The stationary toilet market - France

from 2020 onwards, the global toilet market has grown significantly, with projections estimating a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6% to 2030. This growth dynamic is attributed to increased hygiene awareness worldwide, advances in sanitation practices and substantial innovations in the industry. Smart toilets are gaining in popularity, with connectivity options such as Bluetooth and health monitoring capabilities through waste analysis. Market expansion is driven byAsia's booming real estate sector and the growing importance attached to sanitation in developing regions. China has become the world's leading producer and consumer of toilet seats.

Despite the global upward trend, the French market for ceramic toilets and toilet seats is showing signs of stagnation, with sales stable in volume but falling in value, reflecting a highly concentrated market dominated by international players. The public restroom segment in France is facing challenges due to hygiene concerns, which are having an impact on usage. In the non-residential sector, the construction of commercial premises, including hotels and restaurants, offers continuing opportunities for the toilet industry, despite a slight decline in the number of hotels. Regulations, such as those guaranteeing facilities for employees and accessibility standards for the disabled, govern the sector and influence market dynamics.

Trends in the French washroom market : Between tradition and technological innovation

The French toilet market presents a dichotomy between tradition and innovation, where ceramics dominate while new technologies emerge. As France faces the challenges and opportunities of international competition, the market reveals several key trends. Ceramic toilets, a domestic standard for private and public spaces, continue to hold a significant share of the market. Ceramic toilet parts, of which WCs account for 43% of sales (between 2.5 and 3 million units), are estimated to remain an essential part of the country's toilet industry. The appeal of these porcelain fixtures is undeniably linked to their widespread use in residential properties, commercial establishments and public places. However, innovation in the washroom market cannot be ignored. Emerging technologies are shaping new preferences and expectations. The advent of smart toilets, equipped with features such as Bluetooth connectivity and stool analysis for medical monitoring, reflects a growing interest in health and hygiene. Although these advanced products currently represent a smaller segment, they are set to grow substantially, particularly in developed countries.

The evolution of the market is also evident in design preferences, which are moving towards more personalized aestheticse, with companies such as Trone distinguishing themselves by their willingness to create toilets that serve as decorative elements. Suspended toilets are also gaining in popularity, suggesting that the French market is opening up to new, aesthetic solutions.

In terms of figures, the sector as a whole has been affected by construction trends, with new housing construction and renovation influencing market dynamism. There was a noticeable stagnation or slight decline in housing starts, which indirectly influenced the market for fixed toilets. Despite this, there is an upward trend in sales of older homes and apartments (around 15 to 20 million home sales), creating an environment conducive to toilet maintenance and renovation.

In the toilet market ecosystem, certain French regions, such as the Grand-Est, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté and Occitanie, are emerging as employment hubs for the manufacture of ceramic sanitaryware. At the same time, other regions show little or no employment in this sector, reflecting a selective geographical distribution of industry players. Looking at imports and exports, it's clear that the French market is undergoing significant changes. Imports have risen by around 25%, while exports have fallen by over 15%, showing a marked preference for foreign products. France's main trading partners include Germany, in first place.

Key market players shaping the landscape of the toilet industry

Manufacturers of traditional ceramic toilets

• Villeroy & Boch - A well-established name in the field, Villeroy & Boch boasts a long history that gives it a solid reputation for manufacturing quality ceramic products, including toilets. Its offering ranges from the classic to the more contemporary, catering to a variety of consumer tastes.
• Duravit - Another industry heavyweight, Duravit offers innovative designs. Its product range includes a variety of toilets, often combining aesthetic and functional design.
• Geberit - Hailing from Switzerland, Geberit is known for its sanitary products, particularly toilets made from high-quality ceramics. Beyond conventional products, the company also offers more advanced solutions such as concealed cisterns, consolidating its place in the market.
• Ideal Standard - With a wide range of bathroom solutions, Ideal Standard's contribution to the toilet market is significant. Its products are renowned for their quality and reliability.
• Kohler - An American company with a worldwide presence, Kohler has been manufacturing plumbing products for over a century. Its toilets are among the many products for which it is known, and it continues to innovate in terms of design and functionality.

Innovators in the toilet market

• Toto - Toto is synonymous with high-tech toilets and has been a leader in revolutionizing the toilet experience. Offering features such as heated seats, automatic lids and eco-friendly functions, Toto's innovation in hygiene and comfort sets it apart.
• Saniclean - Although not as large as some of its competitors, Saniclean focuses on washable toilets, a fast-growing niche market, and positions itself as an up-and-coming innovator.
• Olfa - Olfa specializes in specific components such as toilet seats. Its footprint may be smaller than that of the full-line manufacturers, but its expertise in this field enables it to dominate this segment.

Suppliers of public, commercial and urban toilets

• Sanitec - Sanitec manufactures a range of sanitary products, including those for public and commercial use. It plays a key role in supplying durable and often vandal-resistant toilets, urinals and other sanitary equipment suitable for high-traffic areas.
• MPS - MPS Toilettes Automatiques specializes in automated public toilets, offering solutions that are both hygienic and easy to maintain, an essential aspect for public facilities.
• Francioli - Francioli offers municipalities and other public facilities a range of sanitary solutions, including stainless steel equipment, drainage systems and wastewater treatment systems

Inforamtion

• Number of pages : 30 pages
• Format : Digital and PDF versions
• Last update : 17/12/2020

Summary and extracts

List of charts

• Évolution du marché mondial des sièges de toilette
• Chiffre d'affaires de la céramique sanitaire
• Number of sales of old houses and apartments
• Dépenses courantes en gros travaux d'entretien/amélioration
• Housing starts
• Nombre d'entreprises et effectifs salariés de la fabrication d'appareils sanitaires en céramique
• Quelle importance accordez-vous à la décoration des pièces suivantes ?
• Évolution du commerce extérieur de pièces sanitaires en céramique
• Répartition du commerce extérieur de pièces sanitaires en céramique, par matériau
• Principales destinations des exportations de pièces sanitaires en céramique
• Principaux pays d'origine des importations de pièces sanitaires en céramique
• Construction of non-residential premises
• Endroits présentant le plus de risque d'hygiène selon les Français
• Selon vous, le VIH peut-il être transmis en s'asseyant sur un siège de toilettes publiques ?
• Indice de chiffre d'affaires de la fabrication d'appareils sanitaires en céramique
• DIY store market share