reliable performance required in high-traffic commercial washrooms. Rethinking raw materials with alternative fibres Miscanthus grass is one such fibre gaining traction. A fast-growing perennial, it regrows annually without replanting, thrives with minimal water and inputs, and can be grown on land that is not suitable for food crops. Already cultivated in parts of Western Europe, it also shortens supply chains and reduces transport-related emissions. When used alongside recycled fibres, Miscanthus grass supports the production of unbleached hygiene paper, meeting both environmental standards and the dependability expected in commercial washrooms. For forward-thinking businesses, this translates into real advantages, including helping to achieve ESG targets, reducing waste, and supporting progress against sustainability commitments. By integrating alternative fibres, organisations can maintain operational performance while making environmental improvements, showing that business efficiency and sustainability can advance hand in hand. The commercial benefits of smarter hygiene choices Integrating plant-based hygiene solutions isn’t just good for the planet, it’s also beneficial for business, driving growth and improving efficiency. These solutions can support certifications such as Cradle to Cradle, helping organisations demonstrate sustainability credentials. At the same time, working with suppliers that prioritise material innovation can strengthen relationships and differentiate organisations in markets where sustainability performance increasingly influences procurement decisions. Because washroom solutions are implemented consistently across sites and used at scale, even small improvements deliver measurable results. Over time, these changes contribute to broader environmental objectives, providing a practical approach to achieving sustainability goals and futureproofing operations, whether in a large facility, a public building, or a small office. Supporting circularity and waste reduction Material innovation alone is not enough. A genuinely sustainable washroom strategy considers the full lifecycle of products and systems, from sourcing and use, to collection and recycling, so they work to maximise resource efficiency while keeping materials in use for as long as possible. Packaging is a key part of this lifecycle. Even when products are made from recycled fibres, they can fall short of circular goals if wrapped or shipped in singleuse plastic. Choosing hygiene solutions that avoid unnecessary packaging or use fully recyclable materials helps to reduce avoidable waste and aligns better with EU circularity targets. A practical example of circularity in action is the recovery of used hygiene paper. Instead of sending this waste to landfill, facilities can introduce collection and recycling systems that reprocess it into new paper products, reducing carbon emissions and closing the loop. Similarly, sourcing products made from recycled fibres or old corrugated cardboard (OCC) extends material lifecycles and reduces reliance on virgin resources. High levels of use in washrooms can drive up both consumption and cost. Dispensers designed to control paper output help mitigate this, supporting more consistent usage without compromising hygiene. When paired with products made from recycled or alternative fibres, they contribute to a lower-waste system that aligns with circular economy principles. This then enhances sustainability, improves cost efficiency, and makes measurable progress against ESG goals, while maintaining user wellbeing. A practical path forward As sustainability expectations continue to rise, organisations are being judged less on ambition and more on delivery. Progress now depends on solutions that can be implemented consistently and maintained over time. Washrooms offer a clear example of how this can be achieved. By rethinking fibre sourcing, including the use of alternative materials such as Miscanthus grass, and combining this with efficient washroom systems, organisations can reduce environmental impact through products that are already part of daily operations. Ongoing innovation in hygiene paper and washroom infrastructure demonstrates how routine products can contribute to meaningful change when material choices and system design are considered together. By focusing on solutions that perform reliably over time, organisations across Europe can achieve measurable environmental improvements that support ESG objectives.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTUyMDQwMA==