In an era where sustainability and innovation are at the heart of every industry’s
evolution, the sanitaryware sector is undergoing a transformation like never before.
With a growing emphasis on water conservation, smart technology, and design
efficiency, the expectations from modern bathrooms are being redefined. In an
exclusive interview with Homes & Buildings Magazine, MR. SHRIVATSA SOMANY,
Head of Bathware at Somany Ceramics, shares his insights on how the industry is
embracing change, the future of smart bathrooms, and the company’s commitment
to innovation, sustainability, and consumer-centric design.
The Evolution of India’s Sanitaryware Industry
The post-pandemic world has placed a renewed focus on hygiene, sustainability, and intelligent solutions in bathroom spaces. Consumers today demand more than just aesthetically pleasing sanitaryware—they seek functionality, convenience, and eco-conscious designs that contribute to water conservation. The shift toward touch-free technology, antibacterial coatings, and water-efficient flushing systems is not merely a trend but a necessity. Somany Ceramics has been at the forefront of this transformation, integrating advanced sensor-based faucets, self-cleaning surfaces, and intuitive flushing systems that ensure both hygiene and environmental responsibility.
The drive toward sustainable and smart bathroom solutions is influenced by multiple factors. Increasing awareness of water scarcity and government-led initiatives promoting green living have significantly altered consumer preferences. The rise of smart home automation has also played a crucial role, with homeowners seeking intelligent bathroom solutions that seamlessly integrate into their tech-enabled living spaces. The demand for innovative, space-saving designs and water-efficient sanitaryware has never been higher. Consumers no longer view sustainability as an optional feature but as an essential component of modern living.
Balancing affordability with cutting-edge sustainable technology in a cost-conscious market like India is a challenge, but at Somany Ceramics, the approach has always been rooted in innovation. By investing in research and development, the company has successfully introduced solutions such as Oxi-stream aerators, dual-flush systems, and Intellisense flushing, all designed to optimise water usage without escalating costs. Additionally, sustainable manufacturing practices, such as recycling raw materials and adopting energy-efficient production processes, help maintain affordability without compromising on quality or environmental responsibility.
Sustainability Beyond the Product
While water conservation is a key priority, sustainability extends far beyond the products themselves. At Somany Ceramics, environmental responsibility is deeply embedded into every stage of the manufacturing process. The company actively employs eco-conscious practices, including material recycling, energy-efficient production techniques, and stringent waste minimisation protocols. Efficient resource utilisation at every stage ensures that sustainability is not just a marketing message but a fundamental ethos driving operations.
Innovating for Water Conservation
With depleting groundwater levels and rising water consumption, the role of sanitaryware brands in water conservation has become increasingly significant. The industry must take proactive steps in designing products that minimise water wastage while maintaining performance and efficiency. At Somany Ceramics, this principle is deeply ingrained in product innovation. The company has introduced several breakthrough solutions that redefine water efficiency without compromising the user experience.
Somany’s dual-flush systems regulate water flow based on usage, while the sensor-based Intellisense flushing system ensures that water is only used when necessary, eliminating wastage. The Quiet Swirl flushing technology combines powerful cleaning with water efficiency, reducing the need for multiple flushes. Elysees tankless wall-hung toilets are another game-changer, designed to function effectively even under low water pressure conditions. These sleek, space-saving designs optimise flushing efficiency while reducing water consumption, all without requiring complex wall modifications.
Beyond individual product innovations, the company is also focused on seamlessly integrating sustainability into design aesthetics. The Thin Essence wall-hung toilets, with ultra-thin rims, are a testament to this balance—merging minimalist design with enhanced hygiene and reduced water usage. Concealed cisterns and wall-hung WCs optimise space while promoting efficient water management, proving that sustainability and luxury can coexist effortlessly in modern bathrooms.
