The path to sustainability

Eco-design principles: Sustainable design for a better future

Envision a world in which every product is not only functional and aesthetically designed, but also considers aspects of sustainability. This is the mission of eco-design. At Hansgrohe, we are committed to eco-design - an approach that harmoniously combines sustainability and design. But what does eco-design actually mean?

Two children have fun at the bathroom mirror.
Eco-design means basing every decision - from the choice of materials to the production method - on its positive impact on the environment and society.

Eco-Design: How we live sustainability 

Eco-design means designing products to minimize environmental impact without compromising on quality or style. Our guiding principle is that our products should be completely separable by type so that their components can be easily returned to the material cycle. Eco-design is not just a trend, it is an essential building block in our vision of sustainable development. The link between eco-design and sustainability is profound. Every decision we make - from the choice of materials to the way we produce - has a direct impact on our environment and society. Our goal is to make an active and positive impact on our world through sustainable design.

This article takes a look at our eco-design principles, explains where they come from, why they are so important and presents some products that successfully implement these principles.

Our ten eco-design principles 

At hansgrohe, we understand eco-design not only as a pure method of product development, but as a fundamental attitude and mindset that shapes all our actions and is reflected in all our products.

Our ten eco-design principles are an expression of this philosophy. These principles guide us every step of the way - from brainstorming to production - and ensure that we not only create products that protect water cycles and save resources, but also actively contribute to sustainability throughout the entire product life cycle. They are at the heart of our mission to create a more sustainable and responsible future for all future generations.

Eco-Design Principle #1: Environmentally friendly innovations

For us, innovation means always being one step ahead. Our products are not only well thought-out and innovative, they also redefine the status quo. With each development, we set new standards in minimizing environmental impact without neglecting comfort. This approach is deeply rooted in our company philosophy and drives us to create solutions that both make everyday life easier and make a positive contribution to environmental protection.

Our environmentally friendly innovations are the result of an ongoing effort to develop products that not only impress in the present, but also inspire future generations and protect the environment, built into true hansgrohe dream bathrooms. By combining innovative technologies with sustainable practices, we create unique products that offer real added value for our customers and for the planet;

Eco-design principle #2: Save water, do good and reduce costs as a result

Laughing woman showering with Pulsify overhead shower.

Water is a precious resource that is treated with the utmost care at hansgrohe. Our water-saving faucets and shower heads are designed to minimize water consumption. Through the use of sophisticated, water-saving technologies such as hansgrohe EcoSmart we reduce water consumption to a minimum without sacrificing comfort. This not only helps to protect the environment, but also reduces water costs for our customers.

Eco-design principle #3: Save energy and reduce costs

Energy efficiency is a core feature of our faucets and shower systems. By using CoolStart technology, we reduce the energy required to heat the water. CoolStart faucets are climate-friendly because only cold water flows when the handle is in the middle position, whereas standard faucets consume energy immediately in the basic position. With our CoolStart technology, your pipe system is therefore not unnecessarily filled with hot water. The result: fewer resources, CO2 emissions and costs. Good for the environment and your wallet! These measures help our customers to save energy and contribute to reducing the CO2 footprint. 

Eco design principle #4: Durability and ease of maintenance

"Long live the product! " – that is our motto. Our products are characterized by a timeless design and a robust construction that guarantee a long service life. In addition, we offer options for technical and visual upgrades to extend the service life of our products.

Eco-design principle #5: Promoting the circular economy

A key element of eco-design is to do full justice to the circular economy. Our priority is to use sustainable furniture and materials that can be recycled or composted to minimize the impact on the environment. Our guiding principle is that our products are fully separable by type so that their components can be easily returned to the materials cycle. This commitment ranges from simple recyclability by our customers to product collection and reprocessing by us.

Eco-design principle #6: Material efficiency and reduced use of raw materials

Efficiency is our top priority. We make a further contribution to environmental protection through the efficient use of materials and the reduction of raw materials. Our focus is on conserving resources, which we achieve through our Planet Edition. This approach not only helps to reduce our environmental footprint, but also increases the overall efficiency of our products.

