About Brabantia
Brabantia: Over 100 Years of Beautiful, Functional Homeware Introduction to Brabantia Brabantia stands as one of the most recognised kitchenware brands in the United Kingdom, synonymous with beautifully designed, quality products that transform mundane household chores into domestic pleasure. This Dutch family-owned company has been creating innovative homeware since 1919, and after more than a century, continues to lead the way in waste management, laundry care, and kitchen accessories. From their iconic pedal bins to contemporary touch-open designs, from traditional clothes airers to sleek food storage solutions, Brabantia products combine Dutch design excellence with practical functionality. The brand's commitment to quality is backed by an extensive ten-year guarantee on waste bins, demonstrating confidence in products built to last. At Grocefully, we help you compare Brabantia prices across UK retailers, ensuring you can invest in quality homeware at the best available prices. Whether you're looking for a stylish kitchen bin, a durable laundry airer, or smart food storage, price comparison helps you find better value on these premium products. The Brabantia Story: From Sheet Metal to Global Homeware Brabantia's century-long journey from a small Dutch workshop to a global homeware brand demonstrates the power of family dedication and design innovation. Founding in Aalst Brabantia was founded in 1919 in the small Dutch town of Aalst in North Brabant, Netherlands. The company began as Van Elderen & Co, specialising in sheet metal fabrication. The name Brabantia, derived from the province of North Brabant, was an early trade name that eventually became the company's identity. The founding group of fifteen people were brought together by family ties and a shared passion for creating beautiful and useful things. Under their original name, they started producing jugs, funnels, and sieves — practical items crafted with the metalworking skills that would define the company's future. Great-grandfather Johannes Marinus van Elderen produced his first milk cans and jugs, establishing the manufacturing expertise that would evolve through generations. Early Growth and the Philips Connection The breakthrough came in 1930 when Brabantia, working on behalf of the now world-famous Philips brand, produced housings for radio sets. This partnership with the Dutch electronics giant elevated Brabantia's manufacturing capabilities and reputation, positioning the company for continued growth. Post-War Innovation and Resourcefulness After World War II, Brabantia demonstrated remarkable resourcefulness that would characterise the brand's approach to sustainability. The company made pots and pans from discarded oil drums and cups from condensed milk tins — early recycling innovation born from necessity but reflecting values that persist today. This post-war era saw Johannes' son take leadership, maintaining family ownership whilst rebuilding and expanding the business in Europe's recovery years. The Pedal Bin Era In 1952, Brabantia began making pedal bins — products that would become iconic and remain central to the brand's identity. The foot-operated bin, allowing hands-free waste disposal, revolutionised kitchen hygiene and convenience. More than seventy years later, Brabantia pedal bins remain bestsellers, refined through continuous innovation. Design Innovation: The Patrice Print In 1969, Brabantia introduced the Patrice print — a distinctive pattern that became iconic and demonstrated the brand's commitment to design as well as function. This pattern represented an era when homeware could be both practical and decorative, anticipating the design-conscious consumer of today. Third Generation Leadership By the 1970s, the third generation of the Van Elderen family took leadership, prioritising quality and innovation in metal and emerging plastics. This generation navigated the shift from purely metal products to multi-material manufacturing whilst maintaining the quality standards established by their grandfather and father. Contemporary Leadership Tijn van Elderen has been company CEO since 31 January 2012, representing the fourth generation of family leadership. Before joining the family firm, Mr Van Elderen worked for drinks giant Diageo, bringing external experience to the century-old business. Under his leadership, Brabantia has expanded global reach whilst deepening sustainability commitments. The company received its first Cradle to Cradle certificate in 2014 and achieved official B Corp certification in 2023. Centenary and Beyond Brabantia marked 100 years in business in 2019, a milestone few family businesses achieve. The centenary celebrated not merely longevity but continued relevance — a design-led company still innovating in waste management, laundry care, and kitchen accessories. Family Ownership and Values Understanding Brabantia's ownership structure helps appreciate what distinguishes the brand. Four Generations of Van Elderens Brabantia remains a privately owned family business, with the Van Elderen family maintaining control through four generations. This continuity enables