KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
23rd January 2015
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 International News
Products Liebherr appliances now to be supplied directly to the UK trade From the beginning of this year, new stocks of Liebherr appliances have only been available from Liebherr GB.
Abacus Elements wet rooms - high on technology, low on carbon footprint
Abacus Elements is a range of easy to install, tileable wet floor systems for domestic and commercial applications. Made by specialist manufacturer and distributor of bathroom products, Abacus Manufacturing Group, the waterproof structural foam boasts high insulation properties and high compressive strength. Sensio launches curved acrylic LED over mirror light
InSinkErator's stylish range of 3N1 taps adds an affordable splash of colour to any kitchen
The stylish yet affordable one-piece kitchen tap is now available in three new finishes of Natural Stone, Orange and Pearl White; keeping with contemporary design trends and exhibiting an eye-catching splash of colour in any showroom. Light up the life of a bathroom or kitchen with impressive new Abacus lighting portfolio
Milestone for Nolte Kitchens in Russia
Whirlpool's new 6th Sense induction oven can save 50% in time and energy
A traditional oven is probably the one we are all used to, however the big difference between the two becomes immediately apparent in the way of an easy to use cooking experience that will save users personal time, money and energy. The wonder of induction technology, which is clean, fast and super-efficient, makes the whole cooking process a joy. Electrolux's Design Lab 2015 theme and upgraded prize fund announced
Introducing the complete outdoor kitchen: the latest cooking trend for your home
Swan celebrates a stellar year
Geberit AquaClean range enhanced with new enhancement sets
Blanco's story of quality will be showcased at LivingKitchen
Hotel picks Max-Top for 5* quality
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The Association of Manufacturers of Domestic Appliances’ pre-Christmas food waste survey, revealed that our enthusiasm for recycling wilts when it comes to food scraps. While an impressive 87% of we Brits say we put out paper and card for recycling, 84% regularly recycling plastic, 77% recycling glass and 75% recycling metal, only 41% of us bother recycling our food waste, meaning that our less frequently collected ‘main’ waste bin may attract more than a parking ticket when the weather gets hot! Depending where we live our zeal to store food left overs for separate council collection falls even further, to 32% amongst those living in inner city areas and 24% for those in purpose built flats. For those turning their nose up at separate collection schemes, aside from those saying the service is not provided by their local authorities, top reasons cited included: “It smells” - (19%), “It attracts unwanted pests” - (19%), and “its unhygienic” - (14%). Food waste that’s not recycled either goes to landfill or is incinerated; emitting greenhouse gases and wasting valuable biogas, precious soil nutrients and vital resources such as phosphorus. Clearly something needs to be done to change our behaviour… WRAP reports that only 10% of food waste is being recovered, yet nearly a third (32%) of those surveyed, who do not use separate collection when it is offered by their local council, said that an easier/ cleaner option (like an in-sink food waste disposer) would encourage them to do so. Food waste disposers grind practically any food waste to minute particles that flow easily through the sewer system to waste water treatment where biogas for heat and power is recovered, along with valuable fertilisers. I do hope that those of you involved in advising householders and businesses that are about to refurbish their kitchens, do your best to persuade them to include a food waste disposer in their plans. As well as helping increase our biogas yields, it would keep leftovers out of landfill and prevent food waste from contaminating our streets and other valuable dry recyclables that have been taken to the dump, but which – if clean – might prove useful for another family.
Yours,
 This Week's News
Inclusive kitchen and bathroom products to grow by 20% to 2018
In 2014, the inclusive bathroom and kitchen products market was estimated to be worth around £150 million at Manufacturers Selling Prices (MSP). This represents an increase of around 2% compared to the market size in 2013. Barwood Products welcomes DisabledGo report
The report, commissioned by Minister for Disabled People Mark Harper, audited more than 30,000 shops and restaurants and claims access for disabled people on Britain's high streets is 'shocking.' Key rooms kept beautifully increase a home's value
"In the past six months, we've seen a marked increase in the number of consumers looking to make real investments into their kitchens and bathrooms, to increase their return on investment later down the line," reveals David Bigland, managing director of Moduleo UK and Eire." Tap into traditional and contemporary bathroom interiors with Laura Ashley
Ideal for contemporary bathrooms, Lucca taps feature a stylish open spout design and are finished in cool chrome. Included are a basin mixer (pictured) and a tall basin mixer with click waste, a deck-mounted bath filler and a deck-mounted bath-shower mixer. Record-breaking Ladder Exchange crowns 'biggest idiot on a ladder'
The success of Idiots on Ladders mirrored a record-breaking year for the Ladder Exchange, which traded over 15% more ladders than in the previous year, continuing its three straight years of growth since being taken over by the Ladder Association in 2012. Roman's cushioned close graces new product
New to the range is the Decem sliding door, which stands at 2000mm luxury 10mm thick toughened glass and features a true soft close door system, to present a silent and ultra-smooth running door action when both opening and closing. KBBG welcomes Sycamore Lighting to growing portfolio
The significant development means that KBBG members will be able to benefit from exclusive buying conditions from Sycamore Lighting, which offer innovative lighting solutions and products for the kitchen, bathroom and bedroom sector. Complete your Genesi kitchen with Steel's complementary kitchen products and appliances
With complementary refrigerators, kitchen units, cooktops and hobs now available, customers can design and create a perfectly co-ordinated, contemporary and complementary kitchen. #HealthSimplified with Gorenje
Stuart Benson, national sales manager at Gorenje UK, explains: "As the nation embarks on new year diets and exercise regimes, we want to help them and we believe the key to success is keeping it simple! The KBzine Archive Search We keep an extensive archive of news stories and product information that have featured in past issues of The KBzine. If you would like to run a search of the The KBzine web site using the search tool below please just go ahead by entering in the name of the person, product or company or any other key words that you are looking for. How to contact us at The KBzine:
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clicking the link above. Recent News
Miele is star performer in the Which? 2015 Best Appliance Brands Survey
Minister highlights safety concerns as too few people register their domestic appliances Thousands of consumers are missing out on product safety warnings as they fail to register appliances such as fridges, freezers and washing machines, according to research published yesterday. Consumer Affairs Minister Jo Swinson is encouraging more people to take this important step and use 'register my appliance.'  Methven goes back to school with L&Q
Tom Howley opens new Bristol showroom
KBSA report says 2014 business increased by 7% The Kitchen, Bathroom & Bedroom Specialists Association says initial figures indicate that overall value sales from its members increased by 7% in the year ending December 31st 2014. This figure confirms anecdotal reports that were seen throughout the year, with members being extremely positive about sales. Soapbox: Addressing skills gap and improving industry image will be key for construction in 2015
Kitchen refurb puts chef out front
Franke Water Systems raises valuable funds for Cancer charities
Wirquin staff support Cash for Kids
The toys were dropped off at the local Asda supermarket and will be distributed by Santa's helpers, aka the Cash for Kids charity, to young people living in poverty to help make their Christmas morning that little bit brighter. People
iKBBI welcomes first female member
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