Can paper towels be recycled?
Fast and general answer: no.
Due to the traditional manufacturing process for paper towels, the fibres are often too long to break down for recycling purposes. Some paper towels are also chemically treated in a way that makes them poor candidates for biodegradable waste or composting.
Recycling is a big concern for used paper towels especially. Not only are used paper towels often disposed of improperly, but they may also constitute potential biohazards, depending on their use.
That being said, several steps are being taken to make paper towel rolls eco-friendlier. Tork paper towels, for example, may be recycled when collected through proper disposal methods. The Tork manufacturing company is also involved in initiatives that aim to implement more sustainable and recyclable paper products for hygiene uses, helping to reduce their carbon footprint and waste.
Reward Hospitality is a member of the APCO – a government-backed initiative aiming to promote eco-friendly and sustainable packaging and single-use products. It’s one reason why we feature Tork paper towels among our promoted hospitality supplies, as well as BioPak’s compostable single-use plates and cups.
Are Tork paper towels flushable?
We strongly advise against doing so.
Flushing hygiene products down the toilet is a well-documented problem for bathrooms and plumbing. Paper towels are designed to be as absorbent as possible. Unlike tissue paper products, which are designed to at least break down as much as possible when flushed, the longer fibres of paper towel rolls may harden and cause blockages, among other plumbing issues.
Whether it’s in the restrooms or the coffee service counter, you can find great quality paper towels at Reward Hospitality. We also have catering equipment and kitchenware in our catalogue that partners well with Tork paper towels.
You may find our industry solutions helpful if you’re looking for other ways to employ your hand paper towel stock. Our seasoned industry experts will work with you to optimise your hospitality service supply chain and provide consultation services for important business aspects like venue design, equipment advice, and custom printing.
Do Tork paper towels have a shelf life?
Paper towels, in general, do not expire when they’re stored correctly. You’ll want to follow these tips to ensure your Tork paper towels last as long as possible.
Keep your paper hand towels clean and dry. Moulds grow in damp conditions, and paper towels, which contain biodegradable materials, are fertile breeding grounds for bacteria. Keeping your storage space or containers clean and dry will help prevent mould and harmful germs from growing.
If it’s possible to reseal the paper hand towels in their original packaging, do so. Alternatively, place them in new, sealable packaging or containers. Reward Hospitality has several resealable clear bags that can be utilised as storage for non-perishable supplies, such as bulk paper towels or single-use utensils. We also feature tiered shelving furniture with a dedicated storage area for your supplies.
Keep your storage space bug-free. You may have to throw your entire stock of paper towels away if rodents and pests find access to your supplies. If you’re looking for cleaning supplies to help keep storage spaces clean, we suggest checking out our exclusive brand Kleaning Essentials, to go with your paper towels.
It's best to routinely clear out your stock occasionally, even though paper towels and similar supplies don't have an expiration date. Fresh Tork Paper Towels have a different quality from older stock, and customers may feel uncomfortable using old or visibly damaged paper supplies.
Sustainable supplies available at Reward Hospitality
Modern businesses are under a lot of pressure to be eco-friendly and sustainable. We at Reward Hospitality know this very well, so we joined the APCO and are working towards expanding our eco-friendly product lines.
One great way of lowering our environmental impact is by focusing on quality over quantity. Efficient kitchen or bar tools like the Rational combi oven or Robot Coupe stick blenders may initially cost more, but investing in them will save you projected costs in the long run. They’ll also improve the quality of your food and drink services – a factor that directly affects your customers and your business.
Reward Hospitality also features dishware and cookware like Zuma plates, which are durable enough for food service use – reducing the amount of waste your business produces by skipping single-use packaging and containers.
We can also help you update your business to be more environmentally conscious or optimise your supply chain to be more sustainable. We have twenty-six locations across the Asia Pacific, but we also supply to all corners of the region. We also have over ten locations in Australia alone, delivering to several metropolitan areas like Brisbane, Adelaide, Sydney, and Perth.
We only have one planet, and we should do our best to keep it happy and safe. No one wins in a polluted world, and Reward Hospitality is as determined as you to be on the winning team.
Make the switch to sustainable supply. Order your Tork Paper Towels from us today.