Toilet technologies are ripe for a rethink, whether used in remote communities or closer to home where Victorian sewers can no longer cope. So what have inventors dreamed up?

First conceived in the 16th century, the flushing toilet has remained relatively unchanged for more than 400 years. But as urban populations swell and antiquated sewage and water systems groan under the strain, the humble lavatory is long overdue a makeover.

It’s understood that about 3.5 billion people worldwide lack safely managed sanitation¹, including 420 million people who must still defecate outdoors. This brings huge negative impacts, standing in the way of economic growth and also spreading diseases such as typhoid and cholera.