Europe's Heat Waves Are Changing How People Think About Air Conditioning Air conditioning was once considered optional in much of Europe. Nowadays, it is becoming a necessity. Another summer, another round of new record-breaking temperatures across Europe, and significant changes are happening. Families that once relied on open windows and fans and thick stone walls are increasingly installing air-conditioning units, not for the extra comfort but for safety from the ever-incr

White Label Sinks and Taps launches with former 1810 leadership UK: White Label Sinks and Taps has launched in the United Kingdom as a supplier of kitchen sinks and taps, led by former 1810 Company executives Daryl Southwell as managing director and Alison Clitheroe as operations director. The company brings together experience in the retail and contract kitchen markets and will initially focus on supplying stainless steel kitchen sinks and taps, with plans to introduce quart

Arbonia reports organic revenue growth in first half of 2026 Europe: Arbonia recorded organic revenue growth of 2.3% in the first half of 2026, with incoming orders and order volumes above the previous year's levels across its large production plants. The company reported that higher material prices and currency effects affected its performance during the period. It also continued the implementation of an integrated system landscape intended to support group-wide procurement,

Hansgrohe appoints Benjamin Holzer as Vice President AXOR Germany: Hansgrohe Group has appointed Benjamin Holzer as Vice President of AXOR, succeeding Olivier Sogno. Holzer joined Hansgrohe in 2001 and has been responsible for AXOR Product Management since 2019. In his new position, he will lead the strategic development of the AXOR brand internationally. Sogno, who has led AXOR since 2019, will move to a new role heading Corporate Marketing for Hansgrohe Group. Commenting on

Germany sees renewed household interest in energy transition technologies Germany: Households in Germany are showing increased willingness to invest in climate protection, according to the KfW Energy Transition Barometer. The proportion of households willing to take action rose from 59% in 2025 to 66% in 2026, while 84% said climate protection was important or very important. The survey, conducted among more than 4,300 households between December 2025 and April 2026, found th

German furniture industry revenue declines for fourth consecutive year Germany: The German furniture industry recorded a further decline in revenue in the first half of 2026. According to data from the Association of German Furniture Manufacturers (VDM), 374 surveyed companies generated EUR 7.67 billion (USD 9.02 billion) in sales between January and June, down 2.7% from the same period in 2025. This marks the fourth consecutive year of declining industry revenue, with the se

cooling Italy’s Ministry of Environment and Energy Security (MASE), in partnership with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Cool Coalition, has launched the first EPIC Deploy Call for Proposals, providing financial support for sustainable, energy-efficient, and climate-resilient cooling projects in Brazil, Morocco, Tunisia, Kenya, and Ethiopia. Applications are open until October 31, 2026. The funding programme focuses on two key areas: sustainable cooling in the

Heat Pump The German government is planning measures to support the expansion, conversion, and construction of heating networks as part of its transition toward a climate-neutral heating system. District and local heating networks can enable the cost-effective integration of low-carbon heat sources, including geothermal energy, large-scale heat pumps, and waste heat. Heating networks are expected to play an increasingly important role, particularly in urban and densely popula

UK Heat Pump UK: The UK recorded a record 8,150 applications for heat pump grants in July 2026, following increased government support for households replacing heating oil systems amid the Middle East conflict. Applications rose 81% from June and 112% year on year, exceeding the previous monthly record of 5,328. From July, eligible off-gas-grid households in England and Wales could receive an enhanced US$ 10441.4 (£9,000) grant, compared with the standard US$ 8701.1 (£7,500)

F-Gas Restrictions on High-GWP Split AC UK: Great Britain has updated guidance on its 2025 ban on single split air conditioners containing less than 3 kg of fluorinated greenhouse gases with a GWP of 750 or higher. Refrigerants such as R-407C and R-410A are covered by the prohibition. However, exemptions apply to systems used solely for product cooling, air-to-water split systems and units installed on maritime craft. Previously placed products can still be sold if businesses

