Tokyo, Japan based LIXIL, maker of pioneering water and housing products, believes that creating solutions for the 2.3 billion people that still don’t have access to basic sanitation is an opportunity to solve one of the world’s greatest social challenges, and to do so sustainably by helping to develop a future market
Having to defecate in the open, into an open pit, or over an inadequate pit latrine exposes millions of people to odors and disease. To mark World Toilet Day, LIXIL, has announced three new initiatives, moving from raising awareness towards collaborating on innovative technologies, to help tackle the global sanitation crisis – all while helping to develop the future sanitation economy. So far, LIXIL has enabled access to basic sanitation for approximately nine million people in over 20 countries.
“Whether we are designing the most luxurious toilets or the most affordable and functional, we are innovating and designing for people. People are at the heart of our solutions. We believe by creating solutions for the 2.3 billion people who today do not have access to basic sanitation will not only enable us to meet their needs, but also help drive demand from the consumer side,” commented Jin Song Montesano, Chief Public Affairs Officer at LIXIL, who oversees the company’s sanitation initiatives.
LIXIL has already commercialized solutions such as its innovative and affordable SATO products. SATO products require little water to flush away waste compared to conventional toilets, while using a counterweighted trap door that closes to help keep out odors and flying insects that can spread disease.
LIXIL is now aiming to make an even bigger difference through collaboration in three new initiatives:
- Launching the Make a Splash! donations initiative with UNICEF LIXIL and UNICEF announced a bold new international partnership earlier this year to tackle the sanitation challenge, called Make a Splash! Toilets for All. This initiative will contribute to global efforts to help 250 million people gain access to an adequate toilet by 2021. On World Toilet Day, LIXIL will launch an online donations page as part of its fund-raising activities to enable other interested parties to participate. Funds raised online will support the partnership’s on-the-ground market development and advocacy initiatives.
- Collaborating to scale up the Tiger Toilet Digester in India
LIXIL has signed a Letter of Intent to collaborate with TBF Environmental Solutions on bringing to scale a truly ground-breaking toilet with a compartment of tiger worms that help to digest the waste – also known as the Tiger Toilet Digester. As part of their work together, LIXIL will provide commercial guidance.
- Collaborating with Unko Sensei (“Professor Poop”) in Japan
LIXIL will also be present at Icho Matsuri, a festival in Tokyo (November 16 – 19), where it will be collaborating with popular children’s character, Unko Sensei, to educate children about the importance of having access to safe sanitation. LIXIL will also install a see-through toilet so visitors can truly experience the emotional impact of open defecation.
