Running Out Again? How to Avoid Workplace Paper Towel Shortages

Let’s be honest—most workplaces only think about paper towels when they run out. It’s not until the bathroom dispenser is empty or someone’s drying their hands on their jeans that the panic sets in. But staying ahead of paper towel shortages isn’t just about convenience. It’s about hygiene, workplace comfort, and avoiding the kind of low-key chaos that can come from something as simple as a missing towel. With a little planning, smart dispenser choices, and better towel habits, you can keep everything running smoothly (and dry).

Understanding the Impact of Paper Towel Shortages

Why You Can’t Afford to Run Out

Whether it’s paper hand towels for bathrooms, workshop paper towel rolls, or napkins for office kitchens, a shortage impacts more than convenience:

• Hygiene risks (especially when paired with no air dryer backup)

• Staff frustration and complaints

• Lost productivity—yes, hunting for towels eats into work time

• Poor customer or client impression

According to ISSA, 89% of facility managers consider consistent paper towel availability essential to their hygiene strategy.

Optimising Towel Use (and Avoiding Waste)

If you’re constantly topping up dispensers, it might be time to rethink your setup & if you need advice we are here to help.

Use Larger Dispensers in High-Traffic Areas

In bathrooms and workshops where usage is heavy, larger capacity dispensers can:

• Hold more paper towels (less frequent top-ups)

• Prevent the dreaded “empty dispenser” moment

• Free up staff from constant restocking

Look for models that suit midfold or slimfold paper towels, which can hold more per refill.

Educate Staff on Smarter Towel Use

Staff often pull two or three towels out of habit. But that’s often more than needed—especially when quality towels do the job better. Post friendly signs like:

• “One towel is usually enough”

• “Dry hands = fewer towels”

It’s a small message with big impact on cost and waste.

Choose Higher Quality = Less Use

Better towels = better drying. A thicker, more absorbent towel means:

• Less need to grab multiples

• Lower usage over time

• Less mess (and better hygiene)

Investing in high-quality paper hand towels for office use or durable paper towels for work areas can actually save money over time by reducing consumption.

Smart Strategies to Keep Towels Stocked

1. Track Usage by Area

Paper towel needs vary:

• Bathrooms (higher usage of hand towels)

• Lunchrooms (mix of napkins and hand towels)

• Workshops/warehouses (heavy-duty paper towels for messes)

Keep a quick log over one week to estimate how fast supplies are used in each zone.

2. Choose the Right Products for the Job

Not all towels are equal. Choose based on area and holder/dispenser compatibility:

• Paper hand towels for bathroom holder – Slimfold or interfold

• Paper towels for workshop – Stronger, absorbent sheets, often on rolls like a centrefeed towel

• Paper towel for office kitchens – Compostable or recycled options

Tip: Check if your paper towel holder for office matches the towel fold type (midfold, slimfold, or compact).

3. Set Up an Auto-Reorder System

Use a simple spreadsheet or inventory app to track when reorders are due. Or better yet—talk to us about setting up a standing order based on usage trends.

4. Store Like a Pro

Keep a small backup supply near each dispenser:

• In bathroom cabinets

• Workshop shelves

• Office supply cupboards

It’s no good having 5 cartons in the warehouse if no one knows where they are.

FAQ: Workplace Paper Towel Management

Q: Should I use paper towels or hand dryers in the bathroom?

A: According to multiple studies, paper towels dry hands more thoroughly and hygienically—especially in high-traffic areas like offices or shared workshops.

Q: Are recycled paper towels suitable for workshops?

A: Yes! Many paper towels for work are made with strong recycled fibre and offer good absorbency for oil, water, or dust.

Q: What’s the difference between paper towels vs hand towels?

A: “Hand towels” typically refer to bathroom use; “paper towels” can include roll towels for spills or napkins for food use.

Final Thoughts

Running out of paper towels at work might seem like a small issue—until it isn’t. With a bit of planning and the right supply strategy, you can keep every bathroom, office kitchen, and workshop stocked, sanitary, and stress-free. Because no one wants to dry their hands on their pants.