Sustainable By Design
TOTO, the Japanese company that gave the world the first smart toilet, continues to
innovate with its forward ethos aimed at creating a healthy and sustainable lifestyle for us all. Here’s what’s next.
By Susan Kelly
Bathrooms have become luxurious retreats, with stylish fixtures that incorporate the latest technology. It’s a trend in which TOTO is at the vanguard, says its director of Canadian sales and operations. “Our toilets offer the ultimate luxury bathroom experience for a healthy lifestyle,” says Michael Bancheri, senior regional director at TOTO. “TOTO has such an innovative approach to luxury plumbing products; they incorporate so many cutting-edge features to enhance the user experience and still manage to maintain a major focus on sustainability in their production.”
For instance, the sublimely minimalist Neorest line of toilets is styled to rival its chicest European competitors, adding an edgy accent to any contemporary bathroom. TOTO launched the world’s first smart toilet in 1993. Today, the company offers the latest luxe features we’ve come to crave: automatic open-and-close lids and flush, warm mist and the well-loved heated-seat feature. Most models even include ambience-enhancing air purifiers and subtle nightlights.
Ever Innovating
TOTO was founded in Japan in 1917 and first planted its flag in the Canadian and US markets in 1989. Throughout its history, the company has led the pack in innovation and technology. “TOTO employs over 1,500 research and development engineers to ensure that efficiency and quality are never compromised, while striving to be the most innovative company in our industry globally,” Bancheri says.
Another ground-breaking innovation, the TOTO WASHLET, was introduced in 1980 as the world’s first luxury toilet seat with electronic bidet functionality. Today, millions of people across North America have shifted their daily ritual from wiping to washing with WASHLET. Since its launch, TOTO has sold more than 70 million WASHLET bidet seats worldwide, sparking a global revolution in bathroom hygiene.
On the water conservation front, it also introduced the first high-performance 1.6-gallon flush toilet in 1988 and has since increased its efficiency to one gallon. TOTO also incorporates a smooth CEFIONTECT glaze, designed to keep the bowl cleaner for longer, meaning less water usage and fewer chemicals in the environment.
A Sustainable Future
“I was the first in Canada to join this company, and I was most impressed with its philosophy, focused on trust and societal betterment,” Bancheri says. TOTO incorporates life cycle assessments at every stage of production, ensuring that at any point during its manufacturing process, the company can repurpose its materials to not create waste, making it extremely efficient.
Notable is its program that returns water to a more purified state than received. The company has also set industry standards by using miso (soybean paste) for flush testing as opposed to synthetic materials used elsewhere. On the manufacturing side, machines run using soybean oil instead of conventional oils or chemicals.
Enhanced Wellbeing
TOTO’s New Shared Value Creation Strategy (WILL2030) aims to contribute to creating a sustainable society and achieve clean, comfortable and healthy lifestyles by 2030. With customer well-being in mind, many innovative features, such as touchless operation and automatic cleaning, are not only everyday luxuries but promote both hygiene and relaxation. Its ADA-compliant products allow individuals with mobility challenges to have a more comfortable experience, while TOTO’s WASHLETS allow those who wish to age in place to live more independently and with dignity.
TOTO’s products are designed for everyone, with a range extending from affordable options to high-end luxury models. “I didn’t want one until I used one” is a sentiment Bancheri often hears from people who likely had the experience at a posh hotel or spa, or the showroom of a plumbing professional.
“And since they are built to last several decades, TOTO toilets offer excellent long-term value,” he says. “Their modern design ensures they look great in any bathroom, making them a worthwhile investment for years to come.”