With over 25 years in sales and marketing, Clint Field, Nero Tapware's National Sales & Marketing Manager, understands the importance of building strong relationships and dynamic teams. But his passion extends beyond business success – Clint's vision for Nero Tapware is one where exceptional design and environmental responsibility go hand in hand.
In this Q&A, Clint shares Nero Tapware's agile approach to sustainability, delves into the impressive materiality of the recently launched “Zen” collection, and discusses the crucial role consumers and industry professionals play in driving demand for sustainable products – and creating a greener built environment in the long run.
How important is sustainability to your organisation?
Sustainability is fundamental and integrated into everything we do — from our manufacturing processes to how we deliver our products to customers. We are continuously seeking better ways to reduce our carbon footprint and over the past years, we've made significant improvements by updating our processes, reducing factory emissions, and emphasising recycling, all the way from raw materials to packaging. It’s a key pillar of our business strategy and will remain a central focus as we move forward, guiding our innovation and growth.
And does Nero Tapware’s structure as a family-owned business help advance the company’s sustainability ambitions?
Absolutely. Our structure as a family-owned business with under 300 employees allows us to be highly agile and responsive to shifting sustainability challenges, compared to other, larger organisations. As mentioned, we've made significant strides in enhancing our sustainability efforts over the last couple of years, and a key example of this dynamic evolution is the recent launch of the "Zen" collection, a range of sustainable tapware made from 316L stainless steel.
The "L" designation in 316L stainless steel indicates a lower carbon composition compared to standard 316 stainless steel. This makes 316L stainless steel a remarkable choice for sustainable manufacturing and design – it's lower in carbon, 100% recyclable, retains its qualities even after repeated use, and offers superior durability.
And what makes it particularly suited for tapware design?
316L stainless steel is an exceptional material choice for tapware design due to its remarkable resilience and corrosion resistance, even in harsh environments. From a product functionality point of view, this ensures longevity and prime performance of our “Zen” range even in coastal areas or places with particularly high humidity. Its inherent strength allows it to withstand daily wear and tear, ensuring that our tapware remains in pristine condition for years to come.
Using “Zen” as an example, how does Nero Tapware balance the demands of sustainability with the need to create products that are both aesthetically pleasing and functionally superior?
We believe that sustainability and exceptional design go hand in hand, and the "Zen" collection exemplifies this philosophy perfectly. By integrating 316L stainless steel, we've effectively created a collection that is visually stunning, functionally superior and environmentally responsible.
The material boasts a sleek and modern quality, which perfectly expresses the design philosophy behind the collection, with clean lines and polished finish elevating any bathroom space with its refined and minimalist aesthetic. At the same time, on top of the environmental benefits of the material itself, the exclusive use of lead-free components ensures that our products are safe for both our customers and the environment.
From a design language point of view, the range’s minimalist design and focus on essential features reduce material waste and further promote a more considered approach to bathroom design. We believe that true design excellence lies in creating products that are both beautiful and responsible, and the "Zen" collection truly embodies this ideal.
Looking ahead, what emerging trends or technologies do you see shaping the future of sustainable product design and manufacturing? How is Nero Tapware preparing for these changes?
The topic of future trends is always an interesting one to consider purely because with the speed at which technology is changing, it’s difficult to make any predictions. However, I believe the two areas that will continue to evolve are manufacturing processes and machinery. We'll see solutions that are even more environmentally friendly and can manufacture products with even greater longevity. The second is water-saving technology: we'll keep innovating to provide the same luxurious bathing experience while using less water.
And what role do you see consumers playing in driving the demand for sustainable products? How can architects, designers, and specifiers help educate their clients about the importance of making sustainable choices?
Consumers are the driving force behind the shift towards sustainability, especially in the tapware industry. As environmental consciousness grows, so does the demand for water-saving, low-impact products made from sustainable materials. This demand is reshaping the industry, pushing manufacturers to innovate and create products that align with these values.
Now, architects, designers, and specifiers play a fundamental role in this shift. By educating clients about the benefits of sustainable tapware – such as water efficiency or durability – and highlighting certifications like WELS, they can help clients understand a product's impact and compliance and empower them to make more informed choices. Ultimately, by integrating sustainable tapware into their designs and highlighting long-term benefits like cost savings, industry professionals help clients make more considered choices that are both environmentally responsible and economically sound, driving a broader shift toward sustainability in the built environment.
As we wrap up, is there anything else you'd like to share with our readers about Nero Tapware's commitment to sustainability or any final thoughts on the importance of sustainable practices in the built environment?
At Nero Tapware, our commitment to sustainability goes beyond producing visually appealing, functional and compliant tapware. We are dedicated to ensuring that our products not only meet the highest standards of design and quality but also contribute to a more sustainable future. And so, from incorporating water-saving technologies to using environmentally forward materials in our manufacturing process, we prioritise minimising our environmental impact at every stage of our operations.
One of the key aspects of our sustainability agenda is our focus on longevity. By designing products that are durable and built to last – like the “Zen” collection – we help reduce the frequency of replacements and, ultimately, minimise waste. We also encourage the adoption of water-efficient solutions, which are critical in helping households and businesses conserve one of our most precious, life-giving resources.
Sustainable practices in the built environment are more important than ever. With increasing pressure on natural resources and growing awareness of environmental issues, it's essential that all stakeholders in the construction and design industries – manufacturers, suppliers, architects, designers, and end-consumers – genuinely embrace sustainable choices. Every decision, from the materials we use to the products we install, can have a lasting impact on our planet. And here, at Nero Tapware, we're proud to be part of this movement, continuously innovating to offer products that not only enhance everyday living but also promote a greener future for generations to come.
