KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
29th March 2018
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International News
Products Endless design possibilities with Rehau's Rauvisio range
Complete collection of 73 CRL quartz and Ceralsio ceramic surfaces impresses KBB crowds
Cosentino's biggest stand ever featured exclusive VIP lounge to showcase new launches
From kitchen to living space in seamless fashion with Masterclass
Uform reflects on successful first attendance at KBB
Abacus Bathrooms, Lustrolite and Elements display innovations at KBB 2018
Keller Kitchens - Dutch design showcased with new Trend Collection taking centre stage
Karonia - keeping the customers satisfied
Abode makes a splash with raft of new kitchen and bathroom innovations
InSinkErator: exciting new launches
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I'm delighted that the Government has finally decided to introduce a drinking bottle deposit return scheme, designed to increase recycling and slash the amount of waste polluting our land and seas and thus cut the cost of cleaning it up - which of course, we all have to bear. I must say, though, that I don't understand why something wasn't done about the problem sooner... UK consumers go through an estimated 13 billion plastic drinks bottles a year, but more than three billion are incinerated, sent to landfill or left to pollute our streets, countryside and marine environment. It's disgraceful when you think about it, isn't it? But it's not all about plastics. The scheme will cover single use drinks containers whether they're of plastic, glass or metal, which is great news. And although whatever scheme is eventually adopted is initially only planned for England, the Government is hoping that it will also be adopted by the devolved administrations. I hope so too, since consistency always makes it easier for the general public to follow the rules... The scheme will sit alongside a package of wider reforms of the current packaging waste system, which will incentivise producers to take greater responsibility for the environmental impacts of their products and to increase the amount of packaging they recycle. The Government has already introduced a scheme which has led to nine billion fewer bags being distributed, while its plastic microbeads ban has been hailed as one of the world's strongest bans. I hope it chooses something as successful for drinks bottles and that it works hard to tackle the over-use of plastic packaging too. It really can't come a moment too soon, for our planet, our local environment and our pockets too. I don't know if I ever mentioned it but my fridge-freezer, delivered last year, was buried in so much plastic and polystyrene that I could have used it to parcel up the entire contents of my kitchen. Likewise, my sofas - and I was vacuuming up tiny polystyrene balls from that, for weeks. I know appliances and furniture need to be delivered clean and undamaged but surely there's a better way of ensuring that this happens? Is the removal by the delivery people and re-use of the packaging by the warehouse, too difficult and time-consuming to contemplate, I wonder? Yours,
This Week's News
Shower market shuns 'expected' Brexit blip in 2018 The new 2018 report on the UK shower market from MTW Research finds that whilst the prospect of Brexit might dampen performance, robust demand continues to support above inflation growth in 2018 for most sectors. The 270-page report identifies the Brexit transition period as providing a relatively stable environment for growth to the end of 2020, with above-inflation growth forecast for the next four years. Other factors such as housebuilding rising by 16% in Q2 2017 and healthy refurbishment demand, continue to underpin sales growth for shower manufacturers, distributors and retailers. National Tile Week celebrates tiles in all their glory for the third year running Now in its third successful year, National Tile Week is back and set to make an impact in 2018. Sponsored by British Ceramic Tile, the week-long campaign will celebrate tiles in all their glory and aims to give the nation the confidence they need when it comes to DIY tiling projects. Offering ideas on how homeowners can creatively include tiles in their living spaces, National Tile Week will reveal the latest trends sweeping through the design world, dispel some common myths about tiles and share practical tips and solutions when it comes to updating interior spaces. Ideal Standard International looks to the future with full support of new owners Ideal Standard International has announced that an entity managed and advised by Anchorage Capital Group and CVC Credit Partners has completed the acquisition of the Ideal Standard International Group and become the sole shareholders of the Group.
