Stories


The SATO SuperStructure: our first green material product

By Yoshi Takakusa

At SATO, we constantly innovate to create solutions that address sanitation and hygiene challenges facing consumers around the globe. That’s why we are proud to introduce the SATO SuperStructure. Made from EcoRenew, a material made from 100% recycled polystyrene, the SuperStructure is an eco-friendly way to construct durable, easy-to-install toilet shelters that offer privacy and dignity to users. Whether in remote villages, disaster-stricken areas, or emergency relief settings, the SATO SuperStructure is a fast, and reliable solution that combines with other SATO products to offer an end-end solution, transforming sanitation access worldwide.

The SATO SuperStructure was born out of a clear need: rural toilets often sit in poorly built shacks or are completely out in the open. This means those least able to afford brick or concrete toilet blocks, which incur significant labour costs, are the most vulnerable when using the toilet. This also makes the SATO SuperStructure ideal for providing a proper toilet housing structure in humanitarian settings, bringing privacy and dignity to people’s toilet experience.

The SuperStructure makes toilet construction faster and more accessible and its modular design means it can be combined with other SATO products like the SATO Pan, SATO Stool, or the SATO Pit liner. This innovation means consumers in traditionally underserved areas like humanitarian settings have a one-stop-solution to give their home or community a safe, private, and hygienic toilet without bad smells.

One of the most innovative aspects of the SuperStructure’s design is its material. EcoRenew is a plastic material made by HandyTechno from 100% recycled polystyrene taken from factory waste in Japan. HandyTechno is part of LIXIL and has been developing innovative sustainable building materials since 1973. With its long history of pushing the boundaries of recycled materials, HandyTechno is the perfect partner for SATO to increase the sustainability of our product portfolio.

Used in construction framings, EcoRenew is lightweight, durable, and insulating. Because the EcoRenew is entirely recycled, each SuperStructure unit avoids 88kg of CO2 emissions by saving waste plastic from being burned. By partnering with HandyTechno and using their innovative material, the SATO SuperStructure can not only greatly enhance the toilet experience of consumers all over the world but prevents carbon emissions at the same time.

During the development phase of the SuperStructure, we tested over 100 prototypes, conducting load tests, strength tests, and wind and rainwater resistance assessments to ensure the SuperStructure is a long-term solution. Despite its simplicity, the SuperStructure is built to last. It has been tested to last around 10 years under normal conditions. It can withstand sunlight, temperature fluctuations and rainwater, ensuring its users stay safe and private.

One of the key benefits of the SATO SuperStructure is how quickly and easily it can be assembled. With just a screwdriver and a hammer the entire structure can be put together in about an hour and a half. This simplicity makes it ideal for use in humanitarian crises, where time is critical and skilled labour is scarce. The components come flat-packed and can be transported to hard-to-reach locations.

The SATO SuperStructure is a step toward a future where safe, private, and reliable sanitation is within reach for more people than ever. We believe that by making products that are easy to use, affordable, and environmentally responsible, we can make a real difference in people’s lives.

As we continue to roll out the SATO SuperStructure worldwide, we are excited to see how it will improve sanitation in the communities that need it most. We’re proud of the hard work and innovation that have gone into it and look forward to developing even more solutions that help bring safe, dignified sanitation to people around the globe.

The SATO SuperStructure can be shipped worldwide. Visit this page to learn more.

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