CLEANFLEX

CLEANFLEX: The new standard of hygiene on the move.

Interview with Andreas König, Head of Project and Portfolio Management at Knaus Tabbert AG, about the new CLEANFLEX toilet.

Mr König, thank you for taking the time to talk about the new CLEANFLEX toilet. Can you give us an overview of this innovation?
Andreas König: Of course. The CLEANFLEX toilet is an innovation within the caravanning sector that we will be offering in the 2025 models. Unlike conventional toilet solutions, it does not need water or chemicals. It is particularly hygienic and odourless thanks due to its film-based technology. It is extremely easy to handle, making it the perfect solution for mobile homes, caravans and camper vans.

What sets CLEANFLEX apart?
Andreas König: CLEANFLEX uses film-based technology that means there’s no need to use fresh water or toxic chemicals to clean the toilet or neutralise any odours. This saves valuable water resources compared to processes with a conventional water-based toilet. Furthermore: sewage plants and ground water are both protected as emptying the waste tank means drug residues such as penicillin or antibiotics are recycled back into our ecosystem. On the other hand, CLEANFLEX seals everything quickly, safely, and cleanly into bags. There is no need for a toilet brush as a completely new film is ready inside the toilet after each use. The germ-free and odourless bags are simply disposed of with residual waste and then burned without leaving any residues. It serves as an energy source when used in waste incineration. This state-of-the-art technology reduces the CO2 footprint of camper vans.

Let’s talk about convenience. How does CLEANFLEX improve matters in this aspect?
Andreas König: Convenience is a key aspect of our development. The CLEANFLEX toilet can be placed anywhere as it only needs a 12-volt power supply to recharge the battery. This opens up new opportunities in making more flexible layouts and developing new arrangements for our baths – and above all, more space for our users. For example, if the toilet is not in use then it can simply be moved away. In contrast to conventional toilet solutions, CLEANFLEX does away with the difficult and unpleasant task of emptying the heavy cassette.

In earlier times, campers had to take a full waste tank to the disposal site and tip the contents into a container that had already been used by many other campers. This is extremely hygienic and unpleasant. Its ease of use and only occasional need for cleaning mean that the CLEANFLEX is much more convenient to use.
Could you please explain a little bit about installation and maintenance of CLEANFLEX toilets?
Andreas König: CLEANFLEX does not need a water connection or external ventilation systems, which makes it incredibly easy to install. All that is needed is a 12-volt connection, indeed it is possible to use such a connection on a chemical toilet. This makes it ideal for retrofitting into existing vehicles. It requires little maintenance as the film-based technology means there’s no need for arduous cleaning processes. And the battery also means that the toilet can work independently of external power sources. It means: Self-sufficiency is not a problem with CLEANFLEX as it is not powered either by the vehicle or body battery and is available at all times.

What feedback have you had from users of this new toilet solution at this point?
Andreas König: The feedback is extremely positive! In particular, our customers appreciate the benefits in terms of hygiene and usage. Many campers are impressed by the flexibility and the additional space it brings. The sustainable concept and savings in water consumption alongside doing away with the use of chemicals have also pleased many. We are pleased that CLEANFLEX clearly satisfies the needs of the camping community. That is the best confirmation of our development work.
Mr König, thank you very much for the interview and the interesting insights!
Andreas König: My pleasure.