16 Dec 2025
We’re all familiar with the frustration of excessive packaging - large boxes, layers of bubble wrap, and plastic wrapped products. It’s a problem in our homes and a problem for the products we use to build our homes and buildings, but thankfully it’s also a problem that more manufacturers are starting to address. We recently spoke to Geberit – one of our Future Homes supporting partners – about their step-by-step approach to reducing plastic packaging.
Less is best
“Leave out everything that is not absolutely necessary!” This is how Project Manager Industrial Engineering Martin Granzotto sums up the latest packaging optimisation at Geberit.
Martin and his team took a closer look at the packaging of Geberit’s Sigma01, Sigma20 Round and Sigma20 Square actuator plates - the button you press to flush the toilet - and eliminated plastic by switching to cardboard instead. “By dispensing with the bags and placing the rods individually in a cardboard box, we save around four tonnes of plastic per year – that’s the same weight as a hippo,” said Martin.
The team then looked at what else they could leave out. Printed instructions were redesigned and shortened, reducing paper use by 27 tonnes annually. Together the changes cut CO₂ emissions by 25% per year compared to previous packaging.
Why It matters: plastics and waste in the built environment
The Australia’s waste[d] Opportunity 2025 report released this year by GBCA and Coreo found that $64 billion in construction materials could be wasted in Australia over the next five years if we don’t act now, while plastic waste continues to become a growing challenge for our industry. Australia also:
These figures underscore the urgency for systemic change. Packaging optimisation may seem small, but it’s a critical step toward reducing virgin plastic use and supporting a circular economy.
Beyond plastic packaging
Geberit's products - from flush buttons and concealed cisterns to internal inlet and outlet valves - are known for their outstanding durability and longevity and Frances Ngo, Managing Director from Geberit Australia says they’re also backed by a particularly long spare parts availability.
“We’re proud that our products are long lasting and stand the test of time, our concealed cisterns and their mechanical components have a spare parts availability of 50 years.”
Many of Geberit’s products and components are backwards-compatible, meaning newer products can work with older products and can also be enhanced with new components and functions, allowing users to extend the life of parts through continued use rather than replacement.
In other sustainability wins, Geberit’s 2024 sustainability report shared:
Frances Ngo says that when combined with Geberit’s long-standing commitment to product durability, water efficiency, and low-carbon operations, the company’s efforts to reduce plastic waste shows how manufacturers can lead by example.
“Next, we aim to reduce packaging material by 10% by 2030 compared to 2023 and will only use plastic packaging if it contains at least 35% recycled material. By rethinking how products are packaged, reducing unnecessary materials, and embedding recycled content, Geberit hopes to help shift the industry toward smarter, more circular practices.”
GBCA is grateful to Geberit and all our Future Homes partners for their commitment to innovation and sustainability. By rethinking packaging, reducing waste, and embedding circular practices, these leaders are helping to shape a built environment that’s better for people and the planet. Find out more here.