In a world increasingly attuned to the need for sustainability, Australian manufacturers across all industries are stepping up – and the urgency for change leaves them little alternative. Fuelled by government regulations and corporate responsibility, businesses across the country are galvanised by the need to prioritise sustainability. The tapware industry is a prime example, with stringent lead-free legislation and water efficiency standards redefining product design and manufacture.
Shifting consumer demands and sustainable innovation
The modern consumer is also emerging as a powerful driving force behind the push for change. According to the “Retail sustainability spotlight 2024” report commissioned by the Monash Business School’s Australian Consumer and Retail Studies (ACRS), 46% of Australian consumers prioritise sustainability when making a purchase. Durability, longevity, reparability, recyclability and ethical practices emerge as some of the key consideration factors in their decision-making, plus they are also willing to pay more knowing the product is durable and sustainably manufactured.
Industry leaders like Nero Tapware recognise the fundamental role these changing consumer attitudes play in fostering sustainable manufacturing practices. “Consumers are the driving force behind the shift towards sustainability, especially in the tapware industry,” acknowledges Clint Field, Nero Tapware's National Sales & Marketing Manager. “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.”
From compliance to industry leadership
And while this powerful trifecta of shifting consumer needs, regulations and corporate responsibility is motivating the industry at large, Nero Tapware’s sustainability aspirations have always run deeper than mere compliance. The company has had an ambitious environmental agenda from day one, and it’s always been driven by the commitment to setting new benchmarks for environmental responsibility.
“Our goal is to become not only the most sustainable tapware manufacturer in Australia but to set a global standard,” Clint explains. “Sustainability is no longer an option – it’s a core requirement affecting the whole manufacturing process, from the materials we source to the energy we consume during production.”
This sentiment underpins Nero Tapware’s entire operation. “Over the past three years, we’ve made substantial advancements, including upgrading our manufacturing processes to reduce emissions, utilising recycled raw materials, and designing fully recyclable packaging,” Clint shares.
Leave nothing behind: Recycling and resource efficiency
He explains that strengthening the company’s recyclability efforts has been a particularly strong focus over the last couple of years. “We have eliminated excessive plastic use and transitioned to using 100% recyclable materials,” Clint says. “We’ve done it to ensure that our packaging has a minimal environmental impact.”
As a result, Nero Tapware has achieved its goal of 100% recyclable packaging for all products, eliminating unnecessary materials like bubble wrap and embracing a fully sustainable solution. Now, any excess cardboard is shredded and used in the packaging process to fill product boxes, helping the company ensure that every scrap finds a new purpose.
This commitment to leaving nothing behind extends to Nero Tapware’s products, too. The recently released Zen Collection is a prime example. Crafted from durable low-carbon 316L stainless steel, the taps are built to last, and – at the end of their life – they can be fully recycled, feeding back into the production cycle, and reducing the need for virgin materials.
Interestingly, this is also the type of behaviour consumers want to see from manufacturers across the board – the same report indicated that half of sustainably-minded shoppers will decide if a product is sustainable based on whether its packaging is recyclable, the product was made using recycled materials and whether the product itself can be reused or recycled. Nero Tapware’s laser-sharp focus is certainly helping tick these boxes.
What's more, Nero Tapware’s manufacturing practices further demonstrates this holistic sustainability strategy that leaves nothing out. From the water recycling system that minimises consumption in their factory to the solar panels that harness clean energy to power their facilities, their commitment to sustainability is evident at every turn. All excess raw materials are given new life through the recycling process, and even Nero Tapware’s brochures tell a story of resourcefulness, available digitally via QR codes to reduce paper waste.
“We believe that every step counts toward a more sustainable future, which is why we are taking action at every level of our operations,” Clint says proudly.
Pioneering a sustainable future
Looking ahead, Nero Tapware’s sustainability journey is far from over – in fact, it’s only accelerating. With unwavering commitment to sustainability firmly at the core of their business strategy, Nero Tapware are focusing on finding innovative ways to reduce their carbon footprint and continuously improving their products’ environmental performance.
“Our aspirations include expanding the use of eco-friendly materials across our entire product range and further refining our manufacturing processes to achieve net-zero emissions,” explains Clint. “We also plan to continue investing in research and development to create products that are not only durable and stylish but also aligned with the highest sustainability standards.”
Clint highlights that every decision the company makes – whether it’s about sourcing raw materials or the logistics of product delivery – is guided by their commitment to a greener future. And, the way he sees it, it is by taking this holistic approach that the company aims to not only lead the industry when it comes to sustainable practices but set an ambitious benchmark for others to follow.
“As we move forward, we remain focused on our goal of creating tapware solutions that positively impact both our customers and the environment,” he sumps up. “And ensure that our legacy is one of responsible innovation and lasting sustainability.”
