LIXIL’s SATO toilets are made of plastic and enable local production, with the aim of addressing sanitation challenges worldwide. The SATO business operates in 9 countries in Africa and Asia, based on a local cycle of Make, Sell and Use.
Episode 38 of “Work Contributing to the SDGs” introduces SATO toilets developed and supplied by LIXIL. SATO aims to promote affordable, easy-to-install toilets in developing countries and was born as a blue plastic toilet. Development began with grant funding in 2012, leading to a specific product in 2013.
SATO toilets are made of plastic rather than ceramic and feature an automatically opening and closing valve. The valve blocks odors and suppresses the spread of pathogens even in toilets consisting only of a hole in the floor. Their light weight and ease of transport are also major advantages for local deployment.
The SATO business currently has production partners in 9 countries, including Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Nigeria in Africa, and India, Bangladesh, the Philippines and Indonesia in Asia. It has adopted a sustainable business model that operates local manufacturing, sales and outreach activities as a Make, Sell and Use cycle.
Partnerships with NGOs and international organizations are essential to local awareness-building activities. The company is working to improve sanitation through community education and product proposals, while placing importance on building trust with local influencers and government officials. It has also introduced incentive structures that link sales to the local economy.