Tork receives global certification for inclusive design in professional hygiene
Essity brand is the first in the world to obtain Design for All (EN 17161) certification for dispenser development
Tork, the Essity brand and global leader in professional hygiene, has announced that its dispenser development process is the first in the world to be certified according to the Design for All (EN 17161) standard. The certification reflects the company’s commitment to making hygiene accessible to the majority of users, eliminating barriers and promoting more inclusive solutions in public toilets and other shared spaces.
The design approach adopted by Tork allows its dispensers to cater for a wide range of users, including people with different motor skills, neurodiversities and hygiene concerns. The PeakServe range, for example, has been designed to require less pulling force, making it easier to use for children, the elderly and people with reduced mobility. The product has received the “Easy to Use” certification from the Swedish Rheumatism Association, demonstrating its focus on accessibility.
Tork’s journey towards certification began in 2020, when Essity began the process of adapting to the Design for All guidelines, even before there was an accredited body to grant this certification. This move led to accreditation from RISE Research Institutes of Sweden, an independent state research institute that became the first to offer the certification.
This achievement adds to the brand’s other advances in promoting inclusion in professional hygiene. Tork has already developed solutions such as Tork Easy Handling packaging, which makes it easier to transport and store products, and a line of dispensers that have received the “Easy to Use” certification. In addition, the brand continues to invest in research and collaboration with industry leaders to identify and overcome challenges faced by users in public restrooms.
The design and development process for Tork dispensers will be audited annually by RISE to ensure compliance with the EN 17161:2019 standard. The standard establishes guidelines for increasing accessibility in products, goods and services, promoting a more inclusive environment for all.
