We've been experimenting with the use of Corian (better known as a kitchen worktop material) for our toilet tops. The one shown left is on a Full Access Composting toilet. We first trialled this material for the Zero Discharge (ZD) toilets supplied to The Royal Parks in 2014. One would normally expect toilet seats with lids and hinges to be replaced at least once a year in public facilities. The toilets in Richmond Park have now been in use for 8 years and have been used by hundreds of thousands of visitors but have not yet needed resurfacing; a simple 15 min job which involves rubbing back with very fine emery paper.

The narrow opening was also an experiment at Richmond Park and after 8 years can be considered highly successful. It reduces light transmission down the pedestal, regulates ventilation airflow, and is very safe for young children. It is now standard on ZD pedestals. Go to: Zero Discharge.

So, following on from the success of Corian for ZD toilet pedestals we decided to try using it on our best selling toilet, the Full Access Composter (FAC) seen above.

Our toilets tops for the FAC have been lacquered birch ply with a conventional plastic toilet seat and lid on top. Good quality Forest Stewardship Council certified birch ply is becoming very difficult to get and, for obvious reasons, we have not been buying material sourced from Russia since March 22. The plastic toilet seats have also become difficult to obtain, due either to Brexit or Covid; we are not sure which. So we are promoting Corian for these pedestals too. It costs us a little more but we are absorbing that for the time being and we hope that it will quickly be accepted for its hygienic finish and streamlined appearance.