A New Field of Innovation for Improved Quality of Lives

World Water Day 2024: Hansgrohe Strengthens Social Innovation Projects for a Dignified Access to Water and Hygiene

Schiltach, March 2024. The Hansgrohe Group is committed to developing alternatives for a dignified access to hygiene and water with social innovation. The focus here is on the "Global South". With the structured development of innovations that serve a social purpose, Hansgrohe will shape the future prospects of many people worldwide - and at the same time pursue entrepreneurial goals. In keeping with the motto of this year's World Water Day on March 22, "Leveraging Water for Peace", Hansgrohe is presenting the first social innovation projects in structurally weak and water-challenged regions of the world.

First Projects in Kenya and Uganda

“Just as diverse as the problems of water supply and hygiene are worldwide, so are the possibilities for suitable solutions," says Jessica Trejo, who is responsible for Social Innovation at Hansgrohe Group. "We are therefore pursuing various approaches to contribute to the sustainable alleviation of social and environmental problems." As the Group’s social innovation manager, she has already initiated the first projects in the Global South, i.e. in structurally and economically disadvantaged countries around the world. In Kenya, for example, young women from low-income communities are gaining technical knowledge in plumbing and solar panels, along with entrepreneurship and life skills. This is done in cooperation with the Strathmore University Business School, a renowned Kenyan University, and Eastlands College of Technology, in Nairobi. "The narratives of social issues, the economy and the Global South must change," says Jessica Trejo. "It's not about one-off donations, but about supporting people with sustainable new business models that are intertwined with social impact."

In Uganda, the focus is on the joint development of frugal innovations for a dignified hygiene. These are practical products for a price-sensitive target group that also contribute to a more efficient use of resources. In this way, social and sustainable goals can be achieved in equal measure. The new products also take into account the local conditions, such as water quality and quantity, water pressure and availability of raw materials. "The collaboration with young talents from the 'Social Innovation Academy' in Uganda leads to an exchange that is fruitful for both sides," reports Jessica Trejo. "This also opens up new opportunities for Hansgrohe to understand and serve these markets in new ways."

Developing Future Markets in a Socially Responsible Manner

The aim of Hansgrohe Social Innovation is to improve the quality of life of people in the "Global South" with products and services through passionate innovation, while at the same time expanding its market presence. With social innovation, the Hansgrohe Group also contributes to its ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) goals, to which the Black Forest-based manufacturer has committed itself. "As a company, we are part of society. It therefore goes without saying that we also take responsibility for people outside of Hansgrohe," explains Hans Jürgen Kalmbach, Chairman of the Executive Board of Hansgrohe SE. "Social commitment is an integral part of our sustainability strategy and I am delighted that we are strengthening our commitment to society with Jessica Trejo in the new field of social innovation." Born in Mexico, Jessica Trejo has held the newly created position at Hansgrohe since the middle of last year. She previously held various management positions in the company, most recently as Managing Director of the Adriatic region based in Croatia.

Federal Government Launches "National Strategy for Social Innovation"

The fact that social innovation is a viable, future-oriented field of activity, is also demonstrated by the "National Strategy for Social Innovation" announced by the German government in the fall of 2023. It promotes domestic projects with a focus on social innovation. The prerequisite is that they are backed by business models that can be refinanced from their own revenues and generate profits in the long-term. This promotes sustainable social transformation in the economy.

About the Hansgrohe Group – Setting the Beat of Water. Since 1901.

With its brands AXOR and hansgrohe, the Hansgrohe Group, based in Schiltach/Southern Germany, enjoys a reputation as a leader in innovation, design and quality within the bath and kitchen industry. Founded in 1901 in the Black Forest, the company gives water form and function with its faucets, showerheads and shower systems. In combination with sanitary ceramics and bathroom furniture, the company offers individual design options from a single source for holistic bathroom experiences. The 122-year history of the company is marked by innovations, such as the first hand-held shower with multiple spray types, the first pull-out kitchen faucet, and the first wall bar to hold a hand-held shower.The company holds more than 20,000 active property rights. The Hansgrohe Group stands for long-lasting quality products and for responsibility towards people and the environment. Sustainable production of resource-conserving products is central to the company’s business activities around the globe. By developing innovative technologies for faucets and showers, Hansgrohe achieves the greatest possible effect on protecting water as a resource and limiting and adapting to climate change during the usage phase of its products. As part of its consistent sustainability strategy, Hansgrohe is equipping all water-bearing products exclusively with water-saving technologies by 2030 within its "ECO 2030" initiative. With 33 subsidiaries and 21 sales offices supplying products in more than 150 countries, the globally active company in the sanitary industry is a reliable partner to its customers in all regions of the world. The Hansgrohe Group, its brands and products have won numerous awards, including more than 700 design prizes since 1974. The products of the Hansgrohe Group are found around the world: on renowned cruise ships, in luxurious 5-star and boutique hotels, in international metropolitan cities, in extraordinary spas, exclusive bathrooms of lodges and luxury villas, public facilities, as well as in countless private homes. The Hansgrohe Group’s high quality standards are ensured by eight wholly-owned production facilities: four in Germany, one each in France, in Serbia, the United States and China. In 2022, the Hansgrohe Group generated a turnover of EUR 1.528 billion. It employs around 5,600 people worldwide, about 60 percent of whom work in Germany.