Expanding access to safe sanitation

Rashedul Alam Sarker
Leader-Bangladesh, SATO
LIXIL Corporation

The Daily Star (TDS): What strategies does LIXIL use to ensure WASH products reach even the most remote and vulnerable households?

Rashedul Alam Sarker (RAS): LIXIL Corporation, a Japanese MNC, present in more than 150 countries, is committed to making affordable WASH products accessible to everyone by working with a wide network of partners. In Bangladesh, its long-standing collaboration with RFL has built a strong retail and supply chain that delivers products even to remote areas. Partnerships with organisations such as iDE Bangladesh have also supported local entrepreneurs, from latrine producers to sales agents, by helping make sanitation businesses profitable. These efforts have created an effective ecosystem for expanding access to WASH products across the country.

TDS: Affordability is a big challenge for low-income families. How does LIXIL keep its sanitation and hygiene solutions both affordable and high quality?

RAS: SATO products, part of LIXIL's range, are designed to meet the sanitation needs of households in off-grid settings. They use gravity-powered systems, making them simple, durable, water-efficient, practical and affordable. Made from high-quality plastic, they are easy to transport, install and maintain, helping reduce overall costs. Local manufacturing also ensures they remain accessible to low-income families while maintaining quality.

TDS: How does LIXIL collaborate with entrepreneurs, service providers, and retailers to improve access, installation, and maintenance of sanitation products?

RAS: Through its local partners, LIXIL has built a strong sanitation ecosystem in Bangladesh. Entrepreneurs and retailers, many with over a decade of experience selling these products, are well aware of their benefits and social impact. LIXIL provides training, installation tools and promotional support while also gathering feedback to refine its products and help local businesses grow. In 2023, it introduced new solutions like SATO I-Trap, SATO V-Trap and SATO Tap in Bangladesh to advance safely managed sanitation and hygiene and expand access nationwide.

TDS: Partnerships often speed up progress. How is LIXIL working with iDE and others to integrate WASH with nutrition and public health initiatives in Bangladesh?

RAS: Bangladesh was the first country to introduce SATO products in 2012, with iDE Bangladesh supporting demand generation. Operations now cover production, distribution, installation and maintenance, all sourced locally. iDE has been key to this success through innovative sanitation marketing and sales, and in 2024 the partnership was extended to accelerate access in rural areas. Together, they are also developing programmes that link WASH with nutrition and public health, while introducing new gender-inclusive sanitation solutions.

TDS: How does LIXIL's partnership approach and product innovation help address the unique cultural, environmental, and climate challenges in Bangladesh to accelerate progress toward SDG 6?

RAS: LIXIL works with partners in Bangladesh to improve sanitation and hygiene while advancing SDG 6. Through collaborations with NGOs such as iDE, it gathers consumer insights to design climate resilient, affordable, relevant SATO products for households, schools and workplaces. Supply is supported by global manufacturing hubs and trusted local producers, while demand is built through awareness initiatives with governments and NGOs. 

LIXIL also trains masons, plumbers and retailers to strengthen local capacity and ensure long-term product use. Partnering with corporations across sectors, it integrates sanitation into supply chains, supporting ESG objectives and expanding access to safely managed solutions nationwide.

iDE, a global nonprofit organisation in 12 countries since 1984, drives poverty reduction through market-driven solutions in Bangladesh, scaling agriculture, WASH, climate resilience, clean energy, and women's empowerment.

This content has been published under 'Catalyzing Markets' - a media campaign jointly initiated by iDE and The Daily Star. This interview is conducted by Md. Zahidur Rabbi.