FM newsroom – smart technology, restroom hygiene. For managers, restrooms represent an opportunity to demonstrate both a commitment to hygiene and to sustainability. Smart paper dispensers are making this easier by combining touchless technology, data-driven insights, and waste reduction into a single solution.
While jet air dryers once seemed like the modern choice, studies show that they can spread up to 190 times more germs than paper towels. For facilities in sectors such as healthcare, food service, or education, this can significantly raise the risk of cross-contamination. Smart paper dispensers, by contrast, improve hygiene through touch-free operation. Eliminating unnecessary contact points reduces the spread of bacteria and creates a visibly cleaner restroom environment that reassures both guests and employees, as noted by Buildings.com.
Smarter Operations with Real-Time Data
Today’s most advanced dispensers go beyond simple hands-free technology. IoT-enabled models provide real-time data on usage patterns, inventory levels, and peak restroom traffic. Facility managers can use this information to schedule cleaning teams more efficiently, ensuring that restrooms are serviced when needed rather than at arbitrary intervals. Refill alerts prevent running out of supplies during busy hours, while long-term usage data helps managers forecast demand and reduce labour costs associated with unnecessary checks.
Cutting Waste, Supporting Sustainability
Smart paper dispensers directly support sustainability goals by precisely controlling the amount of paper dispensed per use. This helps reduce over-pulling, lowers overall consumption, and encourages more responsible usage. Many units are compatible with high-capacity rolls, which reduce packaging waste and minimise the frequency of refills. When paired with certified eco-friendly products from organisations such as the Forest Stewardship Council or Green Seal, these systems become part of a broader, credible sustainability strategy.
Centralised Visibility Across Locations
For facility managers responsible for multiple sites, such as corporate campuses, hotels, or universities, connected dispensers offer centralised visibility. Usage data from across locations can be monitored and compared in real time, allowing managers to identify best practices and replicate them across facilities. This consistency improves operational standards, reduces unnecessary expenses, and provides measurable progress toward organisation-wide sustainability targets.
Investing in the Future
Smart paper dispensers are not just another tech trend. They represent a practical, cost-effective response to today’s biggest facility management challenges. By raising hygiene standards, optimising operations, and reducing waste, these systems help facilities operate more efficiently while supporting the health of both people and the planet.
As the demand for healthier, greener, and smarter spaces continues to grow, investing in smart restroom technology is more than an upgrade—it is a strategic move toward a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable future.