SATO 101
The original toilet pan
Do you want an affordable and accessible sanitation solution that offers a genuine upgrade to open pits? Look no further than the SATO pan, our most iconic product that has changed the lives of millions of people around the world. The award-winning design delivers freshness, comfort and safety to households and public institutions that do not have access to running water or sewer systems.
Size: 464mm (L) 248mm (W) 213mm (H)
Manufactured in Bangladesh
Benefits
- Minimises odours: air-tight seal closes off pit latrines
- No visual contact with human waste: trap door shuts out unpleasant view
- Water-saving: 1 litre per flush – 80% less than conventional pans
- Easy to maintain: made from durable plastic which is easy to clean
- Durable: trap-door technology tested to last an estimated 100 years
- Keeps flies and insects away: the trap door closes the pit keeping pests away
- Increased safety: limited outlet aperture prevent falls into pits
- Easy to install: can be used in new or retrofit constructions
- Easy to transport: Can be stacked and the rigid plastic makes will not break easily
- Affordable: a cost effective solution for a latrine construction
Additional Resources
Case Studies
Revisiting the first pan installed in Bangladesh 11 year later
Research Evidence
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- Research in Lusaka, Zambia shows strong user preference for the SATO Stool over other sanitation options, including traditional and plastic sit toilets. Users described the SATO Stool as modern, comfortable, and the option they were most willing to buy, pay for, and use. Burton, Jasmine et al. (2020).
- A CDC study in 37 Kenyan health facilities found SATO pans improved latrine acceptability, cleanliness, and reduced flies and odor. Patient-reported acceptability increased from 87% to 96% after SATO installation. SATO pans also saw fewer reports of flies (0% vs. 26%) and odor (18% vs. 50%) compared to standard latrines. Cleaners reported easier cleaning with SATO pans and few flushing issues. Prentice–Mott, G. et al. (2023). https://doi.org/10.1111/tmi.
13939 - Research shows the SATO Pan toilet significantly improves community sanitation and health in Kigali, Rwanda. Its innovative design promotes hygiene and overcomes the negative impacts of traditional open-pit toilets, leading to widespread adoption and user satisfaction. Theogene, Rutambuka et al. (2024).
Product Awards
SATO’s innovative products have received awards from Patents for Humanity (under our parent company’s American Standard brand), Red Dot Design, and being named one of TIME Magazine’s Social Good Best Inventions, as well as being a finalist for Fast Company’s World Changing Ideas Awards. To date, SATO’s unique and customer-focused designs have led to multiple awards. This includes the Red Dot design award for its V-Trap connection system, while the SATO Tap was named a Finalist in Fast Company’s World Changing Ideas 2021 and one of Time Magazine’s Best Inventions of 2020.
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