Choosing how people dry their hands might seem like a small decision in the grand scheme of things. But when you consider the sheer volume of hand-drying that happens every day in offices, schools, and public washrooms across the UK, the environmental and financial implications add up quickly.
So, in the constant battle between hand dryers and paper towels, which one comes out on top from an environmental standpoint? In this article we’ll be taking a look at exactly that, from carbon emissions to cost efficiency, to help you make an informed, eco-conscious choice.
Breaking down the environmental impact
At first glance, paper towels might appear to be the greener option, they are made from trees after all, compared to hand dryers which use electricity. But when you look at the bigger picture, things start to change. The full lifecycle of a paper towel involves:
- Deforestation and a high water usage in production
- Chemical processing to achieve softness and absorbency
- Energy-intensive manufacturing and transport
- Non-recyclable waste, due to contamination and so sent straight to landfill
According to studies, paper towels can generate up to 70g of CO₂ per use, largely due to single-use waste and transportation emissions. When multiplied across hundreds or thousands of daily uses, that carbon footprint becomes substantial.
Compared to hand dryers
Old hand dryers definitely used to be quite energy hungry. This is because they used head to evaporate the moisture off the hands. However, modern hand dryers use energy efficient motors to drive the water off the hands, without the use for heat. Modern units are engineered to be fast, efficient, and low-energy. For instance, the Airforce Hand Dryer uses just 1.1kW and dries hands in 12–15 seconds.
A lifecycle assessment by MIT found that high-speed, energy-efficient hand dryers produce up to 40% less carbon emissions than paper towels over five years of use. What's more, they eliminate the need for constant restocking, transport, and waste disposal.
Long term impacts
There is no denying that paper towels may be cheaper upfront, however ongoing costs add up rapidly. You have to consider:
- The continuous purchasing of towel stock
- Regular waste collection and disposal fees
- Restocking and maintenance labour
Over a 5-year period, paper towels can cost 10–20 times more than a one-off investment in a hand dryer.
Low effort hand dryers
Although a high-quality hand dryer such as the Dryflow Elite MKII may require a higher initial outlay, the ongoing costs are minimal. No consumables, no waste bins, no mess. Many models also come with guarantees of 5–10 years, making them a smart, long-term investment.
Plus, energy-efficient options like the Dryflow EcoWave offer ultra-low running costs, in some cases they can cost less than £10 per year.
Hygiene and user experience
Some might argue that paper towels offer a more hygienic experience, especially in healthcare settings. However, modern dryers with HEPA filters, such as the Dryflow JetForce Junior, now rival paper towels in cleanliness while vastly reducing environmental impact.
It’s also worth noting that hands left wet are far more likely to spread bacteria, making drying speed a crucial factor. The latest hand dryers dry hands quickly and comfortably, encouraging full use and better hygiene outcomes.
We wrote a more comprehensive article on this subject here.
Summary
| Criteria | Paper Towels | Hand Dryers |
| Carbon Emissions | High per use | Significantly lower (over time) |
| Waste | Yes - non-recyclable | None |
| Hygiene | Good | Very good (especially with HEPA filter |
| Cost (5+ years) | Very high | Low to moderate |
| Maintenance | Ongoing | Minimal |
When balancing sustainability, long-term cost, and user satisfaction, modern hand dryers come out ahead. They reduce waste, lower your carbon footprint, and can save your business thousands over their lifespan.
If you’re designing or upgrading a washroom, it's worth exploring eco-efficient models from Hand Dryers UK that suit your space and footfall. From compact solutions to high-performance models, there’s a sustainable dryer for every environment.
At Handryers UK we offer free next day delivery, 90 day returns and an industry leading price match policy. We can also provide an installation service if needed. For any further help simply call us on 0114 322 3663 or contact us here.