Aligning with global green building standards is another critical aspect of Somany’s sustainability strategy. The company is committed to meeting the requirements of certifications such as LEED and IGBC, reinforcing its position as a leader in sustainable construction solutions. Compliance with ISO 14001:2015 underscores its efforts to reduce environmental impact, while GRIHA certification further validates its commitment to eco-friendly building practices. Every product is meticulously designed to meet the highest standards of safety, quality, and environmental responsibility, ensuring that customers make a conscious, responsible choice when they choose Somany.
While formal partnerships may vary, the company is always keen to collaborate with organisations and initiatives that promote water conservation and sustainable practices. As a responsible brand, Somany Ceramics remains aligned with both national and global sustainability goals, ensuring that its impact extends beyond just product innovation.
The Future of Smart Bathrooms in India
The Indian bathroom industry is undergoing a technological renaissance, with smart innovations shaping the future of modern living. Automation, touch-free controls, and AI-driven functionalities are no longer luxuries but integral components of contemporary bathroom spaces. The SmartSense range from Somany’s French Collection exemplifies this evolution, featuring advanced smart toilets with auto-sensing technology, heated seats, UV sterilisation, and touch-free flushing. These innovations are setting new benchmarks in convenience, hygiene, and water efficiency.
Sensor-based taps and touch-free systems are increasingly becoming the preferred choice across both residential and commercial spaces. In homes, they offer a seamless, hygienic experience that enhances everyday routines while complementing the aesthetics of modern interiors. In commercial environments, durability and reliability take precedence, ensuring that these technologies can withstand high-traffic usage without compromising performance.
Developing energy-efficient smart products that also align with water conservation goals presents its own set of challenges. The need to integrate advanced features without making them prohibitively expensive, ensuring compatibility with India’s diverse water pressure conditions, and creating reliable yet energy-efficient solutions requires intensive research and development. Somany Ceramics remains committed to overcoming these challenges through cutting-edge innovation, localised product design, and a deep understanding of evolving consumer needs.
Shaping Consumer Awareness and Policy Collaboration
Consumer awareness about water conservation is growing steadily, even in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. Increasing disposable incomes, greater exposure to sustainability-driven initiatives, and government-led awareness campaigns have all contributed to a shift in mindset. Somany Ceramics has been proactive in educating customers through digital campaigns, interactive in-store experiences, and industry collaborations. By showcasing the long-term cost savings and environmental impact of water-efficient sanitaryware, the company has successfully positioned sustainable solutions as both aspirational and practical.
Policy frameworks like Jal Shakti Abhiyan play a crucial role in influencing product development strategies. The push for water conservation at a national level encourages brands like Somany to accelerate innovation in areas such as water-efficient flushing mechanisms, aerators, and sensor-based technologies. Stricter regulations on water consumption would undoubtedly drive industry-wide progress, ensuring that sustainability becomes a non-negotiable standard rather than an option.
Collaboration between sanitaryware brands, policymakers, and urban planners presents a unique opportunity to enhance water conservation on a much larger scale. Policy-driven product innovations, integration of smart water management systems into urban planning, and large-scale public-private partnerships can create a lasting impact. By working collectively, the industry can ensure that future infrastructure projects prioritise water efficiency, contributing to a more sustainable future.
Looking Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities
Despite the undeniable momentum behind sustainable bathroom solutions, challenges remain. Price sensitivity, infrastructure limitations in older buildings, and resistance to change among consumers and developers can slow adoption rates. However, the growing awareness of sustainability and the increasing demand for premium, eco-friendly solutions indicate that these challenges will gradually diminish.
The future of the sanitaryware industry will be shaped by revolutionary technologies such as AI-powered leak detection, ultra-thin ceramic profiles, and antimicrobial coatings that enhance hygiene. Smart personalisation, self-cleaning surfaces, and greywater recycling systems will further redefine bathroom design and efficiency.
Somany Ceramics envisions a future where sustainability and technology work in harmony to create intelligent, efficient, and aesthetically refined bathroom spaces. By continuously pushing the boundaries of innovation, the company is paving the way for a new era of water-conscious, smart living in India.
SOMANY CERAMICS BATHWARE FOR A SUSTAINABLE TOMORROW
