Sustainability and the sanitary industry

Thanks to high-quality materials and strict quality requirements, Geberit products have a service life that lasts for decades. They are also generally backwards-compatible and are easy to clean and maintain. Furthermore, Geberit ensures flushing functionality of concealed cisterns for 50 years, which means that the corresponding spare parts remain available during this period (with the exception of the specific functionalities of electronic products, such as the hygienic flush or DuoFresh).

Geberit has a long tradition of manufacturing water-saving products, particularly WC cisterns and their components. According to a model calculation, water consumption for toilet flushing has been reduced by around 80% from 70 to 14 litres per person per day since 1952 thanks to several innovations such as Geberit dual-flush and stop-and-go cisterns. Geberit is constantly developing the water efficiency of its WC systems. The combination of water-efficient flushing systems with the type 212 flush valve and the latest generation of WC ceramics with TurboFlush technology enables the required flush volume to be reduced to 2.6 litres for a partial flush and 4 litres for a full flush.

Since 2007, all products have been consistently developed according to the eco-design principle: Every new product should be ecologically better than its predecessor - without compromising on quality, functionality or durability. All stages of the product life cycle are considered, from raw material extraction to disposal. Since its launch, more than 180 products have been developed or optimised according to this principle.

In production, we aim to close internal material cycles, minimise waste and recycle it sensibly. Plastic is used as resource-efficiently and sparingly as possible to manufacture high-quality and durable products. As part of the eco-design workshops, efforts are being made to increase the proportion of purchased plastic regranulate (post-consumer waste) in the products.

Geberit endeavours to keep the use of packaging material to a minimum. The company is gradually redesigning its packaging and reducing the amount of material required without compromising on product protection. Geberit's packaging strategy aims to ensure that plastic packaging contains at least 30% recycled material by 2030. In addition, 80% of the material used should be recyclable.

Geberit is consistently reducing its energy consumption and CO₂ emissions. Since 2015, the latter have decreased by 63% in relation to currency-adjusted net sales. The aim is to reduce CO₂ intensity (CO₂ emissions in relation to currency-adjusted net sales) by 5% per year. Geberit also relies on electricity from renewable energy sources. In 2023, 79% of electricity came from renewable energy sources.

The Geberit Group was awarded the EcoVadis Gold Medal in 2024 for its sustainability management. This puts Geberit in the top 5 per cent of the more than 125,000 companies assessed. The award makes it clear to customers and suppliers that Geberit has a comprehensive, systematic and long-term sustainability management system in place.

In production and logistics, Geberit focuses on resource efficiency, occupational safety and innovative thinking. The company is continuously developing production processes and reducing the use of resources, energy consumption and waste. All production plants, central logistics and the management company incorporating all Group functions at headquarters in Rapperswil-Jona (CH) are certified in accordance with the ISO standards 9001 (quality), 14001 (environment) and 45001 (occupational health and safety). In addition, five German plants are certified according to ISO 50001 (energy) and nine sales companies according to ISO 9001 (quality).

Geberit is actively involved in development projects aimed at promoting the human right to clean water and basic sanitation. These initiatives focus on knowledge sharing and vocational training, particularly in emerging countries. The company is also committed to advocating for equal opportunities and inclusive workplaces.