What To Know Before You Buy: A Facility Manager’s Quick Guide To Towel, Tissue & Dispensers
By Lauren Belskie, Marketing Operations Manager at Imperial Dade
When choosing a paper dispensing system for your facility, what comes first: the paper or the dispenser? Should you choose by the look and functionality of the dispenser or performance and sustainability of the towel?
Well, that’s a bit like asking which came first: the chicken or the egg? You can’t really have one without the other, and choosing just one independently of the other might leave you with stockouts, increased complaints, more product waste, or even higher labor costs.
The reality is that your paper — whether it’s towel or tissue — and your dispenser are a team, and they function best when selected together.
A great dispenser can reduce waste, improve hygiene, and minimize labor but only if it’s also paired with the right paper product. And, what about that high-quality, eco-friendly paper towel you’ve chosen? Great for meeting your green goals but it won’t reach max sustainability impact in a dispenser that allows overuse.
All that said, the dispenser and paper are only part of the equation. Other considerations also impact how well your system performs — and that includes many things from space constraints and foot traffic to janitorial staff and the type of people using your facility.
So, how do you select the right paper and dispenser for your facility?
This article will review key considerations to keep in mind when selecting the ideal paper and dispensing system — from traffic volume and dispenser types to paper formats and sustainability goals.
Let’s dive in and help you make the most informed — and cost-effective — choice.
Key Considerations For Choosing The Right Paper Dispenser:
- Traffic Volume: Standard-Capacity vs. High-Capacity Dispensers.
- Hygiene: Touchless vs. Manual Dispensers.
- Paper Options:
- Towel: Roll Towel, Multifold/C-Fold Towel, Centerpull Towel.
- Toilet Tissue: Jumbo, Coreless, Standard.
- Space Constraints: Wall Mount vs. Counter Mount Dispensers.
- Ease of Use.
- Ease of Maintenance.
- Sustainability Features of Dispenser.
- Sustainability Features of Paper.
- Dispenser Durability & Safety.
- Customization & Branding.
Traffic Volume: Standard-Capacity vs. High-Capacity Dispensers
The volume of people in and out of your restroom or space directly affects how frequently the dispenser is used and therefore refilled. The right capacity dispenser is critical to maintain service, avoiding stockouts and customer complaints.
Consider these options to ensure your dispenser setup meets your volume demands:
- High-Capacity Dispensers: reduce the frequency of refills in high-traffic environments.
- Standard-Capacity Dispensers: are ideal for low-to-moderate traffic areas where space and aesthetics matter.
- Longer Paper Rolls or Multi-Roll Systems: lower the risk of product runout during peak hours.
Hygiene: Touchless vs. Manual Dispenser
Hygiene is a top concern in restrooms and handwashing stations, especially in healthcare, foodservice, and educational environments. The type of dispenser you select plays a critical role in minimizing the spread of germs and reinforcing clean practices.
While manual dispensers can be effective, touchless options offer significant advantages when it comes to user safety and perception.
- Touchless Operation: minimizes contact to reduce the risk of cross-contamination.
- Manual Options: offer a cost-effective solution for environments with lower hygiene risk.
Paper Options
Not all paper products are compatible with every dispenser, so it’s essential to select them as a matched system.
Consider the following options based on your facility’s needs:
Towel: Roll Towel, Multifold/C-Fold Towel, Centerpull Towel
- Roll Towels: support high-capacity dispensing and reduce refill frequency.
- Multifold or C-Fold Towels: provide a simple user experience for smaller restrooms.
- Centerpull Towels: dispense one towel at a time to limit waste and improve hygiene.
Toilet Tissue: Jumbo, Coreless, Standard
- Jumbo Rolls: extend time between refills in high-use restrooms.
- Coreless Rolls: eliminate inner waste, reduce packaging, and maximize roll size.
- Standard Rolls: offer a traditional format for smaller or lower-volume facilities.
Space Constraints: Wall Mount vs. Counter Mount Dispensers
Whether you choose a wall mount or counter mount dispenser is going to be dictated by the physical space in your restroom.
Here’s when each works best:
- Wall Mount: best for compact spaces. They save valuable counter space and can provide a clean, modern look in high traffic operations.
- Counter Mount: best for larger, open spaces with lower traffic and risk of vandalism.
Ease Of Use
Something that is also important to keep in mind is who will be using the dispenser. In addition to being ADA compliant, will people visiting your facility struggle to pull towels from the dispenser? Is there enough clear floor space under the dispenser to allow for easy access? Can the dispenser be placed on the wall or on the counter with the appropriate space for use by all individuals?
