What made you decide to join a family business that has been manufacturing bathrooms for four generations? Did you previously have any direct experience with marketing bathroom solutions or enamelled steel products?
First of all, I was fascinated by the material, which combines luxury and sustainability and is highly durable and extremely resistant. Isn’t it commendable and amazing to stand up against consumerist society and promote a material that is made for eternity? The material, which has fulfilled its purpose after a long service life, returns to its origin according to the "Cradle-to-Cradle" principle and is returned 100 % to the recycling cycle. This is also a significant difference from the fashion industry in which I worked before KALDEWEI. The luxury segment has remained with me as a marketing specialist, but now in new forms. An example is the just mentioned "Avocado Dreams Collection" by British designer Bethan Laura Wood. "I decided on a design that flows and swirls around the curves of the key KALDEWEI bathroom elements," explains the designer.
The history of the KALDEWEI brand goes back more than 100 years. Which historical event or period in the development of the family business still inspires you today?
At KALDEWEI we don't look back, we always look forward! And this is probably also the biggest source of inspiration: the unstoppable pioneering spirit, love of design and absolute perfectionism in execution, which have always accompanied the brand – until this day. Nevertheless, if someone allows themselves to get lost in looking back, it is probably the love of design and absolute perfectionism in execution, which have always accompanied the brand – right up to the present day.
What are the most important current trends in sanitary technology?
In short: sustainability. However, we at KALDEWEI do not see sustainability as a trend, but as a task for entire generations. Because our bathroom products are always sustainable, usually due to recyclable materials. The basic trends are: free-standing bathtubs, floor-level showers and exclusive washbasins. In addition, the promotion of crafts is increasingly coming to the fore.
Is interest in mini bathrooms also growing these days? In 2020, you won an important award for KALDEWEI small bathroom solutions. Can you tell our readers what makes KALDEWEI design so interesting?
The lack of living space requires the implementation of small bathrooms. The mottos "less space for more freedom" and "maximally efficient living space with a minimal ecological footprint" also correspond to the current spirit of the times. This is also the current order of the popular Tiny Houses, which require mini bathrooms, but with the same high standards of sustainability and design. And that matches KALDEWEI perfectly. It was not unjustified that the founders of the Munich start-up, Vagabundo, recently chose KALDEWEI for their mobile Tiny House to realise the embodiment of modern luxury in the bathroom as well.
The design of your products has already won many other awards. Which one do you value the most?
The Red Dot and IF Design Awards are probably the most internationally recognised and prestigious awards we can be proud of.
Your products are made of special KALDEWEI enamelled steel. What makes this material so unique? Are you working on further innovations of your products?
Enamelled steel is a robust steel body with a luxurious glass glaze, which together form an inseparable bond. A fantastic material that ideally combines luxury and sustainability. This Luxstainability® is at the heart of our strategic orientation, which has enormous potential if the symbiosis of luxury and sustainability is maintained.
Entrepreneurial activity requires a lot of investment. What does KALDEWEI invest in the most and what investments does it plan for the future?
Modern luxury that corresponds to the spirit of the times must include sustainable thinking, business and action. That is why we continue to invest in terms of climate neutrality and environmental protection. And, of course, in new, innovative products, in accordance with our Luxstainability® credo.
Your company is known for its environmental responsibility. How important is the issue of sustainability to you personally and what are you doing as a company to protect Nature and the climate as much as possible?
I came to KALDEWEI not only because of sustainable products. We are fortunate that our material complies with the principles of the recycling cycle. KALDEWEI adheres to its strategic orientation towards sustainability and develops pioneering activities within the sector: In 2021, we were the first manufacturers of bathroom equipment to sign the "Science-Based Targets" and set out on the path to climate-neutral production. With the new limited KALDEWEI nature protect edition made of steel with a reduced CO2 content, we have come significantly closer to this goal. And our partners in the construction industry also benefit from this, because, thanks to KALDEWEI Nature Protect bathroom solutions, construction projects have a significantly lower carbon footprint.
The new photovoltaic system at the production plant in Ahlen ensures a sustainable and independent supply of energy. However, energy savings are also the goal of intelligent product development, such as the new KALDEWEI Heat Recovery shower profile, a channel with integrated heat recovery. In addition, the long-term partnership with WWF Germany joins forces in the fight against plastics, currently in the project of reusable packaging in the hotel industry, trade and logistics. Personally, of course, I also try to live sustainably, starting with the conscious use of our resources and ending with shopping without packaging. It may not be a lot for each individual, but it matters in the overall result. That's why I pay attention to things like reusable packaging and very pragmatically efficient travel management during business trips.
You are represented in more than 80 countries. Do customer preferences differ in different parts of the world? For example, does European demand differ from American or Asian market demand?
Yes, of course, each country has its own connection technology, different standards and different legislation. We must respect them and take local conditions into account. For example, in Great Britain, bathroom products that work in a small space, but are in no way inferior in design, are more in demand. Besides, tastes and cultural customs are simply very different. There is no doubt that completely different colours and decors are desired in the UAE than in France.
How is the Czech-Slovak branch perceived in Germany?
The Czech-Slovak branch is a strong pillar of the KALDEWEI company, well established in the country. And it is also perceived as a constant.
Whether we like it or not, we are connected to Nature and our desire for its proximity grows increasingly. This can also be seen in the modern approach to development construction. A perfect example of connecting Nature with housing is the extensive Green Village project of the Real-Treuhand company. It is flourishing near Benešov and Konopiště Chateau, with the 2nd stage currently being completed, offering 25 family houses for immediate occupancy with a layout of 4-5 kk (3 to 4 bedrooms). However, Real-Treuhand has more unique projects prepared.
He has been working in the insurance industry for more than 25 years. He is happiest with good results and the satisfaction of clients and employees. Above all, he considers it as the greatest success when the people around him and in the company are happy, healthy and successful. He keeps fit with his favourite sports, which include mountain biking, skiing, running and golf. This also puts him in a good mood. Perhaps this is also why his most popular historical figure is Jára Cimrman, the Czech fictional scientist and all-rounder. The most distant destination Pavel Wiesner has visited, however, is real – South Africa.
