How to Compare Single Fold Paper Towels

Single fold paper towels are commonly used in public washrooms.

Single fold paper towels are paper towels that are folded in half, stacked inside standard towel dispensers near public sinks, which are then dispensed from the bottom of the receptacle. The standard size is about 9 inches wide by 10 inches long, or 4.5 inches wide, when folded. There are various choices in single fold paper towels.

Color

Single fold paper towels are generally available in either brown or white. Aesthetics and cost might affect the choice of color. The white paper towels might be bleached, but some manufacturers sell towels that are naturally white in color. Brown towels are generally made from less expensive kraft paper, a strong paper processed from wood pulp.

Recycled versus Non-Recycled

Some manufacturers of single fold paper towels offer the choice of recycled paper. Various manufacturers provide up to 100 percent recycled content and advertise that they meet or exceed the EPA procurement guidelines for percentage of post-consumer waste. Generally, recycled is more expensive. Cost and environmental consciousness will therefore likely affect the choice of recycled or non-recycled towels.

One-ply or Two-ply

Single fold paper towels come in a choice of one-ply or two-ply, which relates to thickness. One-ply is one sheet thick; two-ply is double that, consisting of two layers. The choice of one- or two-ply will likely be affected by cost factors and the amount of traffic or how heavy the use. Two-ply towels absorb more but are more expensive.

References

• Dictionary: "kraft"
• Dictionary: "two ply"
• Cleanitsupply: Differences Between Single Fold and Multifold Paper Towels

Resources

• Cleaning Products World: Boardwalk Green Single Fold Paper Towel
• Sustainable Supply Co.: Georgia Pacific GPC 23504, Envision Recycled Single-Fold Towel
• Toilet Paper Tissue: 1-Ply, 2-Ply