long-term thinking that publicly traded companies often cannot match. Family ownership means decisions can prioritise quality, sustainability, and brand values over quarterly financial returns. The ten-year guarantee on bins reflects confidence that only manufacturers building for the long term can offer. B Corp Certification Brabantia achieved B Corp certification in 2023, joining a global community of businesses meeting the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance, public transparency, and legal accountability to balance profit and purpose. This certification reflects the company's commitment to using business as a force for good — values that align naturally with a family business planning for future generations. Global Operations Since 1919, Brabantia has grown to employ approximately 1,000 people across 85 countries. Products are made in-house in Belgium, Latvia, and China, with an assembly and finishing plant in Nailsea in the UK. The company is headquartered in Valkenswaard, Netherlands, maintaining its Dutch roots whilst serving global markets. The Brabantia Product Range Brabantia offers comprehensive homeware solutions across waste management, laundry, kitchen, and bathroom categories. Kitchen Bins: The Heart of Brabantia Waste bins represent Brabantia's core category and strongest brand association: Pedal Bins open easily with your foot, keeping hands free for handling waste. Available in 12, 20, and 30-litre options, pedal bins suit various kitchen sizes and waste volumes. Touch Bins open at the slightest touch, providing the elegance of touch-free operation without foot pedals. The touch-top mechanism offers smooth, quiet operation. New Icon Bins feature Brabantia's contemporary round pedal bin design, continually evolving to include improved opening methods and both on-trend and classic colours. Flatback Bins sit flush against walls, maximising floor space in compact kitchens. Bo Bins are designed to look like smart furniture whilst concealing large-capacity waste storage. These innovative designs suit modern open-plan living where bins might be visible. Built-In Bins integrate into kitchen cupboards, available in 10 and 15-litre single compartments or duo options (2 x 12 or 2 x 16 litres) ideal for waste separation and recycling. The range includes slim kitchen bins for compact homes and large multi-compartment options for larger families, in materials and colours including black, grey, white, and various finishes to coordinate with kitchen designs. All Brabantia waste bins come with an extensive ten-year guarantee. Laundry Solutions Brabantia offers comprehensive laundry equipment: Rotary Dryers and Airers provide outdoor drying solutions, from compact models for small gardens to large-capacity rotary dryers for family laundry. Indoor Airers address drying needs for those without outdoor space or during inclement weather. Ironing Boards feature various sizes and heights, with different cover options and accessories. Laundry Baskets and Bags provide stylish storage for dirty laundry before washing. Kitchen Accessories Beyond bins, Brabantia offers extensive kitchen products: Profile Collection comprises nearly 60 classy kitchen utensils, knives, and chopping boards in timeless metal with black or beech wood accents. Tasty+ Pans are quality aluminium cookware with colourful handles, suitable for gas, electric, induction, and ceramic cooking. Features include forged aluminium bases for fast heat distribution and ceramic non-stick coating (100% PFAS-free) with three-year warranty. Sink Side and SinkStyle collections offer handy countertop and dishwashing accessories. Make & Take is a high-quality collection for food and drink on the go, including lunch boxes, water bottles, and travel mugs. Bread Bins, Paper Towel Holders, and Kitchen Timers round out the kitchenware offering, all designed with Brabantia's characteristic attention to form and function. Bathroom Accessories Brabantia extends its design philosophy to bathroom products: Pedal Bins bring the trusted bin design to bathroom waste Toilet Brushes and Holders maintain hygiene with style Soap Dispensers and Storage solutions complete bathroom organisation Quality and Sustainability Understanding Brabantia's quality and sustainability commitments helps appreciate product value. Ten-Year Guarantee Brabantia offers an extensive ten-year guarantee on all waste bins, reflecting confidence in products built to last. This guarantee far exceeds typical household product warranties and demonstrates commitment to durability over disposability. Cradle to Cradle Certification Many Brabantia products are Cradle to Cradle Certified at Bronze level, meaning they meet strict requirements for: Material reuse and recyclability Renewable energy use in production Water stewardship Social fairness in manufacturing This certification represents a rigorous, third-party verification of sustainable design and manufacturing. B Corp Certification The 2023 B Corp certification confirms Brabantia meets the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance. B Corp status requires comprehensive assessment of company impact