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Contact Us

Please use the form below and we will contact you as soon as possible

Contact us by phone, email, or the form opposite

If you are based in India, please call us toll-free, Monday to Friday between 9am-6pm, on +1800 202 1626

If you are based in Africa, please call us toll-free, Monday to Friday between 9am-6pm or Saturday between 9am-1pm, on +254 800 722 233

 

Contact us by email: SATO@LIXIL.com

 

Or get in touch using the form and we will contact you as soon as possible.

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    HOW CAN WE HELP YOU?

    While global in scope – our work is local at heart. We are inspired by the impact we provide and the experiences our customers share with us. Our award-winning products are one of the solutions to solve the sanitation issue, but it is the determination and ingenuity of our customers, masons and colleagues that delivers results. Find out more below

    Product

    Corporate

    Sustainability

    Innovation and R&D

    Manufacturing and QA

    Partnerships

    Product FAQs

    How do I purchase a SATO toilet?

    Please find the availability of your product choice at this page. Please contact us for details.

    How much does SATO toilet cost?

    The price of our products depends on the market and other factors. Please contact us for details.

    How do I install a SATO toilet?

    All our products are designed to be as accessible and easy to install as possible. Installation procedures vary by product type, latrine configuration, local practices and preferences, and we have created simple how-to guides to answer any of your questions. See more information here.

    What material is used for SATO toilets?

    We use virgin polypropylene for plastic products.

    How can I become a business partner for SATO?

    Thank you for your interest! We are a fast-growing and ambitious business and are always looking for business partners. Please contact us for details.

    What are the product dimensions?

    Please find the dimensions of specific products at their dedicated page.

    How much water do we need to use per flush?

    This depends on the models, but all our solutions require less than 1 litre of water per flush.

    Where can I install SATO?

    SATO toilets are suitable for use with direct and offset pit installations, septic tanks, plumbed connections, and other water-based containment systems.

    Can I retrofit SATO to an existing pit latrine (for renovation)?

    Yes, SATO toilets can be utilised in new construction or retrofit into existing latrines to provide an easy, inexpensive upgrade.

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    Corporate FAQs

    Where is SATO based ?

    • SATO is a global virtual team with approximately 130 employees located in 12 countries.
    • Our leadership team resides in India, East Africa (Kenya), Japan, UK, and the US.
    • Our core markets are in Africa (including Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Rwanda, and Tanzania); India; and SE Asia (Indonesia and Philippines.)

    Which countries are SATO’s main markets? Are you focused on growing in specific countries?

    • SATO is focused on South and SE Asia, as well as in sub-Saharan Africa, based on the need for increased access to basic sanitation.  Bangladesh is SATO’s first and largest market accounting for nearly 50% of all volume sales. Africa, as a region, is our next largest market (notably Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, and Ethiopia), followed by India.
    • Sustainable growth for SATO is expected in two ways:
    • Offering an expanded range of our products in our existing core markets particularly in Bangladesh (expanding from one product to multiple), and in Africa.
    • Leveraging our current manufacturing partners to serve a greater footprint in each region, particularly in Africa, and to export to new markets.

    Where can I install SATO?

    SATO toilets are suitable for use with direct and offset pit installations, septic tanks, plumbed connections, and other water-based containment systems.

    Can I retrofit SATO to an existing pit latrine (for renovation)?

    Yes, SATO toilets can be utilised in new construction or retrofit into existing latrines to provide an easy, inexpensive upgrade.

    Sustainability FAQs

    How do you empower local communities to make sustainable change?

    • We invest in training of masons and plumbers about the benefits of improved sanitation and how to install SATO toilets safely and efficiently. This continues to build the capacity of skilled trade workers in local markets and creates an opportunity for greater economic gain for these small business owners.

    Where can I install SATO?

    SATO toilets are suitable for use with direct and offset pit installations, septic tanks, plumbed connections, and other water-based containment systems.

    Can I retrofit SATO to an existing pit latrine (for renovation)?

    Yes, SATO toilets can be utilised in new construction or retrofit into existing latrines to provide an easy, inexpensive upgrade.

    Innovation and R&D FAQs

    Do you have your own R&D team?

    • Yes, we are constantly developing new solutions through our innovation team

    What is your vision for innovation and what problems do you want to solve?

      • Our approach to innovation aligns totally with our purpose—to tackle the global sanitation and hygiene challenge.
      • Our end-to-end process is built around a fundamental understanding of our target market’s unique environments and needs. This informs all our decisions; from design, pricing, marketing, to operational procedures.
      • All our designs emphasise water efficiency, simplicity, and affordability, making hygiene and sanitation easy for consumers.

      Do you use any specific technologies in your product development process?

        • All our products are 100% recyclable, and we are currently developing innovative solutions with materials created from mixed waste.

        Where can I install SATO?

        SATO toilets are suitable for use with direct and offset pit installations, septic tanks, plumbed connections, and other water-based containment systems.

        Can I retrofit SATO to an existing pit latrine (for renovation)?

        Yes, SATO toilets can be utilised in new construction or retrofit into existing latrines to provide an easy, inexpensive upgrade.

        Manufacturing and QA FAQs

        Where do you manufacture SATO products? How many manufacturers do you work with?

        • Since 2019, SATO partners with manufacturers in each core market under a license model (5): Bangladesh, East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda), and West Africa (Nigeria). In India, we have two contract manufacturing partnerships to serve the region.

        Where are you manufacturing and selling SATO Tap?

          • The first SATO Taps were manufactured in India and became available for partners in September 2020.
          • Manufacturing of the SATO Tap in Tanzania began in early 2021 and is ramping up production to serve the Africa region. The SATO Tap will be fully available for retail purchase in second half of 2021.

