When it comes to paper towels, the roll towel is generally preferred over multifold towels. Even though rolls may cost more, there’s usually less waste associated with their use. As multifold towels have a tendency to fall out of dispensers, or users pull more out than they need, creating waste.

According to some cleaning industry executives, on average, two multi-fold towels or 1.5 feet of roll toweling is sufficient to dry hands. However, most patrons use roughly twice that amount out of habit.

In an effort to reduce paper waste and control usage, cleaners are regulating the amount of product available to building occupants. The best way to do so is through proper dispensing.

For roll towels, touchless dispensers with electronic sensors force a delay between each towel. People often aren’t patient enough to wait for extra towels, so they only use only what is absolutely necessary to dry their hands.

Although cleaners don’t have as much control over multifold towel usage, they can discourage waste by simply posting signage asking patrons to minimize use in an effort to save the environment. A simple statement such as “reduce your use, save a tree” posted on the dispenser can reduce usage considerably.


posted on 12/11/2009