on workers, community, environment, and customers. Recycling Heritage Brabantia's commitment to sustainability isn't recent marketing — it reflects values demonstrated since post-war resourcefulness created products from discarded materials. The company has, in their words, "always led the way in recycling." UK Manufacturing Presence The assembly and finishing plant in Nailsea, UK, provides local operations supporting UK customers whilst reducing transport distances for products sold in Britain. Shopping for Brabantia in the UK Brabantia's premium positioning means products appear across various retail channels. Department Stores and Homeware Retailers John Lewis, Robert Dyas, and similar retailers stock comprehensive Brabantia ranges with knowledgeable staff to advise on product selection. Argos and High Street Argos stocks Brabantia kitchen bins including cupboard bins and pedal bins, providing convenient click-and-collect access. Specialist Retailers Laundry Company and similar specialists focus on laundry equipment including Brabantia airers and ironing boards. Binopolis and dedicated bin retailers offer comprehensive Brabantia waste bin selections. Lakes Home Centre and regional homeware stores stock Brabantia kitchenware ranges. Online Retailers Amazon and various online homeware retailers provide home delivery access to Brabantia products, often with competitive pricing. Supermarket Availability Some Brabantia products appear in supermarket homeware sections, though range depth is typically limited compared to specialist retailers. Understanding Brabantia Pricing Brabantia products command premium pricing reflecting design, quality, and durability. The Premium Position Brabantia costs more than budget homeware alternatives. This premium reflects: Dutch design excellence and aesthetic appeal Quality materials and construction Ten-year guarantee on bins B Corp and Cradle to Cradle certifications Family business values over volume economics Long-Term Value Higher upfront costs may represent better long-term value when products last years rather than months. A Brabantia bin with ten-year guarantee versus annual replacements of cheaper alternatives illustrates this calculation. Design Investment For those who value design, Brabantia products earn their place in homes rather than being hidden away. The aesthetic appeal adds value beyond mere function. Compare Before Buying Despite premium positioning, Brabantia prices vary between retailers. Using Grocefully to compare ensures you don't overpay for identical products. Practical Tips for Brabantia Shoppers Compare Across Retailers Brabantia pricing varies significantly between retailers. Checking multiple sources before purchasing can reveal meaningful differences on identical products. Consider Size Requirements Bins come in various capacities. Match bin size to household waste generation — too small means frequent emptying; too large wastes kitchen space. Check Colour and Finish Brabantia offers products in multiple colours and finishes. Ensure your choice coordinates with existing kitchen or bathroom decor. Verify Bag Compatibility Brabantia bins use specific bin liner sizes. Check bag compatibility before purchase and consider the ongoing cost of liners. Register for Guarantee Register products to activate the ten-year guarantee. This protection represents significant value and merits the registration effort. Brabantia and Sustainable Living Brabantia products support sustainable living in several ways: Durability Reduces Waste Products built to last reduce the waste stream of disposable alternatives. A Brabantia bin serving a decade replaces multiple cheaper bins that would otherwise enter landfill. Recycling Support Multi-compartment bins and waste separation solutions make recycling easier, encouraging sustainable waste habits. Certified Sustainability Cradle to Cradle and B Corp certifications ensure products meet verified sustainability standards, not merely marketing claims. Conclusion Brabantia's century-long heritage of family ownership, Dutch design excellence, and commitment to quality has established the brand as a trusted name in homeware. From the iconic pedal bins introduced in 1952 to contemporary touch-open designs and comprehensive kitchen accessories, Brabantia products combine beauty with functionality. The brand's sustainability credentials — Cradle to Cradle certification, B Corp status, and long manufacturing heritage of resourcefulness — align with contemporary consumer values. The ten-year guarantee on bins demonstrates confidence in products built for durability rather than disposability. Using Grocefully to compare Brabantia prices across UK retailers helps find better value on these premium products. While Brabantia costs more than budget alternatives, the combination of design, quality, guarantee, and sustainability may justify the investment for quality-conscious consumers. After more than 100 years, the Van Elderen family continues creating beautiful, useful things — the same mission that brought fifteen people together in the small Dutch town of Aalst in 1919. That's a heritage worth investing in.