What will characterise the bathroom of the future?

Steffen Erath (Hansgrohe)

In the latest episode of Design Perspectives, host Moritz Marder talks to Steffen Erath, Innovation Manager at the Hansgrohe Group, about innovation in the bathroom - an often underestimated place when it comes to CO₂ emissions and water consumption. Steffen Erath explains how technological efficiency, the circular economy and global collaboration can contribute to solving these challenges. Sustainability is not seen as a supplement, but as a starting point for innovation. The discussion sheds light on historical developments, current challenges in water management and the role of companies that combine social responsibility with innovative ideas.

Chapter

(00:00:00) Introduction and welcome

(00:01:13) Historical development of Hansgrohe

(00:05:14) Technological innovations at Hansgrohe

(00:15:03) Sustainability as a driver of innovation

(00:31:34) Global perspectives and water management

(00:39:44) Collaboration and the future of innovation

(00:44:46) Outlook

>> The podcast is held in German.

Key learnings

Sustainability as a driver of innovation

Hansgrohe sees sustainability not as an obligation, but as a core strategy for product development. The approach goes beyond the mere conservation of resources and focuses on meeting social challenges such as water scarcity with innovative solutions. This means taking a holistic view of problems and developing innovations that take equal account of ecological, social and economic aspects.

Water footprint in the bathroom

The challenges in the bathroom are greater than many people think: around 4.5 per cent of CO₂ emissions in Germany are generated there, with water heating being the main source, accounting for 90 per cent. A one-minute shower at 40 degrees consumes about as much energy as a short journey on the motorway. At the same time, global demand for water is expected to exceed supply by 40 per cent by 2030. While the global North is focussing on the economical use of water, many regions in the South are struggling to gain access to clean water. These problems require innovative solutions that combine technology, behaviour and responsibility.

Collaboration as the key to future viability

The future of innovation does not lie in competition, but in collaboration. Companies must evolve from a pure knowledge economy to an ecosystem economy. This means developing visions together with start-ups, research institutions and other companies, sharing knowledge and jointly tapping into new markets - especially in the circular economy.

Guest:
Steffen Erath | Head of Innovation & Sustainability, Hansgrrohe

Host:
Moritz Marder | Industrial Designer & Markenberater

Links

Books:

Steffen Erath: Planet Centered Innovation – https://mydvp.de/produkt/erath-steffen-planet-centered-innovation/

Tanizaki, Jun'ichiro: Lob des Schattens – https://www.extrabuch.com/architekturtheorie/lob-schattens

Raphael Bömelburg, Oliver Gassmann (Universität St. Gallen): Collaborative Advantage. How Open Organizations Thrive in Volatility. – https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-031-36306-1