Sustainability was a key focus of Thetford’s press conference at the Caravan Salon 2024 where it announced a series of new products and upgrades for the 2025 season.

Key new products announced included: separation toilet kits as well as a full separation toilet replacement for end-users seeking water-free and additive-free sanitation solutions; and iNDUS ECO, a zero chemical toilet; concentrated additives in recycled plastic bottles. It is also introducing a newly-design Topline induction hob adjustable to every campsite’s amperage, a T2095, 12V compressor refrigerator – it’s first drawer refrigerator for campervans.

Separation toilets

For end-users seeking water-free and additive-free sanitation solutions, Thetford is introducing both a Separation Kit (SK-series) as well as a complete Separation Toilet (S-series), based on the Thetford C220 and C260 S-version and CS-version models. These models, without an integrated water tank, represent over 2.5 million installed cassette toilets in the European market.

The SK C220 and SK C260, will transform the cassette toilet to a separation toilet in an easy way. The full S220 and S260 has to be installed by OEMs or self-builders, or can be used as a replacement for the Thetford C220 and C260 S-version and CS-version models.

Norbert van Noesel, Marketing Manager at Thetford: “Of course we follow all sanitation trends in general and the separation toilet systems specifically. In addition, we test all systems offered on the market in our lab. We were not convinced by the convenience and hygiene of the current offering. As a sanitation market leader we believe it is time to bring the concept of separation toilets to a next level.”

Research from a respected RV-specialist German agency, MiiOS, revealed that 85% of RV users actively use their RV toilet and claim the toilet system has a large influence on their vehicle choice. Hygiene ranks as the foremost product consideration, followed by convenience, with sustainability also recognised as crucial, though prioritised after hygiene and convenience. Thetford says this shows that while sustainability is important, addressing hygiene and convenience must take priority.

The research also shows a willingness to adapt to changes in sanitation systems. The reasons for a specific target group to consider moving towards separation toilets are the perception of environmental- friendliness and flexibility of disposal. However, overall, and specifically regarding hygiene and convenience, separation toilet users are less satisfied compared to cassette toilet users.

Norbert Van Noesel commented: “To put it simply, there is a certain interest but the concept needs improvement. And that is where Thetford steps in. In line with the results of the MiiOS research, our team worked hard to improve the hygienic experience, both during use and during the discharging process. In the bathroom, there will be no visual contact with the waste, and bad odours will be eliminated from the bathroom by an optional active vent and filter. From a convenience point of view, the SK-series and S-series include unique aspects such as a level indicator for the liquids, an ergonomically larger bowl, and an integrated manual valve to cover the solids and to prevent liquids mixing with solid waste. In all installations, the toilets can be positioned in any 180° angle. In addition, the experience while discharging the liquids is improved with a practical 9L liquid tank. The SK-series stands out even more from the competition. Next to the inner components, we will also replace the complete bowl, ensuring that installation is straightforward.’’

Thetford will share technical details at a later stage. Both the SK-series and the S-series will be available to the market from June 2025.

Thetford pointed out that its current cassette toilets actually use very little water (5% of what is used at home) and minimal additives (compared to cleaning agents and toilet blocks used at home).

iNDUS ECO

Based on feedback from the market, Thetford is launching the iNDUS ECO, its first zero chemical toilet system for motorhomes.

The iNDUS ECO is a development of the award-winning iNDUS smart sanitation system Thetford introduced in 2020. Since then, it says that market conditions have made the integration of iNDUS a “step too far” for the large mid-segment of the RV market. There has also been a strong sustainability trend towards additive-free opportunities. With less complexity, iNDUS ECO will be available at a lower cost and is expected to be available from mid-2025.

The iNDUS ECO features a modern design toilet with a soft close seat and cover. This 7.5 kg lightweight toilet has exceptionally low water use. Equipped with a quiet macerator pump that operates a two-step macerating process, it minimises water usage to ‘unprecedented levels’—comparable to the Thetford cassette toilet. Norbert Van Noesel explained: “This indicates a low flush water use of 200ml for a small flush, or 500ml for a big flush, which is less than 5% of the water people use at home!”

