The big trends that dominated ISH exhibition 2023

ISH 2023 – the global heating, sanitary ware and air-conditioning technology exhibition has made an impressive comeback in its first in-person show since the end of the pandemic. The event was held from 13 to 17 March 2023 in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. This time around, the event focused on finding sustainable bathroom solutions to achieve the goal of climate protection. The conversation at ISH 2023 was heavily centred on decarbonisation, renewable energy, and energy efficiency. The event witnessed whopping 153,734 visitors coming from 154 countries to network as well as assess the colourful bathroom products displayed by 2,025 exhibitors from 54 different countries. Sustainable solutions, coloured sanitary ware and bathroom fittings, and a zeal to expand the product portfolios were the three main industry trends seen in the event this year.

So, in this article, let’s discuss these trends in detail and have a look at how brands have responded to these trends.

“ISH more than fulfilled the expectations of our customers and came at just the right time to meet the challenges of our time such as climate protection and security of supply. The industry presented tangible solutions for the current political requirements, so that the installing trade, as the strongest visitor group, also benefited.”

–Mr. Wolfgang Marzin, Chairman of the Board of Management of Messe Frankfurt

ISH exhibition 2023 – Trend #1 

Sustainability

The exigent need for sustainability in today’s world can hardly be overstated. That is why, the most crucial point of discussion in this event was the need to look for energy-efficient, sustainable bathroom solutions that work towards the goal of climate protection and help improve indoor air quality.

Stiebel Eltron

The leading German renewables brand has majorly focused on decarbonisation, ventilation and heating modernisation. It presented four heat pumps that are suitable for 80% of applications in semi-detached and detached houses. The company presented new products like the brine-to-water heat pump which is an excellent solution for decarbonisation. Additionally, the brand launched a new energy management software which networks the photovoltaic system and heat pump ensuring maximum self-consumption by skilfully controlling energy flows.

Hansgrohe

At ISH 2023, Hansgrohe launched a sustainable bathroom design that uses 90% less water reducing CO2 emissions by 90%. The bathroom consists of a 10-litre shower that uses pH-neutral water. This water gets stored after the shower and is then used for flushing. The novel wash station uses three spray types for washing hands and face. Furthermore, the bidet eliminates the need for toilet paper which reduces CO2 emissions. The conceptual SPHERE is also a water-efficient area dedicated to creating a bathtub effect without wasting valuable water by using elements like light, sound, and warm water vapour.

Duravit

Duravit’s sustainable bathroom design showcased furniture made out of PEFC-certified wood in eight colours intermingled with natural stone. In addition, the minimalistic style combines straight-lined furniture design with rounded sanitary ware.

TOTO

At ISH, TOTO stated its long-term goal to cover 100% of its electricity needs from renewable sources by the year 2040. Furthermore, it aims to make 80% of its product range environment-friendly by the year 2030. The brand has also identified the connection between hygiene technologies and CO2 emissions. Consequently, it has employed technologies like Ewater+, Cefiontect ceramic glaze and Tornado Flush to reduce water consumption.

Roca

Roca presented its latest collection at ISH 2023 at a carbon-neutral booth reflecting the company’s core philosophy of sustainability. The carefully planned design ensured that Roca’s presence at the event left behind as little carbon footprint as possible. In fact, the carbon emissions that occurred during the process of reaching the event have been offset by the inauguration of climate protection projects that would not have been released otherwise.

CLAGE

Separate hot water and heating systems are CLAGE’s clear advice to the industry. Modern heating systems should be used with decentrally installed e-flow heaters in new or renovated buildings. This way, the hot water is delivered precisely at the right temperature and just in time. This method consistently avoids precious energy loss and promotes independence from gas and oil.

ISH exhibition 2023 – Trend #2

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Coloured sanitary ware and bathroom fittings

The current market demand is for coloured sanitary ware and bathroom fittings. As a result, several popular brands have decided to launch a number of solutions in colourful options to give bathrooms a playful touch.

Hansgrohe

Hansgrophe unveiled a colourful bathroom design that merges vibrant hues with unexpected details to redefine personal luxury. The remarkable pairing of hues and surfaces in this design strikes a harmony among the products displayed by the brand.

Duravit

Duravit fully understood the market demand. Therefore, the brand has introduced the concept of exciting and bold colours in its Millio and Vitrium series. They launched colourful basins, toilets, bathtubs and more which add a unique touch to the space. Furthermore, the shades have been carefully chosen by the brand to add a sense of versatility to its series as well as allow its products to cater to any design style ranging from minimalistic to rustic.

Geberit

Geberit iCon’s modular furniture has been specially designed with more storage room to make clever use of space. These practical as well as beautiful and colourful designs are available with coated surface options like white matt, lava, white high-gloss, and sand grey high-gloss for modern bathrooms.

ISH exhibition 2023 – Trend #3

Expansion of product portfolio

Another trend that ruled the ISH exhibition this year was the eager expansion of major brands into new product categories. Therefore, brands sought to offer a more inclusive product range. For instance, Duravit, known for its sanitary ware range, has ventured into coloured bathroom fittings. Similarly, Hansgrohe has announced its range of sanitary ware. TOTO has also decided to expand into bathroom fittings. Furthermore, Geberit has grown its product portfolio in almost every range including mirrors, furniture, and more.

This expansion may give rise to several bathroom designs that have been made using products from a single brand which was earlier not possible. It will become easier for the customers as well because they can just step into one brand store and get all their needs met. This is basically a response to a change in customer behaviour who want to have a holistic bathroom design.

Conclusion

ISH 2023 was an eagerly awaited exhibition in the architecture as well as interior design industry. Sustainability as a concept peaked this year as major brands launched several sustainable bathroom solutions or stated their intentions of being sustainably sourced within a few decades. This crucial move has helped raise awareness about sustainability. Moreover, it has given this concept a better reach among the community. Thus, the novel green bathroom solutions will definitely help reduce carbon emissions in luxury bathroom designs in the coming years.

The event further popularised the concept of colourful bathrooms and marked a sharp turn from basic colours. Several brands showcased their colourful vision by diving into coloured sanitary ware and bathroom fittings while still keeping the shades rooted in nature.

Furthermore, the brands also addressed the customer demand for an all-inclusive bathroom design that uses products from a single brand name. All in all, it was quite an exciting event which saw a dedicated contribution from major global brands. The event was tremendously fruitful in terms of raising awareness about key environmental issues as well as the latest technological developments and products being released within the industry.

*The featured image used in this article is from Villeroy & Boch