An exhibition on sanitation products was organised by Red-R India. Among the many innovative displays, Oxfam International showcased a squatting slab with a steel structure and a plastic sheet bolted on top. This slab, weighing around 20 kg and measuring 1200 x 800 x 100 mm, required on-site assembly and, because it was screwed together with nuts and bolts, parts used to fall off in the field, all of which posed serious challenges for rapid deployment in emergency situations. Transportation of these slabs was also an issue given their weight and the difficult African terrain where they have to be installed.
Our team took up the challenge to improve this design to make the slabs lighter and easier to install at any location. We embarked on the journey of developing a new squatting plate using rotational moulding technology. The first prototype was vibrant green, 55 mm thick and weighed only 11.50 kg. When we presented this slab to Oxfam, they were thrilled. Not only was it entirely made of plastic with the steel reinforcement hidden inside, but it also weighed 50% less than their current model, had no parts that could fall off in the field, and did not require on-site assembly. These slabs were ready-to-use straight out of the box.
We created two versions of the squatting plate: an Asian version, where the pan and trap were fitted from the top, and an African version, which was a direct-drop design. However, to streamline logistics and make the product more versatile, we combined the two versions into one universal model. By redesigning the pan and the squatting plate, we allowed the pan to be fitted on the underside, making it suitable for all geographies.
Our squatting plates gained significant recognition when they were used in Pakistan following the devastating earthquake in 2008. Based on feedback, we decided to change the colour to crimson granite, making the slabs more visually appealing.
Further improvements were made to the design, making the plates thinner and lighter. The thickness was reduced to 40 mm, allowing us to fit 1,200 squatting plates in a 40-foot container, compared to only 840 earlier. The weight was also reduced to 9.50 kg, making the slabs easier to handle.
In our commitment to sustainability, we introduced 30% recycled content in the manufacturing process and changed the colour to black. To aid visually impaired users, we added white bumps on the surface for easy guidance and identification. Our latest innovation includes increasing the recycled content to 50%, further enhancing the environmental benefits of our product.
Through continuous innovation and dedication, K. K. Nag Private Limited transformed a simple sanitation product into a versatile, sustainable, and user-friendly solution, creating a significant impact on global sanitation efforts.