          How does SATO ensure the quality of its products?

            • Our products are designed to be used repeatedly for many years with machine tested trap-door usage equivalent to around 100 years of use by a household of five members.
            • We test all our products for scratch resistance, flammability, resistance to cleaning agents, and the presence of contaminants in the resin.
            • A tracker has been established internally to collect feedback on our products and we are recruiting a Leader responsible for quality control to further strengthen our continuous commitment to quality.
            • All our manufacturing partners are ISO9000 certified to ensure quality.

            How does SATO avoid damage of its products during transportation and delivery?

              • All SATO parts are stacked and packed in cartons for more efficient
              • Products are made of PP, which is a semi-rigid material with high tensile strength.

              Where can I install SATO?

              SATO toilets are suitable for use with direct and offset pit installations, septic tanks, plumbed connections, and other water-based containment systems.

              Can I retrofit SATO to an existing pit latrine (for renovation)?

              Yes, SATO toilets can be utilised in new construction or retrofit into existing latrines to provide an easy, inexpensive upgrade.

              Partnership FAQs

              Why are partnerships important to SATO?

              •  Partnerships are essential for us to realise the full potential of hygiene and sanitation markets in developing economies.
                 
              • During the product development process, we benefit from expert partners like UNICEF to help us hone our designs to better serve the needs of communities.
                 
              • We also work with NGOs and local authorities to access new markets, educate communities about the importance of hygiene and sanitation, and help improve quality of life for as many people as possible.
                 
              • We work with local manufacturers to produce our products, meaning they can be both sold and used by the communities who need them most. This empowers countries with the capacity they need to continuously improve their own sanitation.
              • In addition, SATO invests in training of masons and plumbers to build skills in local markets and increase awareness of the benefits of improved sanitation.
              • We also benefit from collaboration with fellow businesses. For example, with fast-moving consumer goods businesses we can ensure all products needed for hygiene and sanitation are available together for consumers. 
              • Equally, companies wanting to invest in their workforces and communities are natural partners whom we can support to do well by doing good.

                What partners do you have and who else do you want to get involved with the business?

                • We work with a broad spectrum of partners, from IGOs and NGOs like UNICEF, WHO, Water Aid, Save the Children, and Plan International, to fellow businesses like Reckitt, Coca Cola, and WeFarm.
                   
                • We also collaborate with government organisations like UNAID, FCDO, JICA, as well as health ministries in many of our markets.
                   
                • Meanwhile, in the majority of our markets, we work with local business partners to support manufacturing, sales, and distribution.
                   
                • We’re always looking for partners in both the public and private sectors to help us advance our business in existing and new markets, educate consumers about the importance of hygiene and sanitation, and increase access to our solutions for those who can benefit from them.
                   
                • In particular, we’re looking to partner with businesses that want to do better by doing good—whether that’s ensuring their workers have quality sanitation and hygiene facilities or more ambitious programmes to strengthen health and prosperity in local communities. 

                  How does the partnership with UNICEF work?

                  • In 2018, LIXIL and UNICEF entered the “Make a Splash!” partnership - the first global shared-value partnership for UNICEF with a Japanese company in the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene space.
                     
                  • The objectives of the partnership include market-shaping programs to build awareness and demand for sanitation and hygiene products, as well as testing new business models, fundraising to support the partnership, and engaging in joint advocacy efforts.
                     
                  • The partnership activities began in three focus countries—Ethiopia, Kenya, and Tanzania—ultimately  reaching 2.9 million people with improved sanitation access over a three-year period. As a result of this success, Make a Splash! has now been expanded into three of the world’s most populous countries — India, Indonesia, and Nigeria, where the partners aim to expand sanitation access for millions more. 
                  • Phase II of the partnership will include efforts to build supply chains, not only for SATO’s various toilet solutions, but also for the innovative SATO Tap, an affordable handwashing solution for households, schools, and clinics. 
                     
                  • More details are available in the partnership progress report published last year and available on our website: https://www.lixil.com/en/makeasplash/ 

                    How does your partnership with USAID work?

                    • LIXIL and USAID have launched a Partnership for Better Living to expand the market for affordable sanitation and hygiene solutions, improve the availability of SATO products, and enhance the reliability of supply chains for underserved communities in developing economies.

                    • The five-year cooperative agreement is supported by a $10 million award from USAID and will enable communities to easily access appropriate and affordable goods and services from local providers to meet basic sanitation and hygiene needs
                       
                    • SATO will bring its award-winning innovations, research and development to test new, locally relevant products

                    • The brand will also work to strengthen supply networks by training masons and plumbers in each market and by creating business opportunities for women entrepreneurs as well as small and medium-sized enterprises. This will help create new ‘sanitation economies’ that increase awareness of the benefits of improved sanitation and up-skill local workers, effectively empowering countries to continuously level up their own sanitation.

                    • The partners aim to improve sanitation and hygiene for at least two million people in up to 11 countries by 2026

                    • LIXIL will also co-invest funding and in-kind resources, leveraging the USAID grant to advance the Partnership for Better Living’s objectives and accelerate progress toward the global SDG goals 
                       

                      What is your partnership with JICA?

                       

                      • LIXIL signed a memorandum with Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in 2019 to collaborate to improve sanitation and access to clean water in developing economies. The partnership objectives include looking into the use of toilets and sanitary conditions in developing markets in Africa and Asia and raising awareness and stimulating demand for sanitary toilets.
                         
                      • In September 2020, we were named as a JICA-SDGs Partner by JICA in recognition of our efforts in partnership with the organization towards the achievement of SDGs in developing economies.