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Paper Towels vs Hand Dryers - The Smarter Choice for Your Business

When it comes to choosing between paper towels and hand dryers, businesses need a solution that delivers hygiene, reliability, and user satisfaction. While both options are widely used, paper towels remain the preferred choice in many commercial environments due to their superior cleanliness, convenience, and performance.

Hygiene & Cleanliness - The Clear Winner

Paper Towels

- Physically remove water, bacteria, and contaminants from hands

- Reduce the spread of germs in high traffic washrooms

- No air circulation of bacteria or particles

- Ideal for health-sensitive environments

Hand Dryers

- Can circulate air and spread particles 

- Require proper maintenance (filters, cleaning) to remain hygienic

Verdict: Paper towels provide a more hygieneic hand drying solution, especially in healthcare, food service, and high-use washrooms.

Speed & User Experience

Paper towels

- Instant and complete drying, no waiting time

- Simpler and familiar for all users

- No queues in busy washrooms

- No noise disruption

Hand Dryers

- Can take 7-15+ seconds depending on model and still not give complete drying experience

- May create queues during peak times

- Noise can be disruptive in quiet environments

Verdict: paper towels offer the fastest and most convenient and complete user experience, especially in high traffic settings.

Reliability & Convenience

Paper Towels

- Always available when stocked

- No reliance on electricity or machinery

- No downtime or maintenance issues

- Easy to use for all age groups

Hand Dryers

- Dependent on power supply

- Can break down or require servicing

- May not suit all users

Verdict: Paper towels provide a more reliable and hassle-free solution for busy workplaces.

Environmental Considerations

Paper Towels

- Available in recycled and sustainably sourced options

- Can be part of responsible waste management systems

- Ongoing improvements in eco0friendly production

Hand Dryers

- Reduce paper waste

Verdict: Modern bamboo, recycled and compostable paper towels offer a more sustainable option than ever before, especially when sourced responibly.

Cost Considerations

Paper Towels

- Low/No upfront cost

- Flexible purchasing based on usage

- Minimal installation required

Hand Towels

- High upfront cost

- High installation costs 

- Ongoing maintenance costs

Verdict: Paper towels offer a low-risk, flexible solution, particularly for businesses that want to avoid upfront capital costs.

Why Businesses Choose Paper Towels

Paper towels are widely used across New Zealand because they:

- Deliver superior hygiene and cleanliness

- Provide instant, reliable drying

- Require no maintenance

- Are suitable for all environments and users

- Offer flexible and scalable supply options

Our Recomendation

For businesses prioritising hygiene, convenience, and reliability, paper towels are the best overall choice.

They are particularly recommended for:

- Healthcare and aged care facilities

- Food preparation and hospitality

- Offices and public washrooms

- Hig-traffic environments

Explore Our Range

- Shop Paper Towels & Dispensers

- View Bamboo Paper Towels

- Look at Compostable Paper Towels

- Browse Complete Washroom Supplies

F.A.Qs

Q: Are paper towels more hygienic than hand dryers?

Yes, paper towels physically remove bacteria and moisture from hands, and do not blow bacteria and particulates into the restroom. This makes them a highly hygieneic option.

Q: Are paper towels better for busy washrooms?

Yes, they provide instant and complete drying and reduce queues, making them ideal for high-traffic areas.

Q: Are there eco-friendly paper towel options?

Yes, all our paper towels are FSC Approved, we also have towels made from Bamboo and recycled materials and sustainably sourced fibres.

Upgrade Your Washroom with Paper Towels

Looking for a simple, hygienic, and reliable solution?

- Choose paper towels for better hygiene and convenience

- Explore our full range of commercial paper towel solutions

Shop online or contact us today for expert advice