Features that support ease of use include:
- Ergonomic Design: allows users of all abilities (children, seniors, and those with limited dexterity) to comfortably reach and operate without strain.
- Intuitive, One-Step Dispensing: easy operation with one pull, wave or press.
- ADA-Compliant Placement: install in accordance with ADA so they are usable by individuals in wheelchairs or with other mobility challenges.
Ease Of Maintenance
In a time where turnover is unprecedented and staff shortages are common, optimizing your janitorial team’s time is key. The right dispenser can help streamline operations by simplifying refills, reducing downtime, and minimizing customer complaints related to the restroom and stocks.
Look for features that can help enhance efficiency and reduce maintenance time:
- Refill Indicator: transparent or lights allow staff to monitor levels at a glance for quick refills. Eliminates the need for premature refills.
- Universal Key or Locking System: streamline maintenance across multiple systems.
- Front-Loading Access: reduce fill time needed by cleaning team.
Sustainability Features Of Dispenser
Going green or becoming more sustainable is a huge priority for many facilities. Both the dispenser and paper can play a role in helping you become more sustainable and reach your green goals.
With regards to dispensers, these design elements can help you meet environmental goals without sacrificing performance:
- Controlled Use Dispensing: limit the amount or length of towel with portion control or single sheet dispensing.
- Coreless Compatibility: Look for models compatible with coreless rolls.
- Smart Dispensers: Track usage to reduce unnecessary roll changes.
Sustainability Features Of Paper
If sustainability is your thing, you should not only consider dispensers with green features but towels or tissue that are designed with sustainability in mind.
Key features to look for include:
- Post Consumer Recycled Content: reduce demand for virgin resources and support a full circle economy.
- Coreless or Low Core Rolls: minimize inner waste and reduce landfill volume.
- Compostable or Biodegradable: support waste diversion by selecting products that will break down naturally, also helping you to achieve zero-waste goals.
- Certifications from FSC, Ecology or Green Seal: confirm your commitment to green.
Dispenser Durability & Safety
Similar to when selecting the right hand hygiene dispenser or proportioner, you will need to consider if there is a high risk of damage to the paper or tissue dispenser.
Some environments, like schools, rest stops, or public restrooms, are more prone to wear, misuse, or even vandalism. If this sounds like you, then you’ll likely need to opt for a dispenser that is built to withstand demanding conditions. These are often designed with extra durable materials and security features to withstand abuse and theft. Some features include:
- Tamper Resistant Designs: to minimize the risk of forcing or prying open the dispenser which can lead to damage or pilferage.
- Secure Locking Mechanisms: to prevent the unauthorized access and risk of theft.
- Unbreakable Mount: to lower the risk of the dispenser being torn off the wall.
- Stainless Steel Construction: to resist bending, cracking, or breaking.
- Ligature Resistant Design: for facilities that need to eliminate sharp edges and other points of risk to prevent self-harm.
Customization & Branding
Whether you are researching how to select the best paper and dispenser for your facility because you are upgrading outdated systems or outfitting an entirely new facility, you may want to consider how you can utilize the dispensers to reinforce your brand identity.
Dispensers enable you to create a certain aesthetic or showcase your brand in several ways:
- Custom Logos or Decals: print brand logos or designs directly onto the dispenser.
- See-Through Panels: showcase promotions or educational messaging.
- Unique Color and Finishes: curate a comprehensive aesthetic throughout the entire building.
Final Thoughts
Paper and dispensers may seem like small details, but they have a big impact on hygiene, cost efficiency, and user satisfaction. By carefully evaluating each of these considerations, facility managers can choose solutions that are durable, sustainable, and tailored to the needs of their space.
Lauren Belskie is a major contributor and the primary editor for the Imperial Dade Expert Insights Learning Center, a platform designed to answer common questions, provide insights on the latest trends, and offer creative solutions to help businesses create safer, healthier & cleaner facilities. She is the Marketing Operations Manager at Imperial Dade, producing articles, videos, trainings, and other educational content targeted to the Janitorial Services market.
Imperial Dade is a leading independent distributor of foodservice packaging, facilities maintenance supplies, floor equipment, and industrial packaging in North America. A provider of customized supply chain solutions, Imperial Dade serves customers in many business-to-business market segments including hospitality, healthcare, education, grocery, foodservice, and more. Value-added services include customer training programs, sustainability consulting, asset management, and technology. Our mission is to help our customers succeed and exceed their expectations. Headquartered in Jersey City, NJ, the company’s growing network of over 100 strategically located distribution centers serves customers across the continent. Visit https://www.imperialdade.com/ or call 201-437-7440.