 and specialises exclusively in this manufacturing process because it allows the products to be shaped smoothly with the maximum skilled precision. The manufacturing and administrative headquarters employs around 385 people. The CEO, Thilo C. Pahl, is a member of the owner family.

The range includes baths, shower areas, shower trays, washbasins and bathroom furniture “Made in Germany”. Unique items that can be made in various colours and dimensions and open up inspiring spaces in interior design for the bathroom. Bette’s assembly processes combine high-tech industrial production techniques with tailor-made manufacturing where it benefits the customer. More than half its products are customised to customer preferences. The company offers over 600 different baths, shower trays and washbasin models in a tremendous range of colours.

The natural raw materials glass, water and steel are used to manufacture high-quality products that are completely recyclable. They are verified to the Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) as per ISO 14025 and to LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design).

www.my-bette.com/en

More news from Bette

Ideal Standard is continuing its unique series of events, the Together World Tour, in Berlin, focusing on the architecture, design and culture within the iconic, German capital.

The Together World Tour, Ideal Standard’s innovative event series created especially for the international architecture & design community, will make its second stop in Berlin on June 16th 2021. The Together World Tour is an innovative fusion of digital content from the global bathroom product manufacturer, which aims to inspire attendees by diving into the design culture of six unique cities around the world.

Following the success of the first event in Milan on April 21st 2021, in which the striking, new Linda-X range was unveiled, the Berlin event will also preview a new addition to Ideal Standard’s Atelier Collections, in the form of the Extra washbasin range. Extra has been conceived to suit any environment, coming in a variety of sizes to suit any space. Combining a timeless design with a strong, square shape, the Extra washbasins are a striking addition to any bathroom. 

The Atelier Collections are influenced by the brand’s rich design heritage and are the result of the partnership with Italian design studio Palomba Serafini Associati (PS+A) and Roberto Palomba, Ideal Standard’s Chief Design Officer.

The Berlin event will focus on the striking variance of contemporary and timeless architecture in the city, and explore its vibrant identity.

The second leg of the Together World Tour will be held on June 16th, 2021 at 11 am BST.  The event will also let attendees unlock special extra features regarding the locations and the new additions to the collections.

To learn more about the tour so far and register for the Berlin event visit: www.togetherworldtour.com 

Unidrain has introduced a new industrial style addition to its GlassLine series of shower screens.

The new addition can perfectly be described as minimalism meets industrial. The Danish design company and creators of the original linear drain are best known for their sleek designs and the unique ability to highlight ‘invisibility’.

One of the most dramatic options and currently a key trend in bathroom interior design is to use black for fixtures and fittings. Unidrain has introduced a new version of their impressive GlassLine shower screen; defined with a distinctive black frame; this industrial, New York loft-style design complements the Reframe Accessories collection and the black variant of the HighLine Colour drain perfectly.

GlassLine Black Frame

Unidrain

More news from Unidrain

Utopia Bathrooms has announced the appointment of Chris Hewitt as Business Development Manager, Contracts Division.

Chris joins Utopia from Majestic Showers where he worked for over seven years in a number of sales roles before becoming General Manager. Chris has a wealth of relevant experience in the bathroom industry, supporting both retail and contract business in key roles. Chris’s experience includes working on the conversion of the former US Naval Office to luxury homes in Grosvenor Square, Mayfair, now one of the most prestigious addresses in London.

Ian Hall, Joint Managing Director, welcomed Chris to the company saying “It’s an exciting time for Utopia and I’m very pleased that Chris has joined our team at this stage so that we can take full advantage of the opportunities ahead.”

Chris comments “I am delighted to join Utopia and am extremely impressed with the quality and range of products, not to mention the passion of everyone within the company. I look forward to talking to old and new customers in the industry and to meeting Utopia’s loyal customer base.”

Utopia Bathrooms

01902 406402

www.utopiagroup.com

Saneux has officially moved into a brand-new warehouse space in Gatwick.

The new space is next door to Gatwick Airport and provides the UK based bathroom manufacturer with excess of 8 times cubic storage space from their previous warehouse operation. They will still be retaining their office and showroom spaces in Croydon and Clerkenwell.

Saneux’s co-founder, Iain Cooper, says: “This is an exciting move for us. It was in the pipeline for a while but with a lot of new and exciting products being launched later this year, it was the perfect time to make the move. We are confident that we have the capacity to match our growth plan vision for the next 3 years, and we are looking forward to giving a much-improved service to our trade clients. I would also like to thank our loyal retail showrooms and merchants and look forward to be of service in the future.”

More news from Saneux

Virtual Worlds are urging us all to look out for the Virtual Worlds van on your travels! With a record number of kbb retailers requesting to have Virtual Worlds 4D Theatre displays, their installation team now have a smart set of on-brand wheels to get them to your showroom in style.

