Innovation

Om Manglam’s innovation combines traditional health concepts with new ecological technologies to provide enhanced, environmentally friendly bathroom solutions. The company makes products that are friendly to water resources, and they play a major role in the company’s resource conservation without sacrificing quality and style.

For instance, Om Manglam deals with Delta, a well-known US brand famous for its efficient water-saving technologies. For example, Delta’s showerheads consume 7 liters of water per minute while traditional showerheads can consume more than 20 liters. This innovation has been informed by the company’s water conservation policy which is critical in areas where water is scarce.

Another product that Om Manglam has introduced in the market is Toto’s toilet where 3.7 liters of water is consumed per flush compared with 4 to 8 liters consumed by conventional toilets. This not only ensures that water is used efficiently but also that the frequency with which water is treated is minimized thus conserving energy.

In addition, the high-end brand named Grohe has diverters that are made from 100% brass material which are sold by Om Manglam. Unlike products that employ plastics that are not so durable and eco-friendly, Grohe’s use of brass helps minimize the use of plastics and increases the product’s longevity to help support a circular economy. Other Grohe’s thermostatic smart button diverters are also among the products through which the company is cutting on energy usage because the button diverts water at the correct temperature thus avoiding the use of heat and cool water. These include innovations that are evident from Om Manglam which has demonstrated its concern on sustainability and wellness in that it provides products that can help in saving water and energy as well as products made from sustainable materials.

Inspiration

Om Manglam’s strategy is based on the Indian philosophy and principles of wellness and ecology. Here, the integral view of living that Abeer Agarwal has for the company is informed by the Indian philosophy of health and prosperity, “Svasthya aur Samriddhi.” He is convinced that wellness is the optimal combination of personal and environmental health.

The company values are also based on conventional Indian principles like "Atithi Devo Bhava," which means that guests are sacred. As such, the company strives to deliver luxury and wellness in all its products. Moreover, “Jeevanam Aushadhi,” which translates to “Life is medicine” also talks about the need to cultivate health and wellness for people and the earth.

Sustainability is not a marketing strategy for Abeer; he truly believes that companies are in business to serve the environment, society, and customers. This extends to his belief in selling products that resonate with the environment and are useful for the development of products in line with global sustainable development goals.

Overall impact

The measures that Om Manglam has taken to ensure water efficiency and sustainability have positively affected the environment and society. Through Delta’s water-saving showerheads and Toto’s low-water-use toilets, the company contributes to the conservation of water, one of the most valuable resources.

Measures such as Grohe’s thermostatic diverters used in the systems decrease the use of electricity hence making the company have a small impact on the environment. Om Manglam’s CSR policies also benefit the local communities. The company has been known to make frequent donations of bathroom fittings and tiles to temples and community centers especially those in rural areas. This way, even people in poor areas can afford good bathroom solutions that will improve their standard of living. Through such activities, Om Manglam assists in enhancing sanitation and availability of fundamental facilities, thereby promoting SDG 6 ‘Clean Water and Sanitation’ and SDG 10 ‘Reduced Inequalities’. Besides the product portfolio, its strategic export to international markets including Russia and Congo also supports sustainable practices globally. For instance, the company sells Toto’s superior quality bathroom solutions to Russia, which is currently experiencing restricted imports from other countries due to sanctions. Therefore, the company is working to address the world’s need for sustainable and environmentally friendly products.

Business benefit

Om Manglam’s business is currently booming because of the company’s focus on sustainability and the environment. The company has been able to adopt product differentiation in the highly saturated bathroom fittings market by providing products that can save water and energy. Water-saving and eco-friendly products are in high demand due to the increasing number of people who are conscious of the environment.

Being affiliated with international companies such as Delta and Toto, which are reputed for their environmentally friendly products, strengthens Om Manglam’s brand image. This commitment satisfies green consumers and adds value to the company’s brand image therefore increasing consumer loyalty. Since sustainability remains one of the critical drivers of the consumer’s choice, the focus on the UN SDGs and the sale of environmentally friendly products guarantees Om Manglam’s sustainability. Also, its CSR activities support the firm’s image as it becomes a reputable company in the commercial and residential business.

Social and environmental benefit

The social and environmental responsibility of Om Manglam is quite vast and varied. In this way, the company contributes to solving the problem of water shortage, which is acute in many regions of India and the world. For example, Toto’s toilers use as little as 3.7 liters of water per flush yet they are as effective as other normal models. This is especially important in a country like India where water sources are fast becoming scarce as evidenced by the recent Bangalore water crisis.

Also, the incorporation of environmentally friendly materials such as brass in Grohe’s diverters helps in the fight against the use of plastics thus achieving SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). Om Manglam’s CSR activities including donating bathroom fittings to temples and community centers also supports SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) because the company helps improve the quality of sanitation and wellness facilities available to underprivileged groups. The company’s commitment to environmental causes is not only positive for the environment but also for people. In this way, Om Manglam contributes to the improvement of the health of people and the environment, which is in accordance with the company’s goal of making the world a better place.

Interview

Abeer Agarwal, Managing Director

Watch video