1 Ply vs 2 Ply Paper Towels: Which Is Better?
1 Ply vs 2 Ply Paper Towels: Which Is Better for Commercial Washrooms?
When choosing paper hand towels for a commercial washroom, one of the specifications you'll commonly see is ply.
Paper towels may be described as:
- 1 ply
- 2 ply
- Occasionally other constructions
It can be tempting to assume that 2 ply is automatically better than 1 ply.
But for commercial washrooms, the answer isn't quite that simple.
Ply is important, but businesses also need to consider towel size, absorbency, dispenser compatibility, the number of towels people use per hand dry and the overall cost in use.
A cheaper 1-ply towel isn't necessarily the lowest-cost option if people consistently use several sheets.
Likewise, paying more for a 2-ply towel doesn't automatically guarantee that it will be the most economical choice.
In this guide, we'll explain the difference between 1-ply and 2-ply paper towels and what businesses should consider when choosing between them.
What Does Ply Mean in Paper Towels?
Ply refers to the number of layers used to construct the paper product.
A 1-ply paper towel uses a single layer.
A 2-ply paper towel uses two layers combined to form the finished towel.
This sounds straightforward, but ply doesn't tell you everything about how a paper towel will perform.
Two different 2-ply towels can have different:
- Fibre compositions
- Sheet sizes
- Paper weights
- Structures
- Absorbency
- Wet strength
- Feel
The same applies to 1-ply towels.
Ply is therefore one specification to compare rather than a complete measure of paper towel quality.
What's the Difference Between 1 Ply and 2 Ply Paper Towels?
The fundamental difference is the number of paper layers.
1 Ply:
One layer of paper forms the towel.
2 Ply:
Two layers of paper form the towel.
Using two layers can create a more substantial finished towel, but the actual performance still depends on how the product is manufactured.
When choosing commercial paper towels, businesses should therefore consider both ply and real-world performance.
Is 2 Ply Thicker Than 1 Ply?
A 2-ply paper towel will generally have two paper layers rather than one, but that doesn't mean every 2-ply product will necessarily be twice as thick as every 1-ply product.
Individual paper layers can vary in:
- Weight
- Thickness
- Fibre
- Structure
For this reason, you shouldn't compare products by ply alone.
The finished towel is what matters.
Is 2 Ply More Absorbent Than 1 Ply?
It can be, but ply alone doesn't determine absorbency.
Absorbency can also be affected by:
- Fibre characteristics
- Paper structure
- Sheet size
- Manufacturing
- Embossing
- Overall paper weight
A well-designed 1-ply towel may perform very effectively, while different 2-ply products can also vary considerably.
For businesses, the practical question is:
How many towels does a person actually need to dry their hands?
That can be more useful than looking at ply alone.
Is 2 Ply Stronger Than 1 Ply?
Again, it can be, but this isn't something that should be assumed from the number of layers alone.
Paper hand towels need sufficient strength to remain usable when they become wet.
Wet performance can be influenced by several aspects of the finished product, not simply whether it has one or two layers.
The best way to compare products is through actual use.
Does 2 Ply Feel Better?
Some users may perceive a 2-ply towel as more substantial because it contains two layers of paper.
This can be relevant in environments where presentation and user experience matter, such as:
- Offices
- Hospitality
- Accommodation
- Customer washrooms
- Reception areas
- Premium commercial facilities
However, user preference is subjective.
A good-quality 1-ply towel may be entirely appropriate for many workplaces.
Is 1 Ply Better for High-Volume Washrooms?
It can be.
High-volume facilities may prioritise:
- Cost
- Dispenser capacity
- Carton quantity
- Storage
- Refill frequency
- Consumption
A suitable 1-ply towel may provide an economical solution where very large quantities of paper are used.
However, there's an important catch.
If users take considerably more sheets because each towel provides less effective hand drying, some of the apparent saving may disappear.
That is why cost per hand dry can be more useful than cost per sheet.
Is 2 Ply Better for Offices?
A 2-ply towel can be a good option for office washrooms.
Offices often place importance on both:
- Practical hand drying
- User experience
A more substantial towel may suit staff and visitor washrooms where extremely high-volume usage isn't the primary consideration.
However, businesses should still compare consumption and cost rather than assuming 2 ply must be the best option.
What About Hospitality?
Hospitality businesses can have quite different requirements depending on the washroom.
A customer washroom in a restaurant may prioritise presentation and user experience.
