The German sanitaryware group said it was committed to developing alternatives for a dignified access to hygiene and water with social innovation. 

 

The focus here is on the "Global South". With the structured development of innovations that serve a social purpose, Hansgrohe will shape the future prospects of many people worldwide - and at the same time pursue entrepreneurial goals. 

 

In keeping with the motto of this year's World Water Day which falls today (March 22), "Leveraging Water for Peace", Hansgrohe pointed out that it is presenting the first social innovation projects in structurally weak and water-challenged regions of the world.

 

"Water is our passion. Our water-saving technologies ensure the careful use of this valuable element. However, we also want to use our innovative strength to improve people's quality of life, especially with products and services in underserved market segments," remarked Jessica Trejo, the Social Innovation Manager at Hansgrohe SE. 

 

In collaboration with young talents in Uganda, and with Professional Education experts in Kenya, the Hansgrohe Group is developing products and services aimed to support access to dignified hygiene.

 

"Just as diverse as the problems of water supply and hygiene are worldwide, so are the possibilities for suitable solutions," remarked Trejo. 

 

"We are therefore pursuing various approaches to contribute to the sustainable alleviation of social and environmental problems," she stated.

 

Born in Mexico, Trejo has held the newly created position at Hansgrohe since the middle of last year. She previously held various management positions in the company, most recently as Managing Director of the Adriatic region based in Croatia.

 

As the Group’s social innovation manager, she has already initiated the first projects in the Global South, i.e. in structurally and economically disadvantaged countries around the world. 

 

In Kenya, for example, young women from low-income communities are gaining technical knowledge in plumbing and solar panels, along with entrepreneurship and life skills. 

 

This is done in cooperation with the Strathmore University Business School, a renowned Kenyan University, and Eastlands College of Technology in Nairobi, stated Trejo. 

 

"The narratives of social issues, the economy and the Global South must change," she stated. "It's not about one-off donations, but about supporting people with sustainable new business models that are intertwined with social impact," she added.

 

In Uganda, the focus is on the joint development of frugal innovations for a dignified hygiene. These are practical products for a price-sensitive target group that also contribute to a more efficient use of resources.

 

In this way, social and sustainable goals can be achieved in equal measure. The new products also take into account the local conditions, such as water quality and quantity, water pressure and availability of raw materials. 

 

"The collaboration with young talents from the 'Social Innovation Academy' in Uganda leads to an exchange that is fruitful for both sides," noted Trejo. "This also opens up new opportunities for Hansgrohe to understand and serve these markets in new ways," she added.

 

Hansgrohe said the aim of the Academy is to improve the quality of life of people in the "Global South" with products and services through passionate innovation, while at the same time expanding its market presence. 

 

With social innovation, the Hansgrohe Group also contributes to its ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) goals, to which the Black Forest-based manufacturer has committed itself.

 

Hans Jürgen Kalmbach, Chairman of the Executive Board of Hansgrohe SE, said: "As a company, we are part of society. It therefore goes without saying that we also take responsibility for people outside of Hansgrohe."

 

"Social commitment is an integral part of our sustainability strategy and I am delighted that we are strengthening our commitment to society with Trejo in the new field of social innovation," he added.-TradeArabia News Service