For Roca Bathroom Products Pvt. Ltd., Design, Innovation and Sustainability are the key guiding values around which the Group is writing its success story across the globe and maintaining its leadership position in the bathroom solution provider space. In an interview with MGS Architecture, Mr. Pau Abello, the company's Managing Director delves into how Roca India is gearing up to rule the roost. Excerpts:
What is Roca's take on sustainability?
Complying strictly with the European Quality Norms across the globe and also the requirements for the preservation of nature, all production processes at Roca aim to provide sustainable solutions for humanity. Roca has always recognised that water is a fundamental force binding all lives in a symbiotic relationship. The establishment of the "We Are Water Foundation" on 28th September, 2010 across 20 countries simultaneously, is an expression of Roca's promise to raise awareness about using water responsibly. Its objective is to raise awareness among institutions/people and help take actions for safe drinking water deprived places. Hence, its efforts are dedicated purely towards the idea of water conservation and the presence of sustainable eco-systems.
Under the umbrella of 'Roca Loves The Planet', the company carries out three types of sustainability related actions and policies – innovative water saving products, sustainable manufacturing processes, and awareness on sustainability.
Roca has a very strong actionable approach when it comes to sustainability of the environment. It has been driven through our products, leading to innovative technologies, whether it is the dual flush technology or the click technology, which ensure minimal usage of water. Roca has been making significant efforts to bring innovative solutions for saving water and energy. Products available include dual-flush WCs, low capacity baths, taps with flow restrictors and EcoDisc cartridges. Many of these are registered with the Water Label to be independently verified as being water-efficient.
In our production process, we are trying to reduce CO2 emissions in our factories, whereas the Eco-Roca Project aims to reduce energy consumption (per ton produced) by 25% by the year-end. Under the Zero Waste program, we are targeting 100% reduction of waste in all our manufacturing units. This, we will achieve at our Bhiwadi plant (currently at 76%) in a couple of years from now.
Being known as the technology player, what are the latest in Roca's green products' portfolio?
We are known for our technological prowess – be it products or processes. Roca is dedicated to design and developing highly versatile products, when it comes to saving water. One of our green products 'In-Tank Meridian', a thorough innovation, is the first wall-hung WC to have the cistern and the operating plate integrated within the closet, thereby removing the need for any behind-the-wall plumbing, installation and servicing. Likewise, 'CleanRim the Gap', through the introduction of an efficient distributor at the back of the toilet, reduces the flush volume and also makes the WC extremely hygienic and easy to clean. Besides, we already have W+W (Wash basin + WC), which is designed to maximise space and conserve water. It is a perfect example of Roca's water-reuse technology. It filters waste water from the washbasin to fill the toilet cistern. Here, integration took on the expression of innovation and design.
How is Roca's global presence reaping benefits for Roca India?
What is Roca's brand architecture in India?
In India, we have a holistic brand architecture comprising of 4 brands –Armani/Roca, Laufen, Roca and a brand entirely developed and manufactured in India - Parryware. Our Armani/ Roca bathroom space is illustrated by its design, modest luxury and sensuality combined with latest technological offerings to create an intimate environment of warmth and comfort. This concept is a perfect harmony of Giorgio Armani's impeccable design and Roca's expertise in delivering sophisticated luxury to make the bathroom an epitome of flawless art.Then, we have LaufenBrand,the personality of this highly traditional Swiss brand reflects a symbiosis of design, quality and functionality. LAUFEN, the premium brand under the ROCA umbrella, is one of the world's leading manufacturers with a global distribution network. The Global Lifestyle segment is catered by the brand Roca that offers products of global standards and repute in India. Parryware brand is for the mass, the brand has been for more than 60 years and standing tall to its commitment of being the most trusted & valued brand in India. With this kind of Brand Architecture, Roca India is poised to cater to all the segments the best bathroom solutions.
What steps are you taking to educate plumbers about any new installation technique?
Please share some latest CSR initiatives from Parryware / Roca.
As a part of the company's corporate social responsibility (CSR) plan, we, at Roca Parryware, are in the process of building toilets in 54 schools across the country. This is in line with the Prime Minister's 'Swachh Bharat Abhiyan' that emphasises the need for better sanitary conditions in the nation, with a special focus on toilets in schools. We are already in process of developing a new, low-cost, Indian-style toilet-pan, which would suit the requirement of this program. Actually, the PM's vision of providing sound sanitary conditions to each citizen of the country is laudable. Fortunately, we at Parryware, as India's frontrunners in bathroom solutions, are in an ideal position to contribute meaningfully to this dream project. We will be targeting schools in cities like Coimbatore, Indore, Erode, Bhiwadi, Sriperumbudur, Pantnagar, Alwar and Ranipet as a part of the initiative.
