Do Eco-Friendly Paper Towels Work in Automatic Dispensers?

Sustainability is a growing priority in New Zealand workplaces—but so is hygiene, efficiency, and convenience. With many offices, public toilets, and commercial facilities now using automatic dispensers for touch-free drying, businesses often ask: Can eco-friendly paper towels work in these systems?

The answer is yes—if you choose the right product. In this blog, we’ll explore how eco paper towels fit into automated hygiene systems and what to look for to ensure seamless integration in your workplace.

Why Go Eco in a Commercial Setting?

Choosing sustainable paper towels reduces waste, lowers your environmental impact, and aligns with your business’s CSR and ESG goals. But commercial settings—especially high-traffic toilets—require products that deliver on durability, absorbency, and compatibility with existing hardware.

Understanding Automatic Dispensers

Automatic paper towel dispensers are designed to reduce contact and cross-contamination, making them ideal for busy environments. These dispensers use motion sensors to release a set length of towel, which helps control usage and reduce waste.

Most dispensers are compatible with specific towel formats:

• Roll Towels (Auto-cut or Sensor activated)

• Folded Towels (Interleaved or Z-fold) - not used in automatic towel dispensers

Knowing which type your dispenser uses is the first step in choosing the right eco-friendly alternative.

How to Choose Eco Paper Towels That Work

1. Check the Towel Format

Match the towel type (roll or folded) with what your dispenser is designed for. At Insinc Products, our eco-friendly paper towels come in standard sizes suitable for major dispensers.

2. Look for Commercial-Grade Options

Not all recycled paper towels are created equal. Choose towels labelled for commercial use—they're thicker, more absorbent, and built to withstand high-traffic environments. Recycled paper towels are have a weaker fibre than new paper due to the additional processing.

3. Ensure Core and Roll Size Compatibility

For roll dispensers, check:

• Roll diameter

• Core size

• Towel length

Insinc Products will help you match paper towels to your dispenser.

4. Prioritise Certifications

Opt for towels with FSC, Eco Choice Aotearoa (Environmental Choice NZ), or Toitū certifications to ensure you're making a genuinely sustainable choice.

Benefits of Using Eco Towels in Automatic Systems

• Hygienic and touch-free drying

• Controlled usage equals cost savings

• Supports sustainability and green building goals

• Staff and customers appreciate visible eco efforts

Further Reading

Want to know what size towel fits your system? Check out our in-depth guide:
Read our article on paper towel sizes and dispenser compatibility

FAQ

Q: Are eco towels too soft or weak for automatic dispensers?
A: Not at all—commercial-grade eco towels are engineered for strength and absorbency. Recycled paper is a weaker fibre so not as strong as paper made from new pulp.

Q: Will switching affect our dispenser warranty?
A: If your dispenser has a warranty this will only be valid if you use the same brand of paper towel in it.

Q: Can Insinc recommend towels for our existing system?
A: Yes! Contact us with your dispenser model and we’ll match you with a compatible eco option.

Summary

Eco-friendly paper towels are not only compatible with automatic dispensers—they're a smart move for hygiene, sustainability, and cost efficiency. At Insinc Products, we make it easy to upgrade your workplace without sacrificing performance.