The air at ISH 2025 hums with innovation. On day one of the biggest bathroom event of the year, nowhere, arguably, was this more evident than at Hansgrohe, which sheltered a mini metropolis of new products, immersive spaces and futuristic designs that excite while also feeling entirely relevant to today’s hospitality and interiors landscape.
The German wellness powerhouse brand once again set the industry alight – not just with sleek design, but with an unrelenting commitment to sustainability. As the world pivots further towards eco-conscious living, Hansgrohe is not so much as keen to claim to ‘lead’ the charge but is more focused on ensuring every other brand joins them on their ambitious quest, seamlessly intertwining innovation with sustainability. To uncover just how deeply this ethos runs, I sat down with Steffen Erath, Hansgrohe’s Head of Innovation and Sustainability – a title that, in itself, signals the company’s dedication for a greener future.
“For us it is about embracing a collaborative advantage over competitive one,” said Erath, an answer that feels totally unguarded and honest. “We are happy to see others follow, and sometimes lead. For us, we will not achieve our goals if we are the only ones actioning change.”
Image caption: Steffen Erath, Head of Innovation and Sustainability at Hansgrohe speaking to Hamish Kilburn. | Image credit: Hansgrohe
A new era of sustainable water solutions
It is no exclusive that sustainability has become the defining feature of ISH, and in 2025, after claiming two Gold IF Awards, Hansgrohe is pulling out all the stops. When asked about the brand’s latest technologies tailored for large-scale projects and the hospitality sector, Erath beamed with enthusiasm. “It is in our culture to innovate,” he said. “Innovation is the basis on which Hansgrohe exists.” And that is not just limited to the streamlined products – the fancy showers, faucets and ceramics – on display at ISH 2025. Take Hydraloop, for example – a wardrobe-sized solution that recycles greywater from showers, baths and laundry. This water is then reused.
Recycling greywater water is not the most exciting topic, granted, but the implications of such a system are vast, particularly for hotels where water consumption is notoriously high. “We have partnered with a start-up, Hydraloop, to create a system that helps hotels significantly cut down on water usage, boosting both sustainability and operational efficiency,” Erath continues. “Architects and planners can now integrate a practical and reliable water management solution that is as seamless as it is impactful.”
This commitment, to design a more conscious wellness scene, extends beyond mere compliance. “All our products meet high international sustainability standards, ensuring planners can specify our solutions with confidence,” he adds. The brand’s open approach – communicating its targets and achievements with absolute clarity – fosters trust and credibility in an era where greenwashing is rife.
Image caption: Hamish Kilburn exploring the latest bathroom furniture at ISH 2025. | Image credit: Hansgrohe
So, what does the road to 2030 mean for Hansgrohe?
Hansgrohe’s ambition isn’t confined to isolated innovations. “By 2030, every product we offer will incorporate resource-saving technologies,” he stated. “This means hotels will have an entire suite of sustainable solutions at their disposal, effortlessly aligning with their own environmental goals.” For architects and planners, this marks a sea change. “They’ll have a fully eco-compatible product range – perfectly suited for future-oriented hotel concepts.”
The advantages extend beyond compliance with ever-tightening environmental regulations. “Guests are becoming more environmentally conscious,” Erath noted. “Hotels that embrace this shift will not only future-proof their operations but also appeal to a clientele that prioritises sustainability.”
Looking ahead, Hansgrohe envisions a hospitality industry where sustainability is a fundamental pillar of design – its relationship and work with Phoenix is a clear example of that. “Solutions like Hydraloop will soon become standard,” Erath predicted.
Architects, too, stand to benefit immensely. “They’ll have more flexibility and creativity in designing spaces that comply with environmental standards while delivering an exceptional guest experience,” added Erath. The economic incentives are equally compelling. “Hotels that integrate these solutions today will differentiate themselves, attract eco-conscious travellers, and enjoy long-term cost savings,” Erath explained.
The bottom line? Sustainability is fast becoming (if it has not already become) a defining feature of modern hospitality and architecture – and Hansgrohe is actively shaping what ‘wellness’ should look and feel like inside and outside the bathroom.
At the heart of Hansgrohe’s impressive showcase at ISH 2025 are three groundbreaking product launches that elevate everyday rituals into luxurious experiences.
First in the lineup is Raindance Alive, the next evolution of Hansgrohe’s iconic Raindance shower series. Designed to deliver an immersive, tailor-made shower experience, it introduces dynamic spray patterns that intuitively adapt to the user’s needs. The result? A deeply revitalising ritual that transforms the everyday shower into a spa-like indulgence – one where cascading droplets envelop you in a mist so fine, it feels less like water and more like a purifying breath for the skin.
At the beginning of this trip, I asked Hansgrohe to only show me products sleek enough to belong in a Bond film. While my request was just a bit of fun, the brand certainly delivered. Xuniva Evo has entered, centre stage, Q himself would approve of – a fusion of precision engineering and cinematic elegance. This ultra-modern collection is as smooth as a well-tailored tux, blending cutting-edge water-saving technology with performance so seamless it feels almost espionage-worthy. Its sculpted silhouette and intuitive operation don’t just redefine sophistication – they make it look effortless, like the perfect getaway.
Completing the trio – and arguably stealing the show – if we were measuring popular opinion from the show floor, Avalegra is a game-changer in both form and function. Designed with a sleek, streamlined aesthetic, it reimagines the way we interact with water, offering an intuitive and effortless face-washing experience. Its cutting-edge design ensures precision water flow while maintaining Hansgrohe’s signature commitment to sustainability. It is a fixture that, by design, transforms daily routines into something smoother, smarter and undeniably more sophisticated.
With these groundbreaking launches, Hansgrohe asserts its dominance at ISH 2025, setting a new benchmark for luxury, innovation and sustainability in water design. The brand continue to prove that indulgence and sustainability aren’t contradictions, but a seamless blend – where every drop speaks to both elegance and eco-consciousness, effortlessly united in the same dialogue.
> Since you’re here, why not read about the hotel design space race?
Main image credit: Hansgrohe