A busy staff hand-washing area may prioritise:
- Reliable dispensing
- High usage
- Easy replenishment
- Cost
This means the same business could potentially choose different paper systems for different areas.
What About Schools?
Schools can have significant peaks in washroom usage.
Important considerations can include:
- Dispenser capacity
- Paper consumption
- Refill frequency
- Cost
- Ease of use
A 1-ply towel may suit some high-volume environments.
A 2-ply towel may also perform effectively if fewer sheets are required per hand dry.
Rather than deciding based solely on ply, schools can benefit from testing actual consumption.
What About Healthcare and Care Facilities?
Hand drying is an important part of washroom and hand-hygiene systems, so facilities need a towel and dispenser combination that performs reliably.
When choosing between products, considerations can include:
- Reliable dispensing
- Suitable towel dimensions
- Ease of replenishment
- Appropriate placement
- Consumption
- Facility requirements
Ply can form part of the comparison, but shouldn't be considered in isolation.
1 Ply vs 2 Ply: Which Is Cheaper?
A 1-ply paper towel may have a lower purchase price per sheet than a comparable 2-ply product.
But that doesn't automatically make it cheaper in use.
Imagine, for example, that users typically take:
Three 1-ply towels
versus
Two 2-ply towels.
The correct comparison isn't simply the price of one sheet.
It is the total cost of the towels used to complete one hand dry.
The actual numbers will vary between products and facilities, so businesses shouldn't assume a particular consumption rate without testing it.
Why Cost per Sheet Can Be Misleading
Cost per sheet is useful because it allows you to compare different carton quantities.
The calculation is:
Carton price ÷ total number of sheets = cost per sheet
But it doesn't account for consumption.
A towel costing less per sheet could cost more overall if significantly more sheets are used.
That's why commercial buyers should ideally consider both:
Cost per sheet
and
Cost per hand dry.
How Do You Calculate Cost per Hand Dry?
A simple calculation is:
Cost per sheet × average sheets used = estimated cost per hand dry
For example, if a towel costs 2 cents per sheet and users average two sheets:
2 cents × 2 = 4 cents per hand dry
This is only an illustrative example, not a claim about any Hygiene Direct product.
The useful part is the method.
Businesses can trial competing towels, measure actual consumption and calculate their own approximate cost per hand dry.
Why Does Paper Towel Consumption Matter?
Small differences in consumption can become significant when multiplied across a busy facility.
Consider a business with:
- Multiple washrooms
- Hundreds of users
- Five working days per week
- Year-round operation
Even one additional towel used per hand dry can result in substantial additional paper consumption over time.
This makes dispensing and towel performance commercially important.
Can the Dispenser Affect Consumption?
Yes.
The towel is only one part of the hand-drying system.
A poorly matched dispenser can cause:
- Multiple towels to come out together
- Towels to tear
- Users to grab excessive quantities
- Poor presentation of the next towel
A compatible dispenser should allow towels to be presented cleanly and reliably.
For more information, read Slimfold Paper Towels Explained: Sizes, Dispensers & How to Choose.
Does Sheet Size Matter as Much as Ply?
It can.
Imagine comparing a small 2-ply towel with a much larger 1-ply towel.
Simply looking at the ply wouldn't give you enough information to determine which provides more usable paper per sheet.
When comparing commercial hand towels, check:
- Ply
- Sheet width
- Sheet length
- Overall towel size
- Carton quantity
The complete specification matters.
What About Fibre Composition?
Fibre is another important difference between paper towels.
Commercial towels can be manufactured from:
- Virgin wood pulp
- Recycled fibre
- Bamboo pulp
- Blends of different fibres
Fibre source doesn't automatically determine whether a paper towel is better.
It is one part of the overall product.
Hygiene Direct's bamboo paper hand towels are manufactured from:
60% bamboo pulp and 40% wood pulp.
For more information about the blend, read Why Is Our Bamboo Paper 60% Bamboo and 40% Wood Pulp?
Is Bamboo Paper Towel 1 Ply or 2 Ply?
Bamboo paper towels can potentially be manufactured in different ply constructions depending on the product.
Hygiene Direct's Bamboo Premium Slimfold Paper Towels – BBPSF4000 are:
2 ply.
The product combines two-ply construction with a fibre composition of:
60% bamboo pulp / 40% wood pulp.
It is designed as a disposable commercial hand towel for compatible slimfold dispensers.
What Size Are Hygiene Direct Bamboo Slimfold Towels?
