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latest press releases

Want to find out the latest from our teams on the ground? Simply click through our latest news, views, and media below.
If you are a journalist and would like to speak to our press office, please contact
SATO@hudsonsandler.com and the team will get back to you.

customer stories

Discover the real stories of lives changed by SATO

“This is the product of choice in this community. It also serves our business well”

Simegn Minilikh,
Founder of Hawi Toilets in Ethiopia

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FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions

Product

Corporate

Sustainability

Innovation and R&D

Manufacturing and QA

Partnerships

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.

            Cleaning FAQs

            What is the durability of SATO against chemical cleaners?

            • SATO toilet products are made from durable plastic (polypropylene) which are easy to clean with regular toilet cleaners. For simple understanding, SATO products are from the same family of plastic that chemical cleaner bottles are made of (HDPE-high density polyethylene).

            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.