Tork launches inclusive hygiene playbook to redefine public restroom standards

Tork, an Essity brand and global leader in professional hygiene, has launched The Inclusive Hygiene Playbook, a first-of-its-kind resource designed to help facility managers improve restroom hygiene and accessibility. The initiative builds on the Tork Coalition for Inclusive Hygiene, introduced earlier this year to address barriers people face in public restrooms due to mismatches between personal needs and facility design.

According to Tork’s latest survey, only one in five public restrooms meet users’ cleanliness expectations. Poor restroom experiences can directly affect customer satisfaction, brand reputation, and even revenue. For example, 52% of people report changing their behavior after a negative restroom experience, while restrooms account for more than 45% of building complaints in office spaces.

Many of these hygiene barriers often go unnoticed. They may range from soaps that irritate skin conditions to loud dryers that overwhelm neurodiverse users, or hard-to-use fixtures for people with limited mobility. Research shows that 54% of venue visitors face some form of physical or cognitive challenge, and 44% feel anxious about restroom use, often planning their day around restroom access.

“The Inclusive Hygiene Playbook was designed to help facility managers reevaluate the role of restrooms — not just as operational necessities, but as strategic assets that can elevate the user experience and drive business results,” said Amy Bellcourt, VP of Communications at Essity.

 

The playbook presents three design principles to improve restroom environments: ensuring cleanliness and safety to build trust, creating comfortable and private spaces to boost satisfaction, and signaling care through design and communication.

“When restrooms fail to meet hygiene expectations, businesses pay the price,” said Ron Clemmer, Director of the Global Handwashing Partnership. Dr. Steven Soifer, Treasurer of the American Restroom Association, added, “Smart businesses are discovering that exceptional restrooms drive competitive advantage.”

Experts emphasize that restrooms must reflect inclusivity and brand values. “Your restroom communicates your brand values whether you realize it or not,” said Uma Srivastava, Executive Director of KultureCity. Lee Moreau, Founder of Other Tomorrows, noted: “The Inclusive Hygiene Playbook is a one-of-a-kind resource that not only challenges outdated norms, but empowers facilities with specific, actionable steps to create more humane, thoughtful and high-performing restroom environments.”