the reach would be of the virus and how quickly our lives would have to adapt to lockdowns, self-isolation and zoom calls.

Photo: International Sales Kick Off Meeting January 2020
l-r: M. Isbasceau, G. Mauerhofer, P. Musgrove, F. Roitner, R. Summer, A. Heiner-Kruckas, A. Kregler, J. Tay, U. Klümper, A. Müller, J. Pillai

We think we know everything. We can walk on the moon, we can connect 4.6 billion people through the internet, drive the biggest and fastest cars and yet actually, in this moment in time, we knew nothing. Nobody had prepared us for this.

Meanwhile, as an organisation we found ourselves in an arguably blessed situation, where our challenges ahead lay in meeting demand. Hygiene has been at the heart of CONTI+ for many years, long before the coronavirus, and thanks to the philosophy of our Board we were able to make significant investments in capacity, component stock, raw materials and people in order to meet that demand. Was it perfect? Probably not, but all our teams from product development to production to purchasing stepped up to the challenge which we knew faced us. And at this point we truly recognised the value in our supply chains and the relationships which have been developed over the last 40 years as CONTI+ has continued each year to grow.

Photo: Investing in new product development and training during 2020

Yet as we reflect on the year, I feel it is a time to reconsider our values. What have we learnt? What is actually important to us? Trust and fairness, for me, has to be top of the list in order to behave responsibly, reflecting our long-term values. As an organisation, we continue to meet the hygiene demands of our colleagues around the world but also, mindfully, look towards the next challenge of sustainability. This topic can no longer be ignored. We work with clients in Qatar and South Africa, for example, who on a daily basis have their lives impacted through restrictions on water usage. In the same way as during the pandemic , they have adapted and changed their habits and science tells us that it is only a matter of time before more areas of the world are significantly impacted through water shortages. What can we do both individually and collectively? We know, for example, the government in Singapore, with their reputation for the highest levels of hygiene, have recently stated all public buildings must have sensor controlled faucets to combat infection and in my view, the same will come with watersaving measures being introduced by governments around the world. Meanwhile, as we wait for change from governments every one of us can change our personal habits by turning off the faucet while we spend our 20 seconds handwashing.

Photo: Save up to 70% water with sensor controlled faucets, or simply turn off the faucet

Looking towards how 2021 will look for us, it is definitely challenging to plan ahead when so much seems uncertain, yet one thing we can be sure of is our passion and drive to continue to work with the very best partners around the world and whether we meet face to face or continue our calls online we will continue to keep talking, finding reliable solutions whether driven by hygiene demands or water saving.

Meanwhile, we’ve also been talking and listening to those around us, both within CONTI+ and throughout our global network of Authorised distributors in order to gain a perspective from across the world. Join us on our social media channels to see Perspectives: on 2020 from across the world including India, Norway and Italy. But, please, share your thoughts as well, there are many different perspectives on 2020 and it’s really only by listening that we can truly learn and grow.

All the best for 2021. Stay hygienic, act sustainably and stay safe.

integrated into existing installations without creating visual disharmony. The patented, thermostatically controlled anti-scalding protection of the lino AS L13 offers increased safety in the case of cold water system failure, shutting off the hot water supply in accordance with EN 1111 after a maximum water flow of 300 ml. Pressure fluctuations in the cold/hot water system are also balanced out. The infrared sensor faucet can be adjusted for a temperature range of 15 °C to 40 °C using the small lever on the right-hand side. Thanks to its maximum mixing temperature of 40 °C, the CONTI+ lino AS L13 offers a sensible way to protect against scalding, especially in accessible bathrooms and other areas with vulnerable users (kindergartens, homes for the elderly, etc.). A further benefit for installers: since the thermostat is already built into the faucet, the CONTI+ lino AS L13 is very quick and easy to install.

Photos | Copyright: CONTI+

The CONTI+ lino AS L13 with thermostatic anti-scalding protection is now available in chrome as an upright faucet for washbasins. It works in either mains operation or via a 6 V battery and can be networked with the CNX water management system and with the CONTI+ Service APP. These systems enable central control and monitoring of hygiene measures such as thermal disinfection and time-controlled sanitary rinsing.

Sensible protection: the new CONTI+ lino AS L13 with thermostatic anti-scalding protection is particularly suitable for use in kindergartens and accessible bathrooms.

management at CONTI+ since May 2016.

37-year-old Michael Fink is the newest member of the CONTI+ product management team.
Photos | Copyright: private

The customer service department of the specialist hygiene company has also been strengthened: since August 2020, Patrick Henss has been a member of the CONTI+ customer service team. The 31-year-old office administrator already has experience in dealing with customers through his previous positions both in-house and as a sales rep, and now supports the team that is headed by Carsten Pohl

Patrick Henss has been supporting the CONTI+ customer service department since August 2020.
Photos | Copyright: CONTI+

spaces hygienically clean?

Who might benefit from the installation of sensor faucets in their home?

Actually many different people could enjoy the benefits of sensor controlled faucets. Maybe you’re living in a multi-generational home where you don’t want to worry about faucets being left running. If you’re a self builder looking to reduce the impact of your home on the environment with the faucet only running when you need it.

For people who suffer from limited motor skills or arthritis the function of operating the faucet suddenly becomes simple, just by placing your hands under the spout the water will run with the chance to make simple temperature adjustments.

Enthusiastic home bakers can enjoy the ease of a kitchen faucet which will remain clean even with the most sticky of hands.

Plus, of course, as we welcome limited guests to our homes, a downstairs cloakroom can be kept hygienically clean without the danger of contamination for you or your guests.

How easy are they to fit? Can they be retrofitted into existing kitchens and bathrooms?

Our sensor faucets are extremely easy to install, no special skills are required other than connecting a hot and cold water supply. A retro fit to remove and replace existing traditional taps can be completed with ease. No requirement for mains electricity is necessary as many of the CONTI+ faucets are available as a battery version with an extraordinary 4 year life expectancy on the batteries due to its unique and patented technology (based on a user turning the tap on up to 150 times a day).

What other benefits are there from sensor controlled faucets?

By using a sensor controlled faucet in the home a significant saving on water costs can be found as you only use the water you need. Typically this saving can achieve up to 70% compared to manually controlled faucets.

For the kitchen, you could also consider a unique product that combines a traditional lever product, for day to day conventional use, with a built in close proximity sensor which provides the perfect solution for messy hands. No more touching the tap and transferring bacteria from chicken or fish just to wash your hands. Simply activate the flow with the sensor and wash in a hygienic way. Perfect for children when they are muddy or covered in paint or even adults when working in the garden or on a car.

For architects working on residential projects can sensor taps help towards their BREEAM rating?

CONTI+ sensor faucets can achieve the 5 credits, the maximum available in BREEAM. Even with a low flow rate the performance is not compromised but delivers a jet spray on demand.

Ultimately, the installation of infrared sensor controlled faucets is a personal decision which has become more topical as we focus more on hygiene yet the benefits of sensor controlled faucets stretch way further than reducing contamination, as they also give easy control to both elderly and young children while respecting our precious resources through the use of less water.

Share your thoughts on sensor controlled faucets, is it something you would now consider for your home?