MANILA, PHILIPPINES – In an era where climate change and environmental degradation demand urgent and decisive action, the building and construction sectors remain at the center of the global sustainability conversation. According to the Circularity Gap Report 2021, these industries account for the largest waste streams by volume, extracting an astounding 100 billion tons of raw materials annually. The challenge, therefore, is clear: how can the industry continue to meet global demands while reducing its ecological footprint?
For Grohe, a world-leading brand for complete bathroom solutions and kitchen fittings, the answer lies in circular innovation. Through its commitment to the Cradle to Cradle (C2C) design concept, Grohe is not just adapting to the call for sustainability – it is pioneering it.
The Cradle to Cradle design framework offers a transformative approach to product development. Unlike the traditional “take make dispose” model, C2C products are designed with circularity in mind. This ensures that materials remain in a continuous loop of reuse and repurposing, minimizing waste and maximizing resource efficiency.
Products that are Cradle to Cradle Certified undergo a rigorous assessment across five categories: Material Health, Recyclability, Renewable Energy, Water Efficiency, and Social Responsibility. The certification assures that every component down to its chemical makeup contributes positively to people and the planet.
For Grohe, this is not simply an environmental initiative but a core philosophy embedded within its design and production processes.
Building on its 2021 milestone, when it introduced its first Bronze-level Cradle to Cradle Certified products – the Tempesta two-spray hand shower and GROHE Blue filters, the brand has now taken a significant leap forward. GROHE recently announced the expansion of its portfolio with a new range of Gold-level certified products, including:
- BauEdge S-Size
- Eurosmart S-Size
- Eurosmart Kitchen
- Tempesta shower rail set
The move from Bronze to Gold certification is a substantial step. While Bronze certification ensures that products meet the essential requirements of circularity without major modifications, Gold demands uncompromising standards – only the purest materials, free of harmful substances, are used.
To achieve this, Grohe collaborated with accredited assessor EPEA GmbH – Part of Drees & Sommer, based in Hamburg. Importantly, the certification is not a one-time achievement: products must undergo recertification every two years to ensure continued compliance with the latest standards.
With six products now carrying the Cradle to Cradle Certified mark, Grohe is setting a powerful example for the industry. Beyond reducing waste in the construction sector, the brand demonstrates how design innovation and environmental stewardship can coexist with product performance and consumer demand.
This momentum is part of a larger sustainability journey. GROHE’s initiatives extend beyond C2C certifications – from CO2-neutral production and plastic-free packaging to cutting-edge technologies such as Grohe Everstream, the water-recirculating shower that conserves both energy and water. By embedding sustainability across its value chain, Grohe aligns with its parent company Lixil’s Impact Strategy to “make better homes a reality for everyone, everywhere.”