The towels are approximately:
230mm × 220mm per sheet.
Each pack contains:
200 sheets
and each carton contains:
20 packs.
That provides:
4,000 2-ply paper hand towels per carton.
These figures are useful when comparing BBPSF4000 with other commercial towels because you can compare not only carton price but also sheet count, dimensions and ply.
Are Hygiene Direct Bamboo Paper Towels Plastic-Free?
The packaging is plastic-free.
This is separate from the fact that the towels are 2 ply.
Businesses comparing products should consider packaging independently from:
- Ply
- Fibre
- Sheet size
- Performance
A 1-ply or 2-ply towel could potentially use plastic or plastic-free packaging depending on the supplier.
For Hygiene Direct's bamboo range, the supplier has confirmed plastic-free packaging.
Are the 2-Ply Bamboo Towels Biodegradable?
Yes.
The manufacturer has confirmed that Hygiene Direct's bamboo paper is biodegradable under natural conditions, decomposing through the action of microorganisms.
However, the towels should not be flushed down toilets.
Biodegradable does not mean flushable.
For the full explanation, read Are Bamboo Paper Towels Biodegradable?
What Bleaching Process Is Used?
Hygiene Direct's bamboo paper is manufactured using an:
ECF – Elemental Chlorine Free – bleaching process.
This means elemental chlorine isn't used in the bleaching process.
We use this specific terminology rather than making broader claims such as "chemical free".
What FSC Claim Applies?
Hygiene Direct's bamboo paper is:
Manufactured by an FSC Chain-of-Custody certified manufacturer.
This describes the manufacturer's certification status.
We don't simply describe BBPSF4000 as individually FSC certified without product-specific documentation supporting that claim.
1 Ply vs 2 Ply Recycled Paper Towels
Recycled paper towels can also be available in different ply constructions.
A recycled towel being 1 ply or 2 ply is separate from the fact that it contains recycled fibre.
This gives businesses several variables to compare:
Fibre: bamboo, wood pulp, recycled or blended.
Ply: one layer, two layers or another construction.
Format: slimfold, multifold, roll or another system.
Packaging: plastic or plastic-free depending on the product.
These characteristics should not be treated as interchangeable.
For more information about fibre choice, read Bamboo vs Recycled Paper Towels: What's the Difference?
Does 2 Ply Mean Less Waste?
Not automatically.
It is tempting to argue that a 2-ply towel creates less waste because users may take fewer sheets.
That might happen with some products and users, but without consumption data it shouldn't be assumed.
Likewise, a 1-ply towel shouldn't automatically be described as creating less waste simply because each sheet contains one layer.
The meaningful measure is actual consumption in the facility.
How Can You Compare Consumption Properly?
A simple workplace trial can help.
Choose comparable washrooms and record:
- How many users the washrooms receive.
- How many cartons or packs are consumed.
- How frequently dispensers are refilled.
- Whether users commonly take one, two or several towels.
- Whether towels dispense reliably.
- Staff or cleaner feedback.
Run the test for long enough to get representative usage.
Then compare the results.
What Should You Ask Your Cleaners?
Cleaning staff can provide particularly useful information because they see how the system performs every day.
Ask:
- Do the towels load easily?
- Do they jam?
- Do several sheets come out together?
- How often are dispensers refilled?
- Are discarded unused towels commonly found?
- Do users appear to take large handfuls?
- Is the dispenser capacity sufficient?
This operational information can be just as valuable as the product specification.
Should You Change Dispensers When Moving From 1 Ply to 2 Ply?
Not necessarily.
Ply alone doesn't determine dispenser compatibility.
The important factors are the towel's:
- Fold
- Width
- Length
- Folded dimensions
- Pack dimensions
If a 2-ply towel has the correct dimensions for the dispenser, it may work without any change.
Always confirm compatibility before ordering.
What If the 2-Ply Stack Is Thicker?
Because 2-ply towels contain two layers, the pack may have different physical characteristics from another towel.
The dispenser still needs to hold and present the stack correctly.
Avoid overfilling dispensers.
Compressing too many towels into a dispenser can make them harder to remove and potentially lead to poor dispensing.
Which Is Better for Low-Traffic Washrooms?
In a low-traffic washroom, consumption may be less important than:
- User experience
- Presentation
- Convenience
- Refill frequency
A 2-ply towel can be a good option where a more substantial paper towel is preferred.
However, a suitable 1-ply product could also perform perfectly well.