The compact and easy-to-install hose package allows for flexible placement. The iNDUS ECO toilet does not need to be placed against the wall, offering new layout possibilities for OEMs. Every surface of the toilet is easily accessible, ensuring effortless cleaning. The system pumps wastewater further down the vehicle and includes an air filter, eliminating the need for toilet additives. To avoid residues remaining in the waste tank, a pump is used to mix the waste four times a day. Additionally, an external water hose connection will be developed to periodically flush the system.

One of the biggest advantages of iNDUS has been retained in iNDUS ECO, namely the ease of discharge. People do not need to bring their cassette to the traditional cassette discharge location. The fact that the fluid waste of iNDUS ECO is not treated with additives simply means that it can be discharged at any grey water discharge point, even if a septic tank is in place. The iNDUS ECO discharge device offers a very flexible solution with the 2m hose attached to it. Additionally, there is no need to hold the discharge device while discharging. You place it onto the grid, open the valve, and push the button to activate the discharging process. Carrying your waste holding tank and touching unhygienic toilet parts becomes a thing from the past.

“Motorhome users want to be independent and flexible, and extending off grid time is supporting this. iNDUS ECO contains a black water tank of 50l , that is the volume of 2,5 cassettes. We know that on average cassettes are emptied every 3 days, so iNDUS ECO is able to support 7 days off grid time,” said Norbert Van Noesel.

The iNDUS ECO app will tell the user when the black water tank is full, and powered by Campercontact, it shows over 50.000 available discharge locations.

First installations are expected to take place from the first half of 2025. The first focus will be on OEM installations, but a retrofit aftermarket version is expected as well. The original iNDUS system remains available to the market.

Recycled plastic

Starting in the 2025 season, all Thetford’s bottles of concentrated additives will be made from recycled plastic. This is the next step in Thetford’s sustainability strategy and its ambition to further minimise the environmental impact. The first focus is the concentrated additives. Norbert Van Noesel: “We aim to promote the use of the concentrated additives and reduce sales of the larger 2L bottles. Our goal is to eventually extend this initiative to all other Thetford bottles in the coming seasons.”

“Thetford is committed to making current products more sustainable and create more sustainable products. Regarding our toilet additives, our experts constantly seek alternative ingredients to further minimise the environmental impact, making use of a nature based formula (Bathroom Cleaner) and innovative microorganism technology (PowerPods Bio). However, it is not just about the liquids, as the packaging is part of the total footprint. Concentrated additives in smaller bottles is beneficial to both end-users as well as for the environment. For end-users, these bottles take up less space and weight, which is relevant to our RV industry. From an environmental point of view, the production of these bottles use less water, weight, plastic, carton and need less transport,” Norbert Van Noesel added.

Electrification trend

Thetford’s newly designed Topline Induction Hob is adjustable to every campsite amperage and will be available for the aftermarket for the 2025 season.

RV appliances are moving towards electrification, especially refrigerators and cooking appliances. This trend is driven by a combination of factors. Environmental benefits, particularly from renewable energy sources like solar energy, play a significant role. Advances in battery technology also contribute. Additionally, safety, convenience, and user preference for more efficient operations are important factors as well.

Norbert Van Noesel, Marketing Manager at Thetford said: “This trend opens the way for induction cooking, so it is the perfect timing to bring our renewed Topline Induction Hob to the aftermarket.”

“Before bringing the Topline Induction Hob to the aftermarket, our team has been working hard on both its beauty and its brains. To start with the brains, the most impactful improvement is the adjustable power setting. Not all campsites provide the same consistent level of power. The power setting of the Topline Induction Hob is adjustable from 6A, to 10A, or to 13A. So, there is no more reason to put the whole campsite in the dark by demanding more amperage than available,” Norbert Van Noesel added.

The Topline Induction Hob offers a total power of 3kW and, at 4.8kg, is nearly half a kilogram lighter than its predecessor. Norbert Van Noesel commented: “The beauty of this hob is next level as well. With its new contemporary design and updated slider controls, it has been brought to the standard of a high-level design hob at home. Thetford’s Topline Induction Hob has it all: the beauty and the brains!”

T2095 refrigerator

Another new product from Thetford for the 2025 season is its first drawer-style refrigerator, the T2095.

This has been developed for small OEM and campervan manufacturers to fit into the kitchen unit. Having a drawer rather than a conventional opening door makes it easily accessible from inside or outside. Thetford says this also offers improved crash safety.