Paper Towel Dispensers

How does a paper towel dispenser work?

Paper towel dispensers provide users with paper towels to dry their hands after washing and are most commonly used in public and commercial washrooms. All models work slightly differently, depending on their design and intended use. Below, we've covered the main types of dispensers available.

Handle operated dispensers

This style of paper towel dispenser requires users to pull a handle or lever to dispense the amount of paper towel they require. These are usually the best option for low-traffic washroom spaces. They are less convenient than other models, but can help lower operational costs by limiting the amount of paper users get.

Automatic paper towel dispensers

Built with motion sensors, touch-free paper towel dispensers eliminate the need for users to touch the dispenser or the remaining towels inside as they auto-cut at a set length. These are the popular options for those conscious about hygiene and the amount of waste they produce.

Centre pull paper towel dispensers

This is one of the most common types of paper towel dispensers and requires users to simply pull the number of towels they need from the centre of the unit. These are a great option if hygiene is a key focus for you as the user only handles the towel they will use.

Paper towel dispenser and waste bin units

Duel dispensers and waste units are great if you have limited space to play with. They encourage efficient waste management, as users can take the towels they need and immediately dispose of them in the bin provided.

C-Fold dispensers

C-Fold dispensers present more than one towel at a time. While this may not be suitable for high-traffic public washrooms, they're perfect for medical and food prep settings where users must take multiple towels as quickly as possible.

Z-Fold dispensers

Helpful for reducing unnecessary waste, Z-Fold dispensers allow users to take just one towel at a time.

Autocut dispensers

This paper towel dispenser gives pre-measured sheets of paper towel ready to be torn whenever the user needs it.

Wall mounted paper towel dispensers

These can be placed on washroom walls to help save space and can be conveniently placed near sinks. These are great options for public bathrooms with a high traffic volume.

Countertop

A countertop dispenser for paper towels can be placed near sinks for ease and convenience, as users can simply take the required number.

Paper towel FAQs

Are paper towels or hand dryers more sanitary?

This is a complex issue – the short version is that they are equal, if the user ensures to dry their hand thoroughly. You can read more about this subject in this article about hand dryer hygiene.

Can you flush paper towels?

Paper towels are not flushable as they do not dissolve in water like toilet tissue and can lead to blockages in the drainage system.

Are paper towels recyclable?

Generally speaking, no, paper towels are not recyclable. This is because they often contaminated with food, grease or similar substances which makes then unsuitable for recycling. The cardboard tube in the middle is, however, recyclable.

What is a c fold paper towel?

C-Fold paper towels have tabs that are folded in on each other, with the middle of the paper towel facing down. When stacked this resembles a C shape.

Are hand dryers or paper towels better for the environment?

If we take into consideration, the end-to-end process, including manufacturing and shipping, then hand dryers are better for the environment due the emissions and short lifecycles associated with paper towels. This is a complex subject though, and you can find more information in this article.