This transaction marks the successful completion of Ideal Standard International's refinancing of the Group's debt, enabling it to fully focus on advancing its long-term strategic plan and further develop the company as a leading manufacturer of high-quality residential, commercial and healthcare bathroom solutions. Uform looks to the future with a brand refresh Renowned kitchen door & component supplier Uform has revealed a brand refresh as it celebrates 25 years in business and focuses on beyond. Having experienced significant levels of growth over the last three years, the company recognised the need to evolve the visual identity and look and feel of the brand to mirror its market leading position. Uform marketing manager, Sara Cotter explains: "We're very proud to launch our rejuvenated brand. It's more than just a logo change. This latest step reflects how far we've come as a business and where we're heading in terms of our strategic goals. The British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom & Bathroom Installation has announced a new relationship with global payment processing giant, Worldpay. The partnership will provide BiKBBI members with access to enhanced payment processing financial services, helping them to transact more efficiently with their customers. Speaking on behalf of BiKBBI, membership manager Lynsey Easom said: "Worldpay is a global leader in payment processing technology and solutions for merchant customers. Fit & Forget campaign launch, designed to tackle consumer doubt VitrA's new Fit and Forget campaign is designed to underline the company's expertise in wall-hung frames and remove any consumer concerns about concealed cisterns. TKC introduces two new, easy-to-install storage solutions into its portfolio TKC has introduced the SmartLarder and the Combi into its portfolio to offer new storage solutions that are stylish, easy-to-install, highly practical and available now from stock. Utilising the space effectively and efficiently, the SmartLarder offers five drawers behind one door. The drawers feature fully concealed sliding mechanisms which allow full extension of the drawers even with their maximum load of 40kg per drawer, to avoid excessive bending or stretching. Soft close comes as standard for smooth operation. Saniflo creates kitchens anywhere Well known for its market-leading range of pumps and macerators for bathroom scenarios, Saniflo also leads the way in grey water pumping solutions for kitchen, utility and laundry environments.
Whether a pump is required for domestic premises or for a commercial application, there is a choice of units that can be used when mains drainage connection isn't an option. Customised gratings create a perfectly colour co-ordinated bathroom With the growing trend to customise bathrooms, On The Level (OTL) has produced a spectrum of contemporary coloured gratings from Gold to Green - meaning it's now easier to make a shower or wetroom as individual as we all are. The range comes in matt or gloss, at an additional cost, depending on the size and colour chosen. OTL will replicate any colour required, meaning customers can have the same colour grating to match bathroom tiles, towels or theme. Examples of available colours include; Blue, Green, Orange, Yellow, Pink, Red, Gold and Black. The bare Essentials from Abacus Bathrooms The launch of the Abacus Essentials range, by bathroom expert, Abacus Bathrooms (www.abacus-bathrooms.co.uk), is encapsulated in a new, easy-to-navigate 70-page brochure. Teresa Arbuckle, managing director UK & Ireland, Beko, has been elected chair of the Association of Manufacturers of Domestic Appliances. She assumes leadership of the association on the 2nd April 2018, taking over from Simon Grantham who steered the trade association during his tenure as managing director, Miele UK. Teresa brings to AMDEA 20 years' UK business experience with global, blue-chip companies and leading consumer brands. Following strategic marketing roles at HJ Heinz, LeapFrog and Premier Foods, she joined Beko in 2011, helping to drive the Turkish-based conglomerate to a pole position in the UK's white goods market. PWS appoints customer engagement manager Kitchen components distributor PWS has welcomed Michaela Hanna to its marketing department. Michaela joins the Newton Aycliffe-based company as customer engagement manager, to drive new opportunities and create value through client engagement across the business. In addition to creating a wide-ranging programme of activity from training workshops through to retailer events, Michaela will also play a key role in optimising the use of PWS's state of the art design centres, in Newton Aycliffe and Slough. Blanco appoints new regional sales manager for Anglia Blanco UK has appointed Ben Ahl as regional sales manager for the Anglian region. Ben has joined Blanco from Neff (UK) where he was area business manager for over 12 years. Salice further strengthens sales team As part of its continued expansion plans, furniture fittings manufacturer Salice UK, has recently appointed Steven Read as southern sales manager. 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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