Can you imagine a world without modern toilets and plumbing? 

This World Toilet Day, it’s a good reminder of the incredible progress the world has made in sanitation. And at American Standard, we are so proud of the many contributions in product and technology innovations we have made to that progress, since we began our journey back in 1875. While we reflect and build upon the past, we are firmly looking ahead to a bright future where access to safe, reliable toilets is a reality for everyone, everyday.

At first glance, this year’s World Toilet Day theme—'Toilets - A Place for Peace'—may seem surprising. Toilets? Peace? Do they really go hand-in-hand? When we consider the vital role sanitation plays in health, dignity, and safety, it becomes clear that, yes, access to a clean, safe toilet is a powerful foundation for peace in any community.

As the leader of a brand that stands for much more than just bathroom and kitchen products, I take my role as a conduit of PURPOSE very seriously. American Standard has always been focused on improving lives and creating spaces that uphold dignity, safety, and comfort. As the largest brand in the LIXIL portfolio, American Standard is committed to using its global reach and innovation to address critical sanitation needs and fulfill our purpose of making better homes a reality for everyone.

It’s easy to take for granted the simple act of using a toilet or stepping into a clean bathroom—something many of us barely think about. Did you ever think about how that actually happened? American Standard was one of the pioneering brands that brought the toilet indoors, transforming what was once an outdoor necessity into an everyday part of life, in the comfort and safety of the home.

Leading the way in plumbing innovation, American Standard transformed how people viewed bathrooms. With breakthroughs like one-piece toilets and combination faucets with hot and cold running water, we helped change the landscape of homes across the country. As one of the largest producers of bathroom fixtures, setting new standards in quality and design that reshaped the modern bathroom experience.

American Standard has long recognized the critical link between sanitation and plumbing, captured by a slogan that might be familiar, from the 1920’s: “The Plumber Protects the Health of our Nations.” This message rings just as true today as it did nearly a century ago. Plumbing innovations, from toilets to wastewater systems, play a vital role in safeguarding public health by preventing the spread of disease and ensuring access to clean water. Our commitment to these advancements has not only improved individual homes but has also contributed to healthier communities and public spaces, illustrating the enduring impact of reliable plumbing on the quality of life.

Today, as part of the global LIXIL community, we have the opportunity to extend this impact beyond our borders, helping improve sanitation and access to clean water in areas with far fewer resources than we have in the US. The benefits of sanitation go beyond just providing products - it’s a cornerstone of public health. A clean, safe toilet helps prevent the spread of disease like cholera, diarrhea and parasitic infections due to hygiene risks. When people don’t have to worry about contaminated water or inadequate facilities, they can focus on building brighter futures for themselves and their communities.

For American Standard, toilets go beyond cleanliness - it’s about creating opportunities and building a foundation for thriving communities. The ripple effects of unsafe sanitation are far-reaching: increased illness leads to lost workdays, lowered productivity and a drain on public resources. Countries face the economic toll of soaring healthcare costs and a weakened workforce, hindering development and entrenching poverty. Ensuring that everyone has a safe, private place for basic needs fosters equality, empowers individuals and paves the way for a healthier, more productive society.

Creating products that advance sanitation isn’t just a passion - it’s an honor and a responsibility we at LIXIL all feel each day. We’re always striving to push the boundaries of what a toilet can be and how we can help our end users live better, healthier lives. For example, our proprietary EverClean antimicrobial surface technology protects against mold, mildew and odor- and stain-causing bacteria; keeping toilets cleaner longer, reducing the need for constant maintenance and improving hygiene. By innovating in ways that make sanitation simpler and more effective, we’re dedicated to making a real difference in people’s lives.

For nearly 150 years, American Standard has been a leader in bringing comfort, innovation, and safety to homes across America. Now, after a decade as a part of the LIXIL family, that legacy continues to grow on a global scale. Together, we’re not just shaping the future of bathrooms, we’re working to improve lives by addressing critical sanitation needs around the world. On this World Toilet Day, we’re proud to be part of a larger mission to create a future where everyone, everywhere, has access to safe, dignified sanitation.