For the first time, a Made in Britain product has been launched into space, taking 'exports' to a whole new level!
British manufacturer Thomas Dudley sent its pioneering Quantum toilet syphon to the edge of space, creating a jaw-dropping image and also raising awareness of the staggering water crisis caused by leaking toilets.
While a leaking toilet may seem like a minor household issue, the national impact is immense.
Thomas Dudley’s ‘Leaky Loo Report’ claims that over 1.5 million toilets in the UK are leaking at any one time, wasting enough water to fill more than 4 million baths every single day. This is water that’s literally going down the drain, despite the government warning that the nation faces a 5-billion-litre shortfall for public water supplies by 2055 without “urgent action”.
Addressing the scale of the issue, Mark Morris, Head of Marketing at Thomas Dudley, said: “We’re not just launching a product—we’re launching a movement. By showcasing Quantum in space, we want to make people stop and realise: every drop truly does count.
“We’ve taken the reliability of the traditional syphon and combined it with modern convenience. The result is Quantum: the world’s first push-button operated syphon, delivering leak-free performance and water-saving innovation.”
Mark Morris with Made in Britain’s Director of Membership Programmes, Simon Boyd, at the Installer Show 2025 (pictured above)
Foiled by faulty flushes: the ready-made solution to water wastage
The Leaky Loo Report found that 81% of leaking toilets contained flush valve mechanisms, which fail to reseal properly as debris or limescale builds up around their washers. Since changes to UK water regulations in 2001 allowed valves to replace traditional syphons, the rate of leaking toilets has soared.
Ironically, the trusted syphon, a proven, leak-free mechanism used for decades before the regulation change, was quietly pushed aside. However, thanks to Thomas Dudley’s Quantum, it’s making a triumphant return.
Unlike flush valves, syphons don’t rely solely on seals, which degrade over time. Instead, they use what Dudley’s engineers call an “elegant symphony of physics and engineering”, which involves lifting water upward before gravity takes over. This “upward flow” capability is what makes them virtually leak-proof, making Quantum a real game-changer for sustainable plumbing.
Beyond the atmosphere, beyond expectations
Launching Quantum into space symbolises Thomas Dudley’s unwavering commitment to innovation, sustainability, and industry leadership. It’s a message to the industry and the wider world that British engineering can be both practical and visionary.
Made in Britain CEO, John Pearce, said: “This bold mission proves what British manufacturing does best: solving real-world problems with world-class innovation. Thomas Dudley has made a bold statement that clearly says; We’re here, we’re sold worldwide, and we’re proudly Made in Britain.
“Thomas Dudley’s leak-free Quantum is lifting UK engineering to new heights, both literally and figuratively.”
By Made in Britain 2 days ago | By Made in Britain