Aermec to Invest USD 17.4 Million in New Chicago Production Plant as 2026 Turnover Grows 5% Italy: Verona-based HVAC manufacturer Aermec will invest USD 17.4 million to build a 15,000-square-meter production plant in the Chicago area, with operations expected to begin in January 2028 and an initial workforce of 150 employees, while the facility could later expand to 30,000 square meters. The company, which operates in 140 countries, reported its 2026 turnover is currently up

Europe's bathroom furniture market delivered a surprising performance in 2025. While residential construction remained subdued across many countries and housing completions continued to decline in several major markets, demand for bathroom furniture proved more resilient than expected. The latest BRG data suggests that the market is no longer being driven primarily by new build activity. Instead, growth is increasingly being generated by renovation projects, bathroom modernis

Beijer Ref Acquires Majority Stake in Lithuania’s Refra Sweden/Lithuania: Sweden-based Beijer Ref has agreed to acquire a 90% stake in Lithuania-based Refra, with an option to purchase the remaining shares. Refra, established in 1994 and headquartered in Vilnius, manufactures heating and cooling systems using natural refrigerants such as carbon dioxide and propane, and reports annual turnover of approximately SEK 500 million (USD 53 million/EUR 49 million). The company will c

Croatia Introduces Subsidies for Solar Systems and Heat Pumps Croatia will begin offering subsidies for photovoltaic systems, battery storage and heat pumps in single-family homes from 2 September 2026, with a total allocation of EUR 36 million (USD 39 million). The programme, administered by the Environmental Protection and Energy Efficiency Fund, is open to individual homeowners who are registered occupants of the property. Applications must be submitted through the nationa

EU Introduces New Compliance Requirement for Smart Toilets European Union: A new compliance requirement for smart toilets entering the European market took effect on 5 August 2026 following an amendment published in the Official Journal of the European Union on 4 August. Under the requirement, smart toilets placed on the EU market must undergo type testing of the water isolation module in accordance with EN 1717:2023 and obtain a declaration of conformity issued by an EU Noti

AXOR to Introduce Selective Distribution System in Four European Markets Europe: AXOR will introduce a selective distribution system in Germany, Austria, the Czech Republic and Slovakia from 1 January 2027. The system will apply quality standards across its sales channels and is intended to establish requirements for the distribution of AXOR products in these markets. AXOR is part of the Hansgrohe Group and supplies products including faucets, showers, accessories and install

Germany’s Barrier Reduction Funding Programme Exhausts 2026 Budget Germany: Funding under Germany’s barrier reduction programme for 2026 was exhausted on 30 July, according to the Federal Ministry of Construction. Since 8 April, 21,400 applications covering around 26,800 residential units and EUR 46.1 million (USD 53.7 million) in funding had been approved, while further applications remain under processing. The programme supports measures such as installing floor-to-ceiling

Türkiye boasts a substantial industrial base, a well-established supplier network, and enduring export connections with Europe. The country's HVACR exports rose from $7.1 billion in 2024 to $7.4 billion in 2025, positioning Türkiye as one of the largest manufacturing hubs for split air conditioners catering to the European market. Its geographical location offers a distinct advantage. Products can be delivered to European distributors via established road and short-sea routes

Kermi Duschdesign Appoints Karsten Denker as Managing Director Germany: Karsten Denker will become Managing Director for Sales and Marketing at Kermi Duschdesign in August 2026. He has been responsible for the company’s international business since August 2025 and will take on additional responsibility for sales in Germany and Austria, internal sales and service, marketing and product management. Denker has more than 25 years of management experience, including roles at Linde

Haier HVAC Solutions Europe and Frigentis Form Austria Partnership Austria: Haier HVAC Solutions Europe and Frigentis GmbH have entered into a partnership covering the Austrian HVAC market. Frigentis, a specialist wholesaler of air-conditioning technology and heat pumps, acts as an official distributor for Haier Austria. The company has more than ten years of B2B experience and provides products and services for air-conditioning and heat pump installations to contractors and