KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
20th January 2020
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International News
Products Introducing Jet: a collection of the deepest black ceramic for dramatic intensity
Lighten up the kitchen with Königstone's Concrete Sand
The light tones of the worktop will contrast with dark cabinetry to lighten a kitchen scheme or will blend seamlessly with muted coloured doors and drawers. 'Go Figure' with Fog by Aestus
"Confirming once again that 'expressive shapes and creative forms' will become a key ingredient for next-generation heating solutions in 2020, Fog is a textbook choice for the modern homeowner wanting to create a statement piece in the modern bathroom," says Steve Birch, sales director, Aestus. The 2020 interior design trend is Timber-tastic, says German brand Schuller
'We can expect raw appeal with refined surface,' it says. 'Think natural wild oak and black flamed effect, all with high quality and low maintenance. Dine in style with afternoon tea on a Königstone worktop
That's why Königstone, the champion of engineered quartz and natural stone worktops, has pulled together a recipe to enable homeowners to invite friends over and enjoy afternoon tea at home. 'A new angle to heating design' with Anglia by Aestus
Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen launches lush bed design with handcrafted furniture brand Aspire
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When, whilst writing for the cleaning industry, I discovered microfibre, it was marketed as a miracle product. Soon, all types of equipment was manufactured from it - or adapted to incorporate it - and we became convinced that its reusability and ability to clean without chemicals made it kinder to the planet. I hadn't realised that it wasn't just cleaning products which were made from this material, but clothing and throws too... and nor had I realised, that far from being kinder to the planet, the material brought its own problems in as much as the fibres were leaching off in the wash and entering our water systems. Soon we were encouraged to treat the material gently to reduce this leaching; research suggested that drum spin speed, number of spinning direction changes and length of pauses in the cycle (agitation) was the most important factor. This was overturned by later studies which discovered that delicate wash cycles were more damaging. Later research revealed that the volume of water used, rather than spinning action, was the key factor: the higher the water-volume-to-fabric ratio, the more damaging the process. Now a new study by the University of Leeds with Proctor & Gamble has found that laundering at 25 degrees C for 30 minutes halves the number of microfibres released compared to an 85 minute, 40-degree cycle. It stops items from fading, too. Some people think I'm daft when I say we no longer need to separate lights from brights and darks since at 30 degrees colours don't run (there are exceptions, as my red silk blouse proved!) and that it's best economically and environmentally - and personal energy-wise - to wash a full load whenever possible. I also argue that there's no need to boil wash items that have blood on them. A 30-degree wash will do the trick. Putting items in too hot a wash can damage them, causing them to fade, lose their 'stuffing', wear more quickly and lose their shape, often meaning we have to discard them which adds to the landfill problem. This idea that a 20 degrees wash is even better is all very well, but aren't most washing machines manufactured so that a 30-degree wash is easy to achieve? And aren't most detergents formulated to work best at 30 degrees? While washing at even lower temperatures is better for the environment, surely there comes a time when the environmental costs of the drive to develop such machines and detergents - and have us all start using them, outweighs the benefits achieved? Yours,
 This Week's News
Trustmark builds new independent Financial Protection Panel to further enhance consumer protection
New year, new colour scheme: Vasco to launch six new on-trend colours for 2020
Enhancing an already impressive palette, the new 'Noble' colours introduce three metallic shades in bronze, gold & silver, the warm tone of curry provides interest & depth, whilst pearl beige and pink add light, providing the finishing touches for a modern interior be it in the home or office. Unidrain welcomes Kim Maretti as marketing manager
Kim has more than 20 years global marketing experience within the retail and B2B sectors, which enables him to look at the industry from an international perspective. It is this ability and comprehensive outlook that will be most beneficial as he commences his role to market Unidrain; not only at home but in other territories. HiB launches design-led Accessories range
Including a comprehensive selection of bathroom essentials, the Accessories range typifies the innovative approach for which HiB is known.
The new year starts with a new home for Saniflo
Bold as brass with Caple's new Frampton tap
Schmidt's Arcos Supermat kitchen combines innovative storage with a rich red finish Whether it's a low maintenance design for family living, a contemporary look for first-time buyers or a seamless, fuss-free finish for compact spaces, the Arcos Supermat range from Schmidt is the perfect choice for all homeowners. 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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Roxor completes rebrand of Premier Bathrooms to 'nuie'
VitrA dedicates new brochure to brassware, accessories and showers
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