The sign written van is clocking up the miles, raising the profile of Virtual Worlds wherever it goes. With the find4d.com website clearly displayed on the side of the vehicle, passersby are encouraged to find out more via their nearest Virtual Worlds retailer.

The Virtual Worlds top-level set-up includes all furniture headsets and screens provided and installed, with no hidden costs, with the new vehicle ensuring a speedy, smart delivery too.

“The van sign writing tells the story of Virtual Worlds while our installation team are on the road, signposting passersby to the retailer locator website so they can easily find their nearest showroom,” comments Nathan Maclean, Managing Director at Virtual Worlds. “It’s all about spreading the word about the power of designing kitchens and bathrooms with Virtual Worlds 4D and while our installation team are busier than ever, the van and the branding are getting a lot of coverage.”

For more information on Virtual Worlds, please visit www.virtualworlds.co.uk

About Virtual Worlds

Virtual Worlds is a UK market leader in innovation-led CAD technology for the KBB market.  Since launching in 1998, it has broken boundaries in virtual technology innovation – being the first company to develop 3D design software for KBB retailers and, most recently, launching its new 4D Showroom Technology. Virtual Worlds is a division of Logicom Computer Services (UK) Ltd

2020 Connect is a free four-day virtual event geared toward interior designers, retailers and manufacturers taking place from June 14-17, 2021.

The schedule is organised as follows:
JUNE 14 – OPENING CEREMONY
A global design contest ceremony followed by a welcome address by 2020 CEO Mark Stoever, two
inspirational keynote sessions by President of ThinkLab/Sandow Design Group Amanda Schneider and
NKBA CEO Bill Darcy, and a happy hour.

JUNE 15 – DESIGN DAY (2020 Fusion Live track)
Four guest speakers will give inspirational and educational sessions about the world of interior design,
including JKMR Director Jayne Barber, Simon Acres Group Founder Simon Acres, Foyne Jones & Jones
Digital Founder Peter Jones, and Bathroom Origins Sales & Marketing Director Sofia Charalambous.

JUNE 16 – ONLINE ENGAGEMENT DAY
Presentations and discussions on the future of the home improvement industry and how to improve
online consumer engagement for retailers, e-tailers, and manufacturers.

JUNE 17 – MANUFACTURING DAY
Presentations focusing on cabinet, furniture and millwork manufacturers looking to grow their business
through digitization, automation, and optimization.

“This is our second year in a row hosting 2020 Connect and we are looking forward to sharing valuable
information and advice with professionals in the home improvement industry,” says 2020 VP of
Marketing Ken Short.

“We’ve got amazing guest speakers and 2020 experts ready to share their wealth of knowledge, and we can’t wait to connect with everyone at our virtual event!”

Attendees will be able to explore over 55 sessions where they will get practical advice that will help their
business succeed. They can also visit virtual booths to see 2020’s end-to-end software solutions in action
and get a chance to speak to 2020’s knowledgeable team directly for any questions they may have.

Registration is now open.

Drummonds’ bathroom ware has been selected for golf legend Greg Norman’s 8-acre private estate in Florida. Bordered by water on both sides, stretching all the way from the Intracoastal Waterway to the beaches of the Atlantic Ocean the estate consists of seven buildings, including the main house.

Designed by Greg’s wife, designer Kirsten Norman, the rooms take their inspiration from luxury yacht interiors. The couple love to travel and wanted to incorporate the memories of their favourite trips into the design of their home.

The bathrooms were to have a particularly elegant feel, reminiscent of tropical boutique hotels. However, having lived in London for several years, they also wanted to blend this tropical style with a classic, English aesthetic. Drummonds’ bathroomware was the perfect choice, offering distinctive statement pieces that fitted in perfectly with the luxury
interiors brief.

Drummonds’ freestanding Mersey shower takes centre stage in Greg’s bathroom. Not only does it enhance the moody masculine feel of the space, but it also offers spectacular views of the grounds and sea.

In contrast, Kirsten’s bathroom was to have a softer, lighter look, with a freestanding white bath forming the focal point and polished nickel fittings from Drummonds providing beautiful accent pieces. Overall, it’s a bright airy space with a tranquil feel .

As well as the main bathrooms, Drummonds’ classic bathroomware can also be found throughout the property; the impressive Tyne bath with a nickel interior and painted black exterior adds a touch of drama to the guest bathroom whilst nickel fittings and decorative accessories can be found in numerous other bathrooms and cloakrooms. On choosing Drummonds’ products, Kirsten says:

“I wanted something that you don’t see too often and Drummonds have a design aesthetic that is very distinctive and unique. I was extremely impressed with the quality and service provided.”

Inspired by period pieces and made using traditional manufacturing techniques, Drummonds epitomises classic English bathroom style, creating luxurious pieces that are built to last.