JICA and LIXIL partner to launch "Sanitation Economy" in Africa, targeting 500,000 people. 11th June 2026 Sanitation Economy: The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and LIXIL Corporation (LIXIL) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to accelerate global access to safe sanitation and hygiene. This public-private partnership aims to reach 500,000 people across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia by fostering a self-sustaining "Sanitation Economy." The global sanitation crisis remains a critical development challenge, impacting health, education, and economic stability. Diarrheal diseases linked to poor hygiene claim the lives of approximately 440,000 children annually. As climate change increases the frequency of natural disasters, the need for resilient, localized infrastructure is urgent. A new model for sustainable change. This partnership bridges JICA's institutional expertise with LIXIL's SATO business model, which provides affordable, accessible sanitation solutions. Moving beyond traditional aid, the initiative focuses on creating local ecosystems, encompassing manufacturing, sales, and maintenance, that empower communities to sustain their own facilities. "Global challenges surrounding water and sanitation remain severe, and many people still lack access to safe sanitation and hygiene services. It has also become clear that simply building facilities does not ensure that hygiene practices take root, " commented Akihiko Tanaka, President of JICA, highlighting the urgent need to create mechanisms that function sustainably on the ground. "This partnership with LIXIL brings together JICA's strengths in institutional development and government cooperation with LIXIL's expertise in product development, market creation, and field-level business expansion. By doing so, we aim to move beyond conventional aid and realize a 'Sanitation Economy' where sanitation services circulate autonomously. By accumulating concrete achievements on the ground, starting with Kenya and Malawi, we will deliver sustainable changes to the lives of people in developing countries as a model for Japanese public-private partnership." "Globally, approximately 3.4 billion people still lack access to safely managed sanitation," added Kinya Seto, President and CEO of LIXIL. "LIXIL has set a goal to improve sanitation and hygiene for the 'next 100 million people' by the fiscal year ending March 2031. To address complex and profound global challenges, including sanitation access, refugee self-reliance, and climate change, we must further accelerate the creation of a market-driven 'Sanitation Economy' that grows autonomously on the ground, leveraging this new public-private partnership with JICA and national governments." Initial focus: Kenya and Malawi. The partnership will launch in Kenya and Malawi, targeting homes, schools, and healthcare facilities: * Kenya: In collaboration with the Kenyan government's "Shirika Plan," the initiative will support refugee self-reliance in the Kakuma region by integrating JICA's water infrastructure with LIXIL's SATO products. * Malawi: The partnership will focus on climate-resilient water and sanitation systems capable of withstanding natural disasters. This initiative does more than solve local challenges; it contributes to global health and stability while demonstrating the impact of Japanese corporate technology and expertise in sustainable development. 689,750 Fans Like 7,120 Followers Follow 8,481 Followers Follow 10,112 Followers Follow

American Standard appoints Nero Tapware as exclusive distributor for Australia. Appointment expands consumer choice and convenience to American Standard products and solutions to Australians nationwide for both retail and commercial markets MELBOURNE, Australia, June 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ - American Standard, an industry leader in bathroom and kitchen products and part of LIXIL, announces it has appointed Nero Tapware ("Nero") as the exclusive distributor of the American Standard brand in Australia. The move significantly expands nationwide distribution of American Standard products and solutions to both the retail and commercial markets, whilst increasing consumer choice and convenience. The new partnership was celebrated by LIXIL and Nero representatives at the Sydney Design Show at the International Convention and Exhibition Centre (ICC), at the American Standard installation by Nero. Trusted and purposeful innovation for every home Since 1875, American Standard has enabled people to create homes they love, with purposeful designs and trusted performance inspired by the needs of everyday life. Today the brand is a household name that is trusted and renowned for its high quality, thoughtfully designed complete bathroom collections to create inviting homes. Prasanna Uduwana, Leader for LIXIL Water Technology, ANZ said, "American Standard is well known for complete bathroom solutions in an inviting style, with purposeful functions, that delivers both superior performance and lasting quality. The appointment of Nero will significantly expand consumer choice and access to American Standard products and solutions throughout Australia. We look forward to making better homes a reality for Australians and their families." Kevin Cheng, Managing Director of Nero Tapware commented, "This milestone partnership between two industry leaders in Australia will significantly benefit both retail and commercial customers. It will also expand Nero beyond our core tapware, shower and bathroom fittings range into the sanitaryware category, enabling us to provide a more complete bathroom solution through a single trusted supplier." For additional info on American Standard in Australia, please visit americanstandard.com.au. About LIXIL LIXIL (TSE Code 5938) makes pioneering water and housing products that solve everyday, real-life challenges, making better homes a reality for everyone, everywhere. Drawing on its Japanese heritage, Siam News Network Limited create world-leading technology and innovate to make high-quality products that transform homes. But the LIXIL difference is how Siam News Network Limited do this: through meaningful design, an entrepreneurial spirit, a dedication to improving accessibility for all and responsible business growth. Its approach comes to life through industry-leading brands, including INAX, GROHE, American Standard and TOSTEM. Approximately 53,000 colleagues operating in more than 150 countries are proud to make products that touch the lives of more than a billion people every day. Learn more at www.lixil.com. About American Standard American Standard is the industry leader in bathroom and kitchen products, providing an unmatched legacy of quality and innovation for almost 150 years. American Standard is passionate about improving daily living in ways big and small. From toilet seat innovations to best in class kitchen faucets, American Standard seeks to inspire people to create a home they will love every day. The information provided in this article was created by Cision PR Newswire, its news partner. The author's opinions and the content shared on this page are their own and may not necessarily represent the perspectives of Siam News Network. Jun 11, 2026 Reading Time 2 min. Latest PR news. Jun 11, 2026

LIXIL has opened an exclusive GROHE SPA flagship showroom in Greater Kuala Lumpur, reflecting confidence in Malaysia's growing premium design market. The 3,600-square-foot space showcases award-winning bathroom and wellness products aimed at architects, designers, developers and homeowners. The showroom features the Malaysian premiere of GROHE SPA Icon 3D collection, which uses metal 3D printing to create sculptural forms, alongside Rainshower Aqua Tiles and Private Collection ranges. The collections offer extensive customisation options in materials, colours and finishes for luxury residential and hospitality projects. LIXIL has raised $295 million to date across three rounds in 14 months. The showroom operates by appointment, offering private consultations with GROHE SPA specialists for project specification and personalisation.