The stationary toilet market - France

The toilet market encompasses supply and demand for sanitary equipment, mainly produced in ceramic (porcelain or other ceramics) for homes, businesses and public spaces, as well as in stainless steel for more robust infrastructures, such as public toilets in France. These products meet a wide range of needs, from domestic use to street furniture and equipment for businesses and hotels. Worldwide, this market is set to grow by 6% between 2019 and 2030, driven by a growing awareness of the importance of hygiene and the democratization of sanitary facilities in emerging countries. Innovation also plays a key role in this growth, with companies such as Toto, a pioneer in washroom toilets, or Kohler, with its Numi 2.0 model, incorporating intelligent technologies such asstool analysis, heated seats, and Bluetooth-connected functionalities. In addition, innovations such as ARSFT technology, which offers ultra-sliding toilets that reduce maintenance and water consumption, and urine-diverting toilets, reflect the move towards ecological and functional solutions. In France, the market is undergoing significant change. Industrial production of ceramics has fallen significantly, from an index of 103.05 in 2021 to 74.78 in 2023 (base 2015). This decline is linked to sluggish conditions in the construction sector, where housing starts hit an all-time low in 2024 at just 347.9 thousand units. Furthermore, although inflation in building materials such as ceramics continues, its pace is slowing: the price differential between Q1 2022-2023 exceeded 20%, compared with less than 10% for Q4 2022-2023. This relative stabilization could enable the sector to return to equilibrium in the medium term. The hotel market, a key driver of fixed toilets, although recording a decline in the number of room nights in Q2 2024 compared with the same period in 2023, retains bright prospects. The appeal of modern, aesthetically pleasing equipment, such as suspended or personalized toilets, is underpinning this dynamic. French companies such as Trone are focusing on the customization and decorative integration of toilets, in response to growing demand for solutions that are both functional and stylish. Finally, the market remains structured around two main segments. Private individuals, who are generally supplied by DIY superstores or construction companies, and public or corporate toilets, where specialized players are responsible for production and installation. Ecological and technological trends, such as smart, ultra-sliding or urine-separating toilets, are redefining the offer and reinforcing the importance of this sector in the ecological transition and sanitary innovation.