Tork recognised for driving inclusive hygiene at the Amsterdam Innovation Awards at Interclean 2026

This week, Tork, an Essity brand, is exhibiting at Interclean Amsterdam 2026, the world’s leading trade show for cleaning and hygiene professionals. On the first day, the Tork Inclusive Hygiene in Public Washrooms Initiative received the Amsterdam Innovation Award in the ‘Sustainability & Environment’ category.

The win for Tork Inclusive Hygiene in Public Washrooms recognises the Tork brand for championing the importance of identifying and addressing barriers in the washroom environment to make access to hygiene comfortable for as many people as possible. By offering resources and best practices to create a washroom environment that considers the full range of individual abilities and circumstances, Tork is raising awareness and advocating for organisations to deliver better washroom experiences to drive business outcomes.

“We are incredibly proud that the Inclusive Hygiene in Public Washrooms Initiative has been recognised by the Amsterdam Innovation Awards at Interclean 2026. This achievement highlights our ongoing commitment to giving people comfortable access to sustainable hygiene solutions through cleaner, more welcoming spaces,” said Anna Königson Koopmans, Marketing Director, Segments for Essity’s professional hygiene business.

The Jury recognised that Essity’s ‘Tork Hygiene for All’ initiative stood out for going beyond product innovation to address inclusivity in public washrooms. With dispensers certified under Design for All standards, alongside accessible packaging and skin-friendly formulations, the initiative aims to improve the experience for both users and cleaning professionals. The jury highlighted its potential to raise awareness and set new benchmarks for inclusivity across the sector.

Washrooms continue to be a particular challenge for facilities. Surveying 11,500 people across 11 countries, Tork research revealed that there are high expectations for hygiene and cleanliness in the washrooms (74 per cent expect moderate or high levels of hygiene), yet only 20 per cent of washrooms deliver on those expectations. Simultaneously, 52 per cent of people take action after a poor washroom experience, from submitting a complaint, to limiting how much they eat or drink, to not returning to the facility. These findings make it clear: businesses risk losing repeat customers, suffering from negative online reviews, and seeing customers limit their spend. For facility managers, this presents an opportunity to reevaluate the role of washrooms – not just as operational necessities, but as strategic assets that can elevate the user experience and drive business results.

To learn more about Tork at Interclean Amsterdam 2026 the Inclusive Hygiene in Public Washrooms Initiative and additional Tork products and services, click here.