TOTO LTD.

Saving the Water Through Technology

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Author

Lin Gan

Lin Gan

School

Case Western Reserve University - Weatherhead School of Management

Case Western Reserve University - Weatherhead School of Management

Professor

Chris Laszlo

Chris Laszlo

Global Goals

3. Good Health and Well-Being 6. Clean Water and Sanitation 7. Affordable and Clean Energy 13. Climate Action

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Summary

TOTO focuses on sanitary and related facilities for personal and public use. The innovative technology of commode focuses on water saving and it also converts the water power into electric power.

Innovation

The innovation of tornado flush and water reducing technology in commode keep the usage of water under 4.8L every time.

The hi-tech glaze of the commode prevents particulates to adhere to the surface of the commode. The ion-barrier keeps everything cleaner, longer. It can provide a more hygienic sanitary environment that reduces the transmission of diseases. At the same time, it will reduce the quantity of water for cleaning.

The most innovative product called Washlet is a water-cleansing system that replaces the function of toilet paper in the commode and at the same time it automatically controls and minimises the use of water.

Saving the Water Through Technology

Inspiration

During my conversation with the executive of TOTO, he focused on the various aspects such as water saving, energy saving and creating the less pollution.

I still remember the exact words he said: "The amount of energy and water we can save by these innovations can save a life in some corner of the world." This very sentence still buzzes in my ears.

These intentions of bringing positive change in environment and society and also giving comfortable lifestyle to people in every corner of the world inspire TOTO to come up with such radical innovations.

Overall impact

This technology saves water in the sanitary facilities and has a huge impact on the environment. One of the main innovation products called Washlet replaces the processing of using toilet paper and decreases the paper usage. But at the same time, it also reduces the amount of water usage. In this modern era, huge portion of population prefers to buy products which are impacting environment positively. So this technology not only helps to save water but also brings good business to TOTO. At the same point of time these innovations produces the clean energy, which can be a substantial booster for business.

Business benefit

TOTO is a $3.8 billion company because of these innovations. These innovation helped TOTO to expand its business all over the world since it was established. TOTO's innovations and continuous improvement on these products helped it to be on the top of the market in this segment. At the same point of time, these innovations produce the clean energy, which can be a substantial booster for business.

Social and environmental benefit

Maybe most of the potential clients don’t care much about the impact that the water saving can bring to the world, but the technology of water saving of the sanitary facilities can still reduce the amount of the water bill for customers, that is what customers care about. The normal commode without the water-saving technology use 6 liters of water every time when flushing the commode. The water saving product keeps the usage of water in every flush under 4.8 liters. Take an example of a family with three members, it will save the usage of water to at least 3,000 liters per year. For 100 families, the number will be 300,000 liters per year. Not to mention that for a country or for the world.

Interview

Zhaohui Wu, Manager of environmental materials department

TOTO LTD.

Japan, JP
Business Website: http://www.toto.co.jp
Year Founded: 1917
Number of Employees: 10000+
TOTO focuses on sanitary ware and related facilities. TOTO has devoted itself into innovation on bathroom wares, especially commode since it was founded in 1917. The commode uses different technologies that highly reduce the daily usage of water. Other than that, these innovations concerning this product make people feel alive and clean.