UK Water Saving Plumbing Products Market growing rapidly

The UK water saving plumbing products market is estimated at £164 million at Manufacturers Selling Prices (MSP) in 2013, according to a new report by AMA Research.

During the period 2009-2012, the market for water saving plumbing products was relatively flat - in line with the difficult economic situation at this time. However, since 2013 the market for water saving plumbing products has seen an increase, with demand picking up as the economy and new housebuilding levels improve. The core product sectors of the UK water saving plumbing products market are water efficient bathroom products (87%) and water recycling systems (13%).

Water efficient bathroom products are distributed through a wide range of channels. The main distribution channel continues to be merchants with the DIY multiples also holding a substantial share. Other channels include bathroom specialists and online retailers. The vast majority of water recycling systems are distributed either through plumbing and drainage merchants or direct via water recycling specialists. There are also a growing number of online retailers operating in this market sector.

There is an increasing awareness and demand for water saving products in UK homes and businesses. Demands for water are continuing to rise and maintaining supplies to meet these demands is becoming increasingly difficult. The development of new housing in areas of water stress, population growth and a doubling in the number of single person households since the 1970’s have increased demand for water.

In addition, there has been a significant growth in the number of second bathrooms, en-suites and cloakrooms. In 2013, it is estimated that around 22% of all UK properties have two or more bathrooms and around 41% have two or more cloakroom / WC facilities.

The future performance of the water saving plumbing products market is likely to be driven by government legislative changes and growing concerns and attitudes towards water usage and its impact on the environment. The compulsory requirement for water meter installations in new housing and the introduction of The Water Label as standard on water-using bathroom products from summer 2014 will also increase awareness among householders of the benefits of water saving products.

“The replacement of inefficient WCs in particular will be motivated by more widespread water metering and the rising cost of water. Nearly two thirds of water is used in the bathroom either for showering, hand washing/bathing or flushing the toilet. With around 7 million inefficient high flush WCs still in use in the UK, there is a significant replacement opportunity that could achieve substantial water savings.” said Keith Taylor, Director at AMA Research. “Furthermore, most new-build schools, colleges, offices, government buildings, multi-residential and retail buildings will be designed to meet a higher BREEAM rating.”

Digital technology will also become more prevalent in UK bathrooms and play an important role in sustainability. For example, water efficient bathroom products that operate automatically with electronic sensors and digital systems that allow water flow to be controlled and run for a set period of time.

By 2018, the market value is forecast to be around £220 million, which represents an increase of around 35% compared to the market size in 2013.

The ‘Water Saving Plumbing Products Market Report – UK 2014-2018 Analysis’ report is published by AMA Research, a leading provider of market research and consultancy services within the construction and home improvement markets. The report is available now and can be ordered online at www.amaresearch.co.uk or by calling 01242 235724.