Which Is Better for High-Traffic Washrooms?
For high-traffic facilities, the decision may extend beyond 1 ply versus 2 ply.
You may need to consider:
- Dispenser capacity
- Folded vs roll towels
- Servicing frequency
- Storage
- Consumption
- Cost per hand dry
A high-capacity roll system may sometimes be more appropriate than a small folded-towel dispenser, regardless of ply.
Is 2 Ply Worth Paying More For?
It can be — if the finished product provides value to your facility.
Possible reasons for selecting a 2-ply towel include:
- User preference
- More substantial feel
- Suitable performance
- Acceptable consumption
- Appropriate commercial presentation
But you should compare the real cost rather than assuming a higher purchase price means a higher operating cost.
If fewer sheets are used, the difference may be smaller than the carton prices initially suggest.
Equally, if consumption doesn't change, a more expensive product may simply cost more.
A trial provides the best answer.
What Should Businesses Compare?
When choosing between 1-ply and 2-ply paper towels, compare:
Ply
How many layers does the towel contain?
Sheet Size
How large is each individual towel?
Fibre
What is the paper made from?
Carton Quantity
How many total towels are supplied?
Cost per Sheet
What does each individual towel cost?
Towels per Hand Dry
How many sheets are actually being used?
Dispenser Compatibility
Will the towel work correctly with the existing dispenser?
Packaging
How is the product packaged?
Servicing
How frequently will dispensers need refilling?
Overall Cost in Use
What does the system actually cost your business over time?
A Simple 1 Ply vs 2 Ply Buying Checklist
Before choosing:
- Confirm your dispenser type.
- Compare towel dimensions.
- Compare ply.
- Check total sheets per carton.
- Calculate cost per sheet.
- Trial the towels where practical.
- Measure approximate sheets per hand dry.
- Monitor refill frequency.
- Ask cleaners for feedback.
- Compare overall cost in use.
This provides a much stronger commercial comparison than simply assuming 2 ply = better or 1 ply = cheaper.
What Does Hygiene Direct Offer?
For businesses looking for a 2-ply slimfold option, Hygiene Direct supplies Bamboo Premium Slimfold Paper Towels – BBPSF4000.
The product specification is:
Ply: 2 ply
Sheet size: approximately 230mm × 220mm
Sheets per pack: 200
Packs per carton: 20
Total sheets: 4,000
Fibre: 60% bamboo pulp / 40% wood pulp
Packaging: Plastic-free
Biodegradability: Biodegradable under natural conditions
Bleaching: ECF – Elemental Chlorine Free
Manufacturer: FSC Chain-of-Custody certified
The towels are designed for use with compatible slimfold dispensers.
So, Which Is Better: 1 Ply or 2 Ply Paper Towels?
There isn't one answer for every commercial washroom.
1 ply may be worth considering when:
- Purchase price is a major consideration
- The towel performs effectively despite having one layer
- High-volume use requires an economical solution
- Consumption remains controlled
2 ply may be worth considering when:
- A more substantial towel is preferred
- User experience is important
- The towel performs effectively
- Consumption and cost in use are acceptable
The key is not to judge a paper towel solely by its ply.
Compare the complete product and how people actually use it.
For commercial buyers, the best paper towel isn't necessarily the one with the lowest cost per sheet.
It is the one that provides the right combination of performance, consumption, dispenser compatibility and cost for the facility.
Shop 2-Ply Bamboo Paper Hand Towels in NZ
Hygiene Direct supplies Bamboo Premium Slimfold Paper Towels – BBPSF4000 to commercial facilities throughout New Zealand.
Each carton contains:
- 4,000 2-ply slimfold towels
- 200 sheets per pack
- 20 packs per carton
- 60% bamboo pulp / 40% wood pulp
- Plastic-free packaging
Explore our Bamboo Paper Products NZ range or view Bamboo Premium Slimfold Paper Towels – BBPSF4000.
If you're unsure whether BBPSF4000 will fit your current dispenser, contact Hygiene Direct and we can help you check compatibility before ordering.
Related Bamboo Paper Towel Guides
- Bamboo Paper Hand Towels: What Are They & Are They Better?
- Slimfold Paper Towels Explained: Sizes, Dispensers & How to Choose
- Bamboo vs Recycled Paper Towels: What's the Difference?
- Bamboo Paper Hand Towels for Businesses: Are They Worth Switching To?
- Are Bamboo Paper Towels Biodegradable?