LIXIL, maker of pioneering water and housing products, has partnered with Toilet Board Coalition (TBC) to host Global Sanitation Economy Summit in Pune, India. With a vision to provide safe sanitation to 100 mn people across the world by 2025; LIXIL along with TBC has committed to draw attention to people in rural and peri-urban areas which do not have safe or adequate sanitation- through a four-day, multi-stakeholder Summit.
The Summit will bring together business, investment and sanitation leaders from around the world working at the forefront of the Sanitation Economy to showcase solutions and share best practice. The Summit is also a platform for business, government and societal leaders to learn about Sanitation Economy solutions for their sector, citizens, and development agendas.
LIXIL is a key member of this unique business-led partnership through its social business – SATO, which offers a range of innovative and affordable toilet products designed for base-of-pyramid consumers in rural communities across the world. Erin McCusker, Chief Strategy Officer of SATO, LIXIL has been appointed as Chairperson of the Toilet Board Coalition (Global), responsible for showcasing the vast potential of the Sanitation Economy for global economic growth and achieving universal access to improved safely-managed sanitation.
Speaking after her appointment as Chair, Erin said; “The Toilet Board Coalition is uniquely positioned to amplify the importance of sanitation and the private sector in achieving all of our global goals across multiple issues and sectors, well beyond SDG6. I am eager to build on the tremendous work of the past Chairs and the momentum in the sector by showcasing the value of the Sanitation Economy and the role of all actors through our projects, growing Accelerator cohort, and the Global Sanitation Economy Summit.”
On the occasion of World Toilet Day 2019, the Toilet Board Coalition also announced formation of its India chapter, named Toilet Board Coalition India Association to further underscore its commitment towards resolving India’s sanitation crisis. Priyanka Tanwar, Head of Public Affairs, LIXIL Asia Pacific, has been appointed as the steering committee member and Director at the Board of the Coalition’s India Chapter.
Attending the Summit Tanwar said; “At LIXIL, our corporate responsibility (CR) initiatives are focussed on our three strategic pillars that cover global issues requiring urgent action and are closely linked to our field of business. Aligned with the United Nation’s Sustainability Goals, these pillars are Global Sanitation and Hygiene, Water Conservation and Environmental Sustainability, and Diversity and Inclusion. “
She added; “The Sanitation Economy presents vast potential for global economic growth while addressing one of the most urgent grand challenges of our time. It is estimated at $62 billion market annually in India alone by 2021 and there are tremendous market opportunities for various business lines to benefit from the sanitation economy. Hence we are excited by the TBC India Association and the potential of change it holds for this country.”
Globally LIXIL is contributing to improved sanitation for all, through CRM, fundraising, and most importantly through SATO toilet solutions, which is developed as a cost effective solution specifically for developing economies. SATO has strengthened LIXIL’s efforts to resolve sanitation issues through revolutionary products and a sustainable business approach. To date, 3 million units have been shipped to over 27 countries, improving sanitation for 15 million people.
Other leaders from LIXIL, attending the conference included Daigo Ishiyama, Director of Marketing and Technology, SATO, LIXIL. He addressed the gathering and spoke on how technology, innovation and design have played an important role in developing SATO, to tackle the next phase of sanitation challenges in India.
In January 2018, LIXIL rolled out the new ‘tailored’, SATO series of toilets in Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. This was followed by successful launches across eight other Indian states. The new generation of SATO V-Trap toilets, a twin-pit pour-flush latrine that is easy to install and is fitted by local masons; has been innovatively designed to address the challenges faced by India. These toilets incorporate a simple yet innovative self-closing trap door which effectively reduces transmission of disease and minimizes odor, making the toilet safer and more pleasant to use.
SATO has recently been selected as one of the first members of The Million Lives Club – a prestigious group of innovators and social entrepreneurs that are scaling and making a significant impact in addressing global development challenges and enabling environments that contribute to their growth. SATO Toilet Systems have also been recommended by the Government of India’s Dr. Mashelkar Committee on sanitation as a water saving technology.
Through TBC’s mentorship programme, LIXIL is currently guiding Lootel (India), a smart toilet cafe providing clean washroom services using a Pay, Use and Redeem concept. The concept translates into an innovative public washroom service where customers pay for the use of the toilet and redeem a voucher at the Lootel Café. LIXIL aids the start-up with strategy and product design, and improving visibility to scale their business to bring sustainable solutions for India’s sanitation economy.
