Plastics pioneers
First cistern made of PVC
In 1952, Geberit makes industrial history: the Swiss company presents the first cistern made of PVC to the sanitary world. The development of the plastic cistern heralds a new era – for the company itself, but also for the sanitary industry.
December 1952 marks a milestone in the history of Geberit: the Swiss company launches the first plastic cistern on the market. This innovative cistern made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) offers significant advantages over the ceramic models commonly used at the time: Resistance to almost all chemicals, impact resistance, insensitivity to light and cold. All this gives the cistern an unrivalled longevity. Another plus point: in contrast to ceramic cisterns, it is lightweight and much easier to install. These properties make the plastic cistern a real innovation in the sanitary sector.
Plastics pioneers
As early as the 1930s, Geberit recognises the potential of plastics and begins to use PVC for individual flush cistern parts in the wooden cistern that the company manufactures at the time. After the Second World War, the company takes the decisive step of switching completely to plastics processing.
The decision is forward-looking, but also brings with it major challenges. The processing of PVC is complex and requires a great deal of technical expertise. It takes several years before the engineers finally succeed in finding the perfect recipe for the new material. Geberit succeeds in moulding a cistern housing entirely from plastic and with a perfectly smooth surface. The way is clear for series production.
Plastic cistern becomes the measure of all things
The PVC cistern quickly becomes the epitome of modern sanitary technology. In the flourishing construction industry of the post-war period, it hits the nerve of the times and becomes an instant success. The plastic cistern and the associated expertise in flushing technology and plastics processing form the foundation on which the family-owned company develops into Europe's leading sanitary technology group. Today, Geberit plastic cisterns are usually installed behind the wall and form the invisible centrepiece of modern bathrooms.
150 years of Geberit: A look into the past
We are celebrating the anniversary with several articles and are therefore publishing historical stories from the company archive throughout the current year.
Further exciting information can be found on the anniversary website www.geberit150.com