Prospects of the toilet industry: Demand continues to grow
The toilet industry has experienced tremendous development in the past few decades, and the future prospects are still promising. The prospects of the toilet industry in Western countries are generally positive. With the improvement of consumption levels, the promotion of environmental protection regulations, and the changes in demand brought about by the aging population, the demand for toilets as essential facilities will continue to grow.
- Toilet coverage: In North America, Europe, Japan and South Korea, the penetration rate of toilets is close to 100%, and the markets in these countries and regions have matured. In homes, businesses and public places, toilets are almost necessary infrastructure.
- Intelligence and technological innovation: Japan is in a leading position in the popularization and technological innovation of smart toilets, but the demand for smart toilets in the North American, European and Korean markets is also gradually increasing, especially in the high-end market. The functions of smart toilets such as automatic flushing, seat heating, and spray washing are gradually becoming a trend.
- Water saving and environmental protection: Water-saving toilets are gradually becoming mainstream in the markets of these countries. The promotion of government policies and the improvement of environmental awareness have made water-saving and low-flow toilets popular, especially in the North American and European markets.
- Aging population: As the problem of population aging intensifies, the demand for toilets by elderly consumers has changed, and they pay more attention to convenience and comfort. Toilets designed for the elderly have become a new demand point in the market.
- Globalization and the rise of emerging markets: With the advancement of globalization, some developing countries have also begun to gradually accept modern sanitary facilities, especially in areas with rapid urbanization, and the demand for toilets will continue to grow. Emerging markets such as China, India, Southeast Asia and some Latin American countries provide huge market opportunities for toilet manufacturers.
<Image data source: DATA BRIDGE MARKET RESEARCH>
The following is an analysis of the toilet coverage and market prospects in North America, Europe, Japan and South Korea:
1. North America (United States, Canada)
Coverage: In the United States and Canada, the coverage of toilets is almost 100%, whether in homes, commercial buildings or public places, toilets are basic facilities. The United States is one of the largest bathroom markets in the world, and almost all new buildings are equipped with modern toilets.
Trends:
- Water-saving toilets: The United States has increasingly stringent environmental regulations, and many states require the installation of low-flow toilets (1.28 gallons per flush), which has promoted the popularity of water-saving toilets.
- Smart toilets: Smart toilets are becoming increasingly popular in the North American market, especially in the high-end market. Functions include automatic flushing, seat heating, spray washing, etc., which has promoted the technological upgrade of the market.
- Aging population: The increasing demand for convenience and comfort among elderly consumers has promoted the demand for barrier-free design and toilet products with high ease of use.
2. Europe (Germany, the United Kingdom, France, etc.)
Coverage: In Europe, the coverage of toilets is close to 100%. Especially in Western European countries, such as Germany, France, and the United Kingdom, almost every home and commercial place is equipped with a toilet. Although the penetration rate of toilets in Eastern European countries is slightly lower, it has also been growing rapidly in recent years.
Trends:
- Energy saving and environmental protection: Europe has high requirements for environmental protection, and many countries have implemented water-saving policies, requiring the use of low-flow, water-saving toilets. Dual-flush systems and other water-saving technologies are becoming more and more popular in the market.
- Smart toilets and high-end products: Although the popularity of smart toilets is not as high as in Japan, in some high-end markets (such as Germany, France, Switzerland, etc.), consumers’ demand for smart and functional toilets is gradually increasing.
- Design and comfort: European consumers pay more and more attention to the design and comfort of toilets, especially in Nordic countries, where modern and simple design styles are popular.
3. Japan
Coverage: Japan’s toilet coverage rate is almost 100%, and almost every home and commercial building has a toilet installed, and many toilets have high-end functions, such as smart seat heating, automatic cleaning, etc.
Trends:
- Smart toilets have a high penetration rate: Japan is the birthplace of smart toilets in the world, and smart toilet technology is very mature. Brands such as TOTO and INAX dominate the market, and functions include automatic flushing, seat heating, spray cleaning, warm air drying, etc.
- Environmental protection and water conservation: Japan has always focused on water-saving technology, and smart toilets are usually equipped with efficient water flow optimization systems to reduce water consumption.
- Aging population: Japan’s aging problem has driven the increase in demand for toilets suitable for the elderly, such as adjustable height and easy-to-operate designs.
4. South Korea
Coverage: South Korea’s toilet coverage rate is also very high, close to 100%. Most homes and commercial places are equipped with toilets, especially in large cities, where toilets are more popular.
Trends:
- Intelligence: Korean consumers’ demand for smart toilets is gradually increasing. With large electronic brands such as LG and Samsung entering the smart toilet market, smart toilets have gradually become standard configurations for mid- to high-end families.
- Environmental protection and health: The demand for water-saving and environmentally friendly toilets in the Korean market is gradually increasing. Consumers are concerned about the hygiene and antibacterial functions of toilets, and smart toilets have certain advantages in this regard.
- Aging society: Similar to Japan, South Korea’s aging problem has promoted the design of toilets suitable for the elderly, emphasizing ease of use and comfort.