Growing up, one of the earliest marketing taglines I can recall was for a septic tank cleaning company in Warwick, Rhode Island. The bold statement on the back of their service trucks read...
(That's my marketing blog to toilet topic segue).
Since I was a little kid I've been convinced that our elaborate and complicated system of pipes pressurized with water to move waste was a primitive process. Upon each visit to Walt Disney World in Florida I kept looking for the unveiling of the 'throne of the future' at a Bathroom of Tomorrow exhibit... no luck yet.
However, we're getting closer with the flush-free | water-free urinal. (And I've had the opportunity to try it out.)
At the Starbucks HQ offices in Seattle, to conserve water and energy, they've replaced the urinals in one of the men's restrooms with a flushless version - the F-2000 Model Falcon Waterfree Technology urinal.
Or as they explain it...
The cartridge is shaped to act as a funnel. The combination of non-stick, non-porous materials of construction and the funnel-shape of the cartridge ensure all urine passes into the cartridge and through a unique sealant liquid that floats on top of the liquid beneath it.
This pleasant smelling sealant liquid provides an airtight barrier between urine and the restroom to prevent odors from escaping the drain, but allows urine to pass through because it is lighter than water. Urine immediately penetrates the sealant liquid and flows to the drain. Uric sediment is collected by the cartridge, leaving an odor-free environment, clean pipes and absolutely no water waste.
The cartridge also features a sealing ring to provide an airtight barrier between the cartridge and the housing. The only maintenance required is routine cleaning of the fixture and an easy change of the cartridge, performed approximately every 7,000 uses or typically two to four times per year.
Want to see how it works? Open their page, and press PLAY at the bottom of the screen for an animated demo. (Shockwave Required)
It will be interesting to see if this technology catches on. Often times with new products, there is resistance to change.
Now if we could only solve for the lack of hand washing. And you know who you are out there.
johnmoore (from Brand Autopsy)
As a marketingologist with the Brand Autopsy Marketing Practice, I give companies “Second Opinions” about the business and marketing activities they are currently doing or considering doing.
Is there a home use version of the water free urinal available for purchase? I would like it to be in the form of a normal toilet so my wife may also use it. In my current home we have a dual flush Caroma toilet. We are planning to build a new home and have room for two commodes in the bathroom.
Thank you. RTK
Posted by: Robert T. Kellner | December 31, 2006 at 09:43 PM