One of the most spectacular projects was the WWF initiative ‘Global 200’, which featured a ceramic puzzle designed by the artist Stefan Szczesny. The largest ceramic puzzle in the world is composed of panels measuring 8 x 3 metres. It was exhibited at the WWF pavilion at Expo 2000. The aim of the WWF initiative is to protect over 200 endangered eco-regions worldwide. Whoever invests €100 in the project will have his or her name entered on one of the puzzle pieces. Meanwhile, it is possible to read 22,280 names on the ceramic puzzle artwork, which now stands in the park of the Old Abbey in Mettlach. The WWF has received well over € 2 million from the ‘Living Planet Puzzle’ alone for its environmental project.

Working together with partners from other industrial sectors, Villeroy & Boch participated in the research project ‘Komplett’, which was funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research. It involves a new approach to closing water and material flow circuits, a key technology for both industrial nations and countries where the population does not have access to clean drinking water. Within the framework of the project, wastewater streams are treated so as to guarantee efficient recycling with due regard to the quality of the water. Water-saving systems and special sanitary ceramics with disinfecting properties developed at Villeroy & Boch constitute part of this ‘Komplett’ project.

Villeroy & Boch set up a separate stand to exhibit innovative products as part of its contribution to the ISH trade fair campaign 2009 ‘Blue Responsibility’ on the subject of responsible utilization of water in the 21st century. The central theme was finding the right balance between using water sparingly on the one hand and the need for enjoyment, wellbeing and health on the other. Villeroy & Boch presented a comprehensive range of products which contribute in many different ways to achieving this balance.