Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Types and uses of paper towels
3. Market insights for 2025
4. Key factors to consider when choosing paper towels
5. Top models and their features
6. Conclusion

Introduction

In 2025, businesses are increasingly relying on paper towels for maintaining cleanliness across various settings, from commercial kitchens to public restrooms. The right choice of paper towel can improve efficiency, reduce waste, and enhance overall hygiene. High-quality products offer benefits such as superior absorbency, durability, and eco-friendly options that align with sustainability goals. Whether for bulk use in high-traffic areas or specialized tasks requiring precise cleaning, selecting the appropriate type of paper towel is critical for optimizing operational performance and ensuring cost-effectiveness.

Types and uses of paper towels

Traditional paper towels

Traditional paper towels are single-use and remain a staple in both commercial and residential cleaning. Manufactured from wood pulp, these towels are widely known for their absorbency and convenience. They are designed to handle everyday cleaning tasks such as wiping spills, drying hands, and cleaning surfaces. Their appeal lies in their simplicity: once used, they are discarded, making them ideal for environments where hygiene is a top priority, such as kitchens or bathrooms. Although these towels are practical, their environmental impact is a concern due to deforestation and waste generation, with billions of trees cut down to meet global demand for disposable products.

Eco-friendly options

As businesses shift toward more sustainable practices, eco-friendly paper towels made from recycled materials or bamboo have gained popularity. Recycled paper towels, created from post-consumer waste, offer a responsible alternative, reducing the reliance on virgin pulp. These towels are made with fewer chemicals, such as chlorine, making them safer for the environment while maintaining adequate absorbency for most cleaning tasks.

Bamboo paper towels, another eco-conscious choice, are made from one of the fastest-growing plants, offering a renewable source of material. Not only are they biodegradable, but they also tend to be stronger and more durable than their traditional counterparts. Bamboo’s rapid growth cycle makes it a more sustainable resource compared to tree-based paper towels. These towels can often be used multiple times before disposal, providing businesses with a cost-effective and environmentally responsible option.

Customizable options

For greater flexibility, some manufacturers offer customizable paper towels with perforations, such as “tear-a-size” models. These towels allow businesses to control the size of the sheet they use, reducing unnecessary waste and improving efficiency. Adjustable sheet sizes are particularly beneficial in environments where both small spills and larger cleaning tasks occur frequently, allowing for optimal use of resources. The Brawny Tear-A-Square, for example, offers this level of customization, making it versatile for diverse cleaning needs.

Market insights for 2025

Market trends

According to Expert Market Research, experts valued the global paper towel market at approximately USD 14.2 billion as of 2023. They forecast it to grow steadily, reaching USD 22.4 billion by 2032, driven by a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.2% from 2024 to 2032. This growth is fueled by increased demand for hygiene products, especially in residential, commercial, and healthcare sectors, alongside a shift toward eco-friendly and sustainable paper towel options​(Expert Market Research)​.

Consumer preference shifts

The demand for paper towels is evolving significantly as consumers become increasingly conscious of environmental impacts and the importance of hygiene. In 2025, the market continues to see a strong shift toward sustainable and eco-friendly options. Recycled paper towels and those made from alternative materials like bamboo are gaining ground due to growing awareness of deforestation and the environmental cost of single-use products. Consumers are now prioritizing products that reduce waste and carbon footprints, with recycled and biodegradable paper towels leading this trend. Eco-friendly brands that emphasize sustainable manufacturing practices are particularly appealing, responding to consumer demand for greener alternatives without sacrificing functionality.

Key factors to consider when choosing paper towels

Absorbency and durability

The absorbency and durability of paper towels are essential when choosing products for commercial or industrial use. Towels with multiple layers, or plies, tend to offer better absorbency as they can trap more liquid. Embossed textures also enhance this capability by increasing the surface area that captures liquid. Durability is equally important in ensuring that the towels do not tear easily, especially during heavy-duty cleaning tasks. Higher durability translates to fewer towels used, improving overall efficiency in demanding environments like kitchens or healthcare facilities​.

Environmental impact

As environmental concerns grow, selecting eco-friendly paper towels made from recycled materials or sustainable sources such as bamboo is becoming more important. These options help minimize deforestation and reduce waste. Recycled paper towels utilize post-consumer materials, reducing the need for virgin pulp, while bamboo towels offer a renewable alternative with a lower environmental footprint. Choosing unbleached or minimally processed options further reduces chemical pollution during production​.

Versatility and size options

Versatility in paper towel size can be crucial for businesses that require different sheet sizes for various tasks. Options that allow users to customize the sheet size, such as perforated designs, help to reduce waste and ensure that the right amount of material is used for each task. Larger, continuous rolls or hardwound towels are often preferred in high-traffic commercial settings due to their durability and compatibility with dispenser systems, which also reduce the need for frequent refills​.

Best-selling types of paper towels and their features

In today’s market, certain types of paper towels are consistently favored due to their practical features and alignment with business needs. The following recommendations are based on popular trends in bulk purchasing for commercial and institutional use. These products share common features that make them stand out in high-demand environments, balancing efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability. Business professionals should consider these types of paper towels as they represent best-sellers and meet the demands of various industries.

Multifold paper towels for efficient dispensing

Multifold paper towels are among the best-sellers in commercial environments, particularly for public restrooms, offices, and healthcare facilities. These towels are designed to be dispensed one at a time, which reduces waste and ensures more efficient use. Their compact, foldable design allows them to be stacked in standard dispensers, saving space while offering quick access. Additionally, multifold paper towels are typically multi-ply, which enhances both their absorbency and strength, making them reliable for a variety of cleaning tasks.

Hardwound roll towels for heavy-duty use

Hardwound roll towels are favored for industrial and high-traffic environments like hospitals and foodservice establishments. These towels are long-lasting, often supplied in large rolls that can be dispensed through automated or manual systems. The continuous nature of hardwound towels means fewer refills are needed, saving time on maintenance. They are designed to handle significant use while maintaining their absorbency and durability, making them suitable for heavy-duty cleaning needs where efficiency and cost-effectiveness are priorities.

Recycled paper towels for sustainability

Recycled paper towels have gained popularity among businesses prioritizing eco-friendly practices. Made from post-consumer waste, these towels help reduce the environmental impact of production and waste generation. While recycled towels may not always match the softness or thickness of virgin pulp alternatives, they provide adequate strength and absorbency for most commercial cleaning tasks. As sustainability becomes a key factor for businesses, recycled paper towels are increasingly being chosen as a responsible, high-performing option in the marketplace.

Select-a-size towels for flexibility

Select-a-size paper towels offer unmatched versatility, allowing users to tear off smaller or larger sheets based on the task at hand. This flexibility is particularly useful in environments where cleaning needs vary, such as kitchens, breakrooms, and janitorial services. By allowing customization of the towel size, select-a-size options help reduce waste and optimize cost-effectiveness. These towels are designed for businesses seeking to balance practicality with resource management, making them a go-to choice for varied and flexible cleaning applications.

Conclusion

In conclusion, selecting the right paper towels for business use is crucial for optimizing both cost-efficiency and operational performance. From highly absorbent and durable multifold towels that reduce waste in high-traffic areas, to hardwound rolls that minimize maintenance, businesses can choose products that meet specific needs. Eco-friendly options like recycled paper towels are gaining popularity as sustainability becomes a key purchasing factor, while select-a-size towels provide the flexibility needed for varying cleaning tasks. By understanding the strengths of each paper towel type, businesses can make informed decisions that balance functionality, cost, and environmental responsibility.