Eco-Design Principle #7: Universal applicability and low complexity

Our products are designed to be easy to use and understand, which increases their universal applicability and reduces complexity. We aim to reduce complexity in the future by using universal components that can be applied across our entire range. This not only makes our products more sustainable, but also more cost-efficient.

Eco-design principle #8: Environmentally friendly coating technologies

Durability is a key aspect of our products, which can also be achieved without complex coatings. If a coating is indispensable, we rely on surface technologies with minimal use of materials, that also increase the longevity of our products. This helps to ensure the recyclability of the components and minimize the environmental impact.

Eco-design principle #9: Easy cleaning and reduction of deposits

hansgrohe Pulsify Planet Edition.
We prioritize efficiency through resource-conserving and sustainable material use to minimize our carbon footprint in the production of faucets and shower heads.

Our products are designed so that they dirt and limescale deposits as much as possible. This facilitates the cleaning and cleaning process makes the use of aggressive cleaning agents superfluous. Clean and low-maintenance use of our products therefore helps to protect the environment.

Eco-Design Principle #10: Promoting environmental awareness and transparency

We are committed to raising awareness of environmental issues and are always transparent about our production processes and environmental impact. Our products are designed to raise our customers' environmental awareness and sensitize them to a conscious use of water and energy. Our commitment to eco-design is reflected in our long-term Vision “Eco 2030”. We strive to make the world a better place for future generations by developing products that promote sustainable practices and raise environmental awareness;

Sustainable design in action: hansgrohe's commitment to eco-design

Sustainable design is not just a trend, but a lived reality that is reflected in every detail of our products. Using concrete examples is the best way to show how our principles are currently being put into practice;

Innovative electroplating: Gloss with a clear conscience

At our plant in Offenburg-Elgersweier, Germany, we have taken a significant step towards sustainable production. Our modern electroplating plant, introduced in 2019, is a prime example of efficiency and environmental protection. But what is electroplating? It is a process in which metals are coated by electroplating. We have revolutionized this process by drastically reducing the use of water and chemicals. The result? An impressive 35% reduction in waste and up to 15% reduction in water consumption compared to 2016.

Recycling: efficiency meets environmental awareness

Our recycling approach in Schiltach, Germany, is a prime example of closed-loop recycling. Here, casting residues are fed directly and efficiently back into the casting process, eliminating the need for transportation to external melting plants and thus saving energy. Remember: 300 tons of brass are reused every year. This not only makes economic sense, but also conserves our natural resources.

Product optimization: less consumer, more comfort

Child laughing at the sink with white bath duck.
Our products minimize environmental impact, offer consistent comfort and inspire both present and future generations.

Our research and development department at hansgrohe is constantly striving to reduce the water consumption of our faucets and showers to optimize our products. In our spray laboratory in Schiltach, Germany, we work tirelessly to improve the spray quality of our products to achieve maximum comfort with minimum flow rate. This means that we are constantly challenging ourselves to reduce water consumption in the production of our products without compromising on comfort;

Eco-design principles: The path to a more sustainable design with hansgrohe

Eco-design is more than just a concept – it is our mission. We firmly believe that sustainable design makes the world a better place, step by step. Our products are proof that functionality, comfort, aesthetics and environmental protection can go hand in hand. With our commitment to eco-design, we are helping to create a future worth living for everyone.

Frequently asked questions about Eco-Design principles

How does hansgrohe make a concrete contribution to environmental protection?

By developing products that save water and energy, are durable and support the principles of the circular economy.

What does eco-design mean for product quality?

Eco-design not only improves environmental compatibility, but also the quality and durability of our products.

Can I contribute to sustainability as a hansgrohe customer?

Yes, by choosing products that are designed according to the principles of eco-design, you are actively contributing to environmental protection.

How does eco-design affect everyday life?

Eco-design products offer high functionality, are efficient in use and contribute to a conscious, green and sustainable lifestyle.

What future developments is hansgrohe planning in the area of sustainability?

We plan to further expand our innovations and make all water-bearing products from AXOR and hansgrohe exclusively available with water-saving technology by 2030.

hansgrohe Whitepaper The green bathroom.

"The big bath" to download

Renovate and build in an environmentally friendly way. In the hansgrohe whitepaper you can find out interesting facts about sustainable bathroom renovation.

download here

 

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