KKrafted a lighter, thinner, ready-to-use global sanitation solution

When disaster strikes, safe sanitation becomes a top priority. Providing reliable sanitation in remote, under-resourced areas is no easy feat.?

This was the challenge Oxfam International faced when they introduced a squatting slab for emergency use—a sturdy solution with its own set of issues.

The slab, with its steel frame and bolted-on plastic sheet, posed a few hurdles:

• It was heavy: At 20 kg, this slab made transport difficult, especially across the tough landscapes of Africa.
• Assembly required: Nuts and bolts held it together, which meant parts often came loose during use.
• Not ideal for quick setups: Emergency situations call for speed, but this design needed assembly, which slowed down the process.

Seeing these challenges, we thought, “There has to be a better way!”

?

Reimagining the Solution with Rotomoulding Technology

We got to work rethinking the slab design. Using rotational moulding technology (or “rotomoulding” for short), we aimed to create a product that was lighter, stronger and ready to go right out of the box.

The result? A slab that checked all the boxes:

• Half the weight: We reduced the slab’s thickness to 55 mm, reducing its weight by half to just 11.5 kg.
• No assembly needed: We hid the steel reinforcement inside a seamless plastic structure. So no bolts, no nuts and no parts to lose in the field.
• Ready for rough use: Our single-piece design was sturdy enough to withstand rough handling and tough conditions.

When we showed Oxfam the updated slab, they were thrilled. We had taken a heavy, complicated design and turned it into a lightweight, field-ready solution.

We designed a slab that adapts to any terrain

As we developed the new slab, we initially created two versions to cater to regional preferences:

• Asian Version: Designed with the pan and trap fitted from the top.
• African Version: Direct-drop design.

But as soon as we had two versions, we realised that having multiple models wasn’t practical. So, we got to work combining the best features of both versions into a single universal model.

With a few design tweaks, we created a slab that could be adapted to different terrains and cultural needs. The universal slab was easier to produce, ship and use anywhere, simplifying logistics and making life easier for everyone involved.

Making it even lighter, thinner and easier to transport

Once our slabs were out in the field, including in places like Pakistan, after the 2008 earthquake, we gathered some helpful user feedback.

Here’s what we improved after the feedback:

• Slimmed-down design: We reduced the thickness from 55 mm to 40 mm, making the slab easier to carry and stack.
• More slabs per container: The thinner design allowed us to pack 1,200 slabs into a 40-foot container, compared to the previous 840 slabs. This meant fewer shipments and lower costs.
• Lighter than ever: The final design weighed just 9.5 kg, making it easier for anyone to handle, set up and install.

With these upgrades, our slab became an even better fit for emergency sanitation without sacrificing durability or usability.

We added sustainability and accessibility to every step

Beyond making the slab practical, we wanted it to be sustainable and accessible to everyone who might use it, so we added a few more tweaks.

• Incorporated recycled content: First, we introduced 30% recycled materials, and later, we bumped it up to 50%. This move helped reduce the slab’s environmental impact and aligned with our commitment to sustainability.
• Designed with accessibility in mind: To support visually impaired users, we added white bumps on the surface for guidance. These tactile markers make it easy to identify and use the slab safely.

With these features, our squatting slab became more than just a sanitation tool. It became a solution that’s sustainable, durable, and accessible to a wider range of users.

Impact on Global Sanitation Efforts

Today, our squatting slab has become a trusted tool in emergency sanitation efforts worldwide.

This journey—from tackling a basic design challenge to creating a solution that makes a real difference—has been rewarding for our entire team.?

We’ve learned that sometimes, the simplest ideas, like making a slab lighter or more accessible, can have a significant impact.

We are #KKraftingPolymerPossibilities for a better future

The squatting slab story is one example of how we turn ideas into impactful solutions, making the impossible possible.

Here, KKrafting Polymer Possibilities isn’t just a slogan. It drives us to solve real-world problems with practical, sustainable designs.

Whether through rotational moulding, expanded polypropylene (EPP), or expanded polystyrene (EPS), we remain committed to providing innovative, sustainable and practical end-to-end solutions.

https://kknag.com/