ECJ EUROPEAN Cleaning Journal

Tork, an Essity brand, is inviting business leaders, facility managers, cleaners, designers and washroom users to join a movement to improve public washrooms and provide better hygiene for all.

The global Better Hygiene for All initiative now offers expanded resources to help businesses strengthen their brands and increase performance by meeting the washroom needs of as many people as possible.

Inclusive hygiene in the washroom boosts employee experience, customer satisfaction and business reputation and revenue, says Essity global brand manager professional hygiene Jenny Logenius.

"More than half of us face hygiene barriers in the public washroom, yet only one in five of these facilities meet basic cleanliness expectations," says Jenny. "This creates a critical gap and results in customers spending less, leaving venues early or avoiding the space entirely."

Inclusive hygiene brings dignity and comfort while also boosting the washroom user's confidence in themselves and their loved ones, she said. "Across the board we have heard people say they want more - more guidance on best practices, more ways to share feedback and more solutions that support better hygiene for all."

Tork is offering business leaders, facility managers, cleaners, designers and washroom users various ways of becoming involved in enabling better hygiene for all. The newly-launched Tork Inclusive Hygiene online resource hub provides practical resources, best practices, research and guidance to help companies deliver public washrooms that meet the hygiene needs of as many people as possible. The site also welcomes feedback, ideas and suggestions to inform future solutions.

"We're grateful for the momentum this movement has created and we're excited to welcome even more voices to help drive meaningful change," said Jenny.

The 2025 Tork Insight Survey revealed that 54 per cent of people experience some form of difficulty when using a public washroom.

Barriers often arise from a mismatch between people's needs and the environment. When washroom environments are not designed to support a wide range of needs and circumstances they can create experiences that are uncomfortable or difficult, according to the Tork study which polled 11,500 people in 11 countries.

Limited washroom privacy can be an invisible barrier to those with paruresis, or shy bladder syndrome. And a restricted space or a lack of appropriate disposal options can be challenging for people with a catheter or ostomy bag.

Using dispensers for soap, toilet paper and hand towels can cause difficulties for those with low hand strength or muscular or joint issues. And washroom maintenance, design and layout can present a barrier for people with hygiene concerns or for those who feel uncomfortable in small, shared spaces.

Using the dispensers for soap, toilet paper and hand towels can cause difficulties for those with low hand strength or muscular or joint issues. And washrooms can present a barrier for people with hygiene concerns or for those who feel uncomfortable in small, shared spaces.

Tork aims to identify and address washroom barriers to ensure that publicly facilities meet the hygiene needs of as many people as possible. Essity won an Amsterdam Innovation Award in the "Sustainability & Environment" category this spring for its global initiative to make public spaces more welcoming, comfortable and functional.

Click here to learn more and join the movement for Better Hygiene for All.