The 18th China (Shanghai) International Kitchen and Bathroom Facilities Exhibition took place from May 28 to May 31, 2013, at the Shanghai New International Expo Center. As a leading media outlet in home design, Pacific Home Network attended the event and observed a notable shift in the industry's direction. Unlike previous years, this year’s exhibition felt more subdued, with fewer extravagant promotions and less “noise†surrounding the brands. Companies adopted a more grounded and practical approach, focusing on innovation and design as their main selling points.
This change reflects a broader trend in the market, where consumers are becoming more discerning and looking for quality over flashiness. The show highlighted three key trends that are shaping the future of the kitchen and bathroom industry.
**Trend 1: A Focus on the Post-80s Generation**
As the post-80s generation—now entering their prime—becomes a major force in the housing market, manufacturers are tailoring their products to suit their tastes. This demographic values style, functionality, and modern aesthetics. Many companies have started to develop products that cater specifically to young buyers, offering designs that are both fashionable and practical.
For example, Hansgrohe introduced a line of faucets inspired by the Prada series, featuring clean, angular designs that appeal to younger consumers. These products are not only visually appealing but also reflect a shift toward more refined and minimalist styles in home interiors.
**Trend 2: Sustainability and Water Conservation**
With growing environmental awareness, water-saving technologies have become a central theme at this year’s exhibition. Sanitary ware companies emphasized energy efficiency and water conservation in their product lines. Most booths prominently displayed the “water-saving†feature, reflecting the industry’s commitment to sustainability.
Toilets with a flush volume of 6 liters or less are now considered water-efficient. Some models even go further, like Hecheng Sanitary’s C3032 toilet, which uses just 2L or 3.5L per flush. Faenza also showcased toilets that meet high water-saving standards across their entire range.
Songlin’s water-saving showers and faucets save 3L and 2.5L per minute respectively. If used for 20 minutes daily, this could lead to an annual savings of 1.46 billion cubic meters of water—equivalent to the capacity of 120 West Lakes. Hansgrohe also introduced a faucet with a two-position switch, allowing users to choose between 5L and 3.5L per minute, significantly reducing water usage.
**Trend 3: Smart and Connected Bathrooms**
The concept of smart homes is gaining momentum, and the kitchen and bathroom sector is no exception. At the exhibition, many companies showcased innovative, tech-driven products designed to enhance comfort and convenience.
Faenza presented a tankless smart toilet with automatic flushing and drying functions, while also introducing a smart bathroom cabinet with an infrared mirror that can open via key control. It even includes hidden storage behind the mirror, combining style with function.
XTIME launched a premium line of bathroom products tailored for young adults aged 25–35. Their infrared anti-fog mirror not only clears fog but also promotes microcirculation and offers skin health benefits. Despite these advancements, industry experts note that smart bathroom adoption remains low in China. According to Fan Sihua, General Manager of Le Rui Sanitary Ware, the issue isn’t affordability—it’s consumer mindset. While cars are widely purchased, smart toilets still struggle to gain traction, highlighting the need for greater education and acceptance of smart home technology.
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