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UK Water Efficient Bathroom Products
Product Mix by value 2010
The UK water saving
plumbing products market had shown excellent levels of growth until
the economic downturn. Like other products in the building and
construction industry, this market has been impacted by the global
financial crisis. The market is estimated at £160 million at
Manufacturers Selling Prices (MSP) in 2010. 2011 estimates indicate
an increase of 3%, reflecting some signs of stabilisation in the UK
economy plus the positive impact of recent Government regulatory
changes on this market sector.
Forecasts indicate that
the UK water saving plumbing products market will return to growth
in 2011-12. Following the changes to Part G of the Building
Regulations in 2010, these products are in greater demand. In
addition, the water consumption targets set by the Code for
Sustainable Homes will increase to level 4 for public new housing
in 2012, which will have a further positive influence. By 2015, the
overall market value is forecast to be £219 million at MSP, which
would represent an increase of around 33% compared to the estimated
market size in 2011.
The core product
sectors of the UK water saving plumbing products market are water
efficient bathroom products (91%) and water recycling systems (9%).
The water efficient
bathroom product sector is estimated at £146 million at MSP in
2010. This sector comprises water efficient brassware (£50m),
showers (£41m), WC suites (£35m), baths (£14m) and other products
such as timed flow controls (£6m).
Within the water
recycling systems sector, rainwater harvesting systems is estimated
to be worth around £10m in 2010, with greywater recycling systems
worth around £4m.
Water efficient
bathroom products are distributed through a wide range of channels.
The main distribution channel continues to be merchants with the
DIY multiples also holding a substantial share. Other channels
include bathroom specialists, and Internet e-tailers. The vast
majority of water recycling systems are distributed either through
plumbing and drainage merchants or direct via water recycling
specialists. There are also a growing number of Internet e-tailers
operating in this market sector.
The future performance
of the water saving plumbing products market is likely to be driven
by Government legislative changes and growing concerns and
attitudes towards water usage and its impact on the environment.
The Code for Sustainable Homes will continue to support demand for
water saving products, particularly in public housing. Compliance
requirements for water consumption in public residential properties
will increase to level 4 in 2012 and level 6 from 2015. It may
become necessary to install a water recycling system to meet these
more stringent requirements.
Despite higher levels
of rainfall in recent years, UK water supplies continue to decline,
with many areas becoming under ‘stress’. The Environment Agency
predicts that by 2050, climate change and other factors will reduce
the amount of water available by between 10 and 15 percent. Over
the next 20 years, demand for water is set to increase still
further. This will be driven by population growth coupled with
higher levels of new house build, plus increasing per capita water
consumption. |
