Multifold vs. Roll Paper Towels: Cost & Use Comparison
Hand towels are a top-three consumable in any commercial restroom, so the format you standardize on affects cost, mess and refill labor. Here's how the two main types compare.
Multifold (and C-fold) towels
Folded towels stack in a wall dispenser and dispense one at a time. They're simple, work without a lever, and are familiar to users. The downside: people often grab several at once, which drives up usage and waste, and open stacks can be exposed to contamination.
Roll towels (hardwound & center-pull)
Roll towels feed from a dispenser — either hardwound rolls (often with a lever or touch-free auto-cut) or center-pull rolls. They control portion size better, hold far more towels per load (fewer refills), and touch-free versions improve hygiene. They need a compatible dispenser.
Which is more economical?
- Usage control — roll (especially metered/auto-cut) reduces the "grab a handful" waste common with multifold.
- Refill labor — rolls hold more, so crews refill less often.
- Upfront simplicity — multifold dispensers are cheaper and mechanical.
- Hygiene — touch-free roll systems are best for high-traffic or health-sensitive sites.
For busy restrooms, roll towels usually win on total cost through less waste and fewer refills; multifold is fine for low-traffic sites or where simple dispensers are preferred. Browse commercial paper and hand towels and the matching dispensers, or stock the full washroom with wholesale restroom supplies.
FAQ
Are roll paper towels cheaper than multifold?
In high-traffic restrooms roll towels usually cost less overall — they control usage and hold more per load, reducing waste and refills, even if multifold has a lower upfront dispenser cost.
Which is more hygienic, multifold or roll towels?
Touch-free roll dispensers are the most hygienic since users don't touch the dispenser. Enclosed roll and multifold dispensers also protect the stock from contamination.
Do roll towels need a special dispenser?
Yes — hardwound and center-pull rolls each need a compatible dispenser. Match the towel type to the dispenser when you standardize.