Driving Global Innovation: A Conversation With Hans Jürgen Kalmbach, CEO Of Hansgrohe

Hans Jürgen Kalmbach, CEO of Hansgrohe Group, discusses the company’s commitment to sustainability and its role in transforming bathroom and kitchen solutions with cutting-edge water-saving technologies and a growing focus on premium finishes

Pioneering Smart Water Solutions

Hans Jürgen Kalmbach, CEO of the Hansgrohe Group, discusses the company’s commitment to sustainability, cutting-edge water-saving technologies, and its expanding presence in the Middle East. From pioneering innovations like CoolStart and EcoSmart to a growing focus on personalisation and premium finishes, the Hansgrohe Group and its brands continue to redefine the future of bathrooms and kitchens.

Can you introduce us to the Hansgrohe Group and its core focus?

Hansgrohe Group is a global leader in the sanitary industry. We specialise in faucets, showers, and complete bathroom solutions under two key brands: AXOR, catering to the luxury market, and hansgrohe, serving the premium to volume segments. With over 50 subsidiaries worldwide, we aim to stay close to our partners and customers.

How important is the Middle East region for the Hansgrohe Group?

The Middle East is a significant growth region for us. With rising populations, particularly in Saudi Arabia, and increased tourism driving real estate development, we see immense potential. We’ve expanded our team, invested in sales, marketing, and technical support, and strengthened our presence through showrooms and regional offices in Dubai and Riyadh to maximise these opportunities.

How does the Black Forest-based company tailor its global strategies to regional needs?

Our strategy is to adapt based on market maturity. In developed markets like Europe, we focus on trade, project business, and home centers, addressing new housing and refurbishment needs. In dynamic regions like the Middle East, where new construction dominates, our focus is on project and trade business, with direct engagement with architects, designers, and investors.

Sustainability is a major focus globally. How is Hansgrohe integrating sustainable practices?

Sustainability has been part of our company’s DNA for decades. We focus on reducing water and energy consumption in our products, designing for durability, and supporting environmentally friendly practices. Our approach to sustainability is holistic, covering everything from product design to operations. Additionally, we collaborate with partners on prefab solutions and design compact, high-end bathroom products that minimise space while maximizing functionality. Our founder’s vision for sustainability has shaped our ethos for decades, and we continue to prioritise eco-conscious practices in everything we do.

What innovative solutions can we expect from Hansgrohe in the future?

Our innovation team is committed to addressing evolving trends. For example, as urbanisation rises, we are developing modular bathroom solutions that fit compact spaces without compromising on luxury. We’re also focused on enhancing installation efficiency and exploring partnerships that align with sustainable building trends. Our goal is to create products that not only meet customer demands but also contribute to environmental responsibility.

How does the Hansgrohe Group plan to expand in the Middle East moving forward?

We are committed to growing our footprint through increased investment in sales points, training centers, and distribution networks. By working closely with architects, designers, and investors, we aim to meet the region’s demand for premium and personalized solutions. With our dual-brand approach—AXOR for luxury and hansgrohe for premium segments—we are confident in our ability to capture market potential in both residential and commercial projects.

How does your company integrate sustainability into its core principles?

Our sustainability approach is based on three key principles: reducing water consumption, lowering our carbon footprint, and utilising circular materials. We design products that use less water, such as showers that mix air and water to reduce consumption without compromising the user experience. Additionally, we are committed to reducing our carbon emissions in line with the Paris Agreement and focusing on sustainable materials.

Can you explain how technology helps conserve water in your products?

One of our major innovations is reducing water consumption in showers. For instance, our spray technologies create larger water droplets by mixing air and water, leading to a more efficient but comfortable shower experience. We also have EcoSmart technology, which cuts water usage from 15 liters per minute to around 7-8 liters.

What is CoolStart technology, and how does it help save energy?

CoolStart is designed to reduce unnecessary energy use. In standard faucets, when you turn the handle to the middle, hot water starts flowing even when not needed. With CoolStart, the default setting only allows cold water to flow until you deliberately turn it for warm water, helping to save energy in households and hotels.

Are these sustainable and water-saving technologies available in Dubai?

Yes, we have a showroom in Dubai where customers can explore our premium products firsthand. Our hansgrohe Rainfinity and Pulsify showers are designed with advanced water-saving technologies for a sustainable experience. We also offer a range of stylish and functional faucets, including the innovative Finoris range. Featuring cutting-edge solutions like CoolStart, our products enhance efficiency while maintaining exceptional performance.

What are the three main sustainability principles the company focuses on?

Governmental support is crucial in all sustainability efforts because it helps in aligning policies, regulations, and initiatives that promote sustainable practices.

The three main principles are:

1. Reducing water consumption in products.
2. Decreasing the company’s carbon footprint through manufacturing, logistics, and distribution while following the Paris Protocol.
3. Implementing circularity by using naturally grown or recycled materials.

What role do filters play in water quality, especially in this region?

Water quality varies worldwide, with Europe having exceptionally high standards, allowing people to drink directly from the tap. To enhance water quality, we offer filter solutions for kitchen faucets, and sparkling water systems are gaining popularity.

How does water consumption in showers compare to other household activities?
Showers account for the highest water consumption in households—more than dishwashers and washing machines. In Europe, the average daily household water consumption per person is 135 liters, with more than half of that used for showering.

How do you see bathrooms and kitchens evolving over the next decade?

The biggest trends will be personalisation and sustainability. Consumers and project developers are increasingly seeking customised solutions, whether through finishes, design elements, or even personalized branding on fixtures. At the same time, we expect a stronger focus on sustainable materials and water-saving solutions.

How has demand for finishes changed over time?

Ten years ago, nearly everything was sold in chrome. Today, over half of our luxury brand, AXOR, sales are in special finishes. We offer 15 different finishes, including gold optic, matte black, brass, and brushed nickel, tailored to different regional preferences.

What advice would you give to aspiring leaders?

Stay humble—no matter how senior your role, you are still part of a team. I see myself as a coach, not just a CEO. Success comes from building and engaging with a strong team, so it’s essential to foster collaboration and drive collective achievements.