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Leading workplace experience and facility management company, ISS, is dedicated to scale the Tork PaperCircle recycling service as part of its sustainability efforts.
In today’s world of more scarce and expensive resources, recycling and circular services are more important than ever. While paper hand towels are the preferred method of hand drying, only one per cent are currently recovered for recycling, indicating that paper hand towels remain an untapped opportunity for a circular business model.
Tork PaperCircle is the world’s first circular recycling service for used paper hand towels, turning waste into new tissue products. ISS is one of the global service companies which has begun implementing Tork PaperCircle at large client sites in some of its European markets. The service is installed in washrooms where used paper towels are collected in a designated bin, which ISS’ cleaning staff then remove for transportation to Essity’s local mill for recycling into paper towels and other tissue products. As a result, ISS helps clients reduce their paper towel waste by up to 20 per cent and cut paper towel carbon footprint by up to 40 per cent .
Tracy Nilsson, Global Head of Sustainability at ISS World Services A/S commented: “ISS has committed to reaching full-scope net zero emissions by 2040, throughout our full supply chain. And as the world’s largest cleaning provider, we strive to be a catalyst of real change in our industry by developing and implementing environmentally friendly products and practices – in close strategic partnerships with our suppliers and clients. Not one company can solve the climate crisis on their own, so collaboration is essential in building a more sustainable future.”
Jan Salomon, Key Account Director at Essity Professional Hygiene added: “We are excited to increase the recycling of used hand towels with the help of ISS and their extensive customer base. Together we can make a difference in our Industry by partnering and sharing knowledge and innovations that reduce the environmental impact, whilst still securing hygiene and efficiency.”
Tork PaperCircle is now available in 14 countries in Europe, reaching more than 35 million users in airports, offices and other locations. It is just one example of Essity’s contribution to the climate goals of the Paris Agreement, and as a Global Compact signatory, towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
