Innovation

Innovation as the foundation for future growth

Geberit’s innovative strength, which is above average for the sector, is founded on its own, wide-ranging research and development (R&D) activities. In the reporting year, a total of CHF 72 million (previous year CHF 78 million) – or 2.1% of net sales – was invested in the development and improvement of products, processes and technologies. Additionally, as part of the investments in property, plant and equipment and intangible assets, considerable sums were invested in tools and equipment for the production of newly developed products. In the reporting year, 27 patents were applied for, in the last five years a total of 180 patents.

All product developments at Geberit go through an established innovation and development process, which ensures that the creative potential and know-how are used to the optimum extent and that development activities focus on the needs of the markets. Customer benefits, quality, a system approach and sustainability as well as the consistent strengthening of the brand are of central importance here.

Geberit has industry-leading expertise in the fields of virtual engineering, hydraulics, materials technology, sound insulation, statics, fire protection, hygiene, electronics, surface technology and process engineering. Thanks to continuous investments in the laboratory infrastructure, the scientists and engineers at Geberit have the very latest systems and technologies at their disposal. Worthy of particular mention here are the possibilities for simulating production processes, the rapid and cost-effective production of prototypes thanks to outstanding 3D printing capacities and the ability to thoroughly inspect prototypes and series parts.

New products for Geberit markets worldwide

Among others, the following products were newly launched on the market in 2022:

• The new dual-flush unit type 212 for concealed cisterns offers diverse setting options and meets all requirements and standards worldwide. The flush valve is backwards-compatible and replaces the current flush valves seen in the Sigma, Delta and Omega concealed cisterns. It makes a significant contribution to saving water, with optimal flushing out of the WC ceramic appliance achieved with only a minimal flush volume.
• The premium bathroom series Geberit ONE was supplemented by a number of components which considerably increase the configuration options. The focal point was the washplace, for which newly developed, space-saving drains and traps are available. These were accompanied by new washbasin variants with a larger projection and either a horizontal or vertical drain. The expansion of the range was rounded off by additional bathroom furniture.
• During the installation of discharge stacks, plumbers sometimes come across situations where the connections in the floor and ceiling are not lined up precisely with each other. With the Silent-db20 Offset fitting, Geberit has developed a solution that can be used to compensate for such axial offsets easily, thus significantly reducing the time needed for installation.
• The Geberit Control App makes life easier for service technicians, facility managers and plumbers. The app makes it possible to operate and program all WC and urinal flush controls, washbasin taps and sanitary flush units. To date, each device had to be configured individually with a remote control. Using the app, it is now possible to group together all controls installed in a room and operate them together via Bluetooth.
• With the shower toilet Geberit AquaClean Cama, an inexpensive basic model is offered which is primarily intended for use in rental apartments. Installation and commissioning do not require structural measures or the assistance of a craftsman. The device can be commissioned by the end user in just a few simple steps and also uninstalled again if necessary. It was launched in Switzerland in 2022 as part of a pilot project.

Several new product launches are planned for 2023. The most important products are as follows:

• The new wall-hung Acanto WC with TurboFlush impresses with an improved flushing-out performance. The geometry of the inner bowl has been hydraulically optimised. The water guide has been optimally coordinated with the Geberit concealed cistern, which leads to an efficient flushing out.
• The new version of the Sigma70 actuator plate is characterised by minimalist design for the highest aesthetic requirements. This innovative actuator plate features precision mechanics and selected colours and materials.
• The CleanLine50 is a new addition to the Geberit shower channel range. It impresses visually with a slim design, has an integrated slope and requires over 50% less material in production compared to its predecessor.
• The revised dual-flush unit type 208 for concealed cisterns with 8 cm installation depth enables the flush water volume and speed to be regulated. This in turn optimises water consumption and flushing out of the toilet. The valve is backwards-compatible, meaning it can also be used as a spare part for older concealed cisterns.
• The bathroom product range has been expanded with the addition of matt colours. The taps, drain covers and mirror cabinets in the Geberit ONE premium range are now available in black matt. The Brenta and Piave washbasin taps are also manufactured in black matt. Selected ceramic appliances in the iCon series and the AquaClean family are launched in white matt.
• Geberit is now voluntarily compensating in selected markets for the unavoidable CO₂ emissions that are generated during ceramic production by obtaining CO₂ certificates. Ceramic products in the Geberit ONE, Acanto, Xeno², iCon, Smyle and VariForm bathroom series are included in this initiative. With its voluntary contribution, Geberit is supporting a forest conservation project run by the Swiss myclimate foundation in Tanzania.