Tork, a brand of Essity, a global, leading hygiene and health company, explains how sustainable approaches in washrooms support business ESG goals and improves employee performance.

In manufacturing, engineering and processing environments, productivity is often framed in terms of throughput, efficiency and quality assurance. However, one overlooked source of operational efficiency is the workplace washroom. A recent study found that employees spend an average of around 14 minutes per day using the washroom. It’s a universal need and for some a momentary respite from the stresses of work[1].

Tork conducted a global Insight Survey* this year, to explore consumer attitudes and responses to the conditions of washrooms in the workplace and in commercial venues. Results showed that 52% of people take action after a poor washroom experience, impacting business revenue and reputation. Furthermore, the survey also found that 16% of respondents have avoided using the washroom at a workplace despite needing to, often resulting in discomfort and reduced performance.

Well-designed, sustainably managed washrooms that reduce waste, control consumption and prioritise hygiene can improve workforce efficiency and contribute directly to ESG performance.

Operational changes

In high-tempo industrial environments, every second counts. Ensuring washrooms are well-stocked and hygienic helps workers return to the line quickly and maintain productivity. Reliable access to essentials like soap, paper towels and functioning dispensers supports smooth operations and reduces time away from core tasks. Sustainable washroom systems such as high capacity, low waste dispensers that hold sustainable consumables are engineered to reduce these pain points. Design features such as single sheet dispensing, controlled consumption and high-capacity refill formats cut restocking frequency, reduce the likelihood of outages and reduce waste.

From an efficiency perspective, having the right mix of washroom products and ensuring consistent availability of essentials like soap and consumables helps streamline hygiene routines. Even small improvements in washroom setup can contribute to smoother workflows and support overall productivity.

Waste reduction as cost control

Washroom maintenance should be approached in a similar way to the line or the facility, streamlining both consumption and the user experience. Optimised packaging that minimises empty space by design and high-capacity refills reduce replenishment time and storage space requirements, improving logistics and inventory turns for facilities teams.

Sustainable washroom solutions go beyond using recycled materials, they embrace circularity.  Paper hand towels are already recyclable; the key is managing the waste stream. By using dedicated bins and partnering with recycling services, these towels can be transported to mills and turned into new paper products, closing the loop and reducing waste. By diverting towels from landfill or incineration and giving them a new life, this approach can reduce overall waste by up to 20% compared to traditional waste handling methods and cut the carbon footprint together by as much as 40%. It’s a practical way to lower environmental impact while supporting long-term resource efficiency.

Health, safety and attendance

The link between hygiene, health and productivity is becoming more understood and recorded. Better hand hygiene correlates with fewer illnesses and infections, which in turn lowers absenteeism and can stabilise schedules and reduce overtime costs. Sustainable washroom systems contribute by making good hygiene intuitive while thoughtful designs such as touchless dispensers reduce cross contamination and other practices that would otherwise lead to poor hygiene behaviour. More sustainable paper towel and tissue formats also minimise litter and overflow that can otherwise create slip hazards. This is another essential consideration in processing environments where moisture and debris are common. Well maintained, hygienic facilities also support morale since employees who feel their employer invests in clean, functional amenities are more likely to react positively to other safety directives.

According to the 2025 Tork Insight Survey, 15% of respondents said they worked from home more than they otherwise would due to poor washroom facilities, impacting return-to-office compliance. While this is less relevant for production workers who cannot work remotely, inadequate facilities can still affect their sense of respect and wellbeing. In fact, the 2024 Tork Insight Survey revealed that some employees have even left jobs because of poor washroom conditions. Providing clean, well-stocked facilities signals that employers value health and comfort, which in turn supports higher workplace satisfaction and encourages employees to spend more time on-site.

ESG without the green premium

As with many changes to facility systems or product replacement, one frequent hesitation is perceived cost and there is a common assumption that more sustainable products are more costly. In practice, well-chosen sustainable washroom solutions often reduce total cost over time, through:

• Lower consumption per use reducing consumption of towels, tissue and soap.
• High-capacity systems cutting labour time on refills and callouts.
• Reduced waste lowering disposal costs and storage needs.
• Dispensers that are easy to clean and refill, reducing maintenance time

Inclusive hygiene solutions such as dispensers designed to be easy to use or soap formulated to minimise irritation on skin sensitivities, helps advance hygiene for as many people as possible. Third party certifications, recycled content and lower carbon processes also help companies meet Scope 3 targets for purchased good and waste. In the UK, companies are encouraged to align their own Science Based Targets (SBTs) with the UK’s national goals, often requiring significant reduction in Scope 3 emissions by 2035.

Tork provides a range of solutions designed to reduce environmental impact while improving operational performance. Its sustainability approach encompasses responsible sourcing, product design that minimises waste and solutions that help customers use fewer resources.

The quiet competitive advantage

In competitive industrial markets, advantages can be made in small efficiencies in places often overlooked. Sustainable washrooms are one of these. Using sustainable products and solutions for the washroom can support a business’s ESG goals while improving employee productivity and wellbeing. Executed well, a sustainable washroom will contribute to smoother shifts, fewer disruptions and safer environments, without imposing a cost penalty. For manufacturers seeking pragmatic solutions that enforces worker satisfaction and output, the washroom is an unexpected yet worthwhile place to start.

For more information on Tork’s sustainable solutions, visit:

torkglobal.com

[1] cr8washrooms.co.uk/blog/what-is-the-average-time-spent-in-the-bathroom-at-work

*The 2025 Tork Insight Survey was conducted with 11,500 respondents across the UK and European countries.