Innovations in the washroom

SUSTAINABILITY DEMAND DRIVES INNOVATION

The demand for greener washrooms and sustainable operations is also driving innovation in modern washroom facilities. Water conservation technologies, including low-flow toilets and automatic faucets, significantly reduce water use and help facilities meet environmental standards. More and more companies are seeking eco-friendly, low-carbon and recycled materials and resources as part of their overarching goals to be responsible. In the washroom, hand towels and toilet paper made up of more recycled content and biodegradable cleaning products are becoming staples in environmentally conscious facilities.

TACKLING THE CHALLENGES OF WASTE

Waste – and the expense of waste – is an ongoing challenge for FMs. This is why many operations teams are increasingly interested in adopting circular economy principles – to reuse or repurpose materials that might otherwise be thrown away. The RightCycleTM Programme by Kimberly-Clark Professional is a good example of how companies can use closed-loop recycling. The company collects used hand towels and, working with a waste management partner, turns them back into new tissue products. It’s a programme that is helping customers cut their waste by up to 25 per cent and increase their recycling rate by up to five per cent. The scheme can also help firms reduce their overall waste footprint, as rather than sending their old washroom dispensers to landfill at the end of their life, the previously hard-to-recycle items are collected and sent to a recycling partner, with all the raw materials used to create new products.

STAY INFORMED OF TRENDS

The washroom sector is seeing numerous transformative trends driven by advances in technology and the demand for sustainable, hygienic and smart solutions. FMs play a key role in implementing these innovations. It’s crucial to stay informed about the latest technologies and sustainable practices to make educated decisions about washroom design and operation.

Regularly collecting feedback from washroom users and building occupants will help companies to continuously improve their facilities. Making sure washrooms meet the highest standards of hygiene, cleanliness and sustainability will improve overall user satisfaction and reflect well on the overall management of the facility.

No longer is the modern washroom merely a functional space; it is a reflection of a facility’s commitment to sustainability, hygiene, and accessibility. Innovations in the washroom are setting new standards in facility management, with significant benefits for users and the environment alike. As consumer expectations evolve and regulatory requirements become more stringent, the integration of cutting-edge cleaning technologies and data-driven approaches will continue to drive advancements in the industry, ensuring environments remain clean, hygienic, and conducive to health and wellbeing.