TOTO Ltd, the Japanese bathroom solutions company, has become the world’s first sanitaryware manufacturer to conduct commercial production using green hydrogen in the firing process, according to recognition by Euromonitor International. The achievement was recorded at TOTO Kokura, the company’s No. 1 plant in Japan, as part of its efforts to reduce emissions from sanitaryware production. The plant has progressively improved its firing technology and moved towards cleaner fuels, including the transition from coal-fired kilns to its latest fiber ion furnace.
TOTO said these technology improvements have helped reduce carbon dioxide emissions from sanitaryware manufacturing at the Kokura plant by about 40% since 2022. The use of green hydrogen in the firing process is expected to support further reductions as the company works towards its goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.
The move comes as India steps up its focus on green hydrogen and low-carbon manufacturing under the National Green Hydrogen Mission. For sanitaryware production, the firing process is an important area for reducing emissions, making fuel conversion and furnace technology key parts of the industry’s decarbonisation efforts.
The company said the introduction of hydrogen into the firing process builds on its long-term work in cleaner manufacturing. TOTO has also invested in water-efficient technologies and environmentally responsible product development as part of its wider sustainability programme.
Shiozawa Kazuyuki, Managing Director, TOTO India Pvt. Ltd, said, “Sustainability has always been central to TOTO’s global philosophy. This milestone reflects our commitment to advancing cleaner manufacturing through continuous innovation. As India places greater emphasis on sustainable construction and low-carbon development, we remain committed to bringing globally proven technologies and responsible manufacturing expertise that create long-term value for customers and the environment.”
TOTO said the green hydrogen initiative represents another step in its efforts to improve manufacturing processes while maintaining established product quality standards. The company plans to continue developing firing technologies and fuel conversion methods as it works towards its long-term carbon neutrality target.
The company’s sustainability efforts cover manufacturing, product development and resource efficiency. Its approach includes reducing emissions from production, improving water efficiency and developing bathroom products with environmental considerations.
The use of green hydrogen at the Kokura plant also provides a model for the wider application of alternative fuels in energy-intensive manufacturing processes. TOTO said its experience with hydrogen-based firing will contribute to its efforts to reduce the environmental impact of sanitaryware production. With the milestone, TOTO is combining changes in fuel technology with improvements in furnace design and manufacturing processes as part of its broader transition towards lower-carbon production.
