Tork introduces Inclusive Hygiene category to Loo of the Year Awards
Entrants to this year’s Loo of the Year Award will have the chance to compete for a brand-new award from headline sponsor Tork, an Essity brand and a global leader in professional hygiene
The Tork Inclusive Hygiene Award forms part of the Loo of the Year Awards for the first time in 2026. It recognises those providers of washrooms that are particularly comfortable and welcoming for people with a wide range of needs.
“Our research shows that 54 per cent of people experience some form of difficulty when using a public washroom depending on their individual conditions and circumstances,” said Essity’s Amelia Baker, Brand Activation Manager.
“The design and environment of the toilets can create barriers that limit comfortable use for around half of all washroom users. Conditions such as anxiety, sensory sensitivities or paruresis – also known as shy bladder syndrome – are often not visible, and washroom design can influence how easy and comfortable the space is to use. When facilities do not meet user needs, businesses risk their reputation and may lose revenue and customer loyalty.”
Everyone who enters this year’s Loo of the Year Awards will be invited to tick a box on the application form confirming that they would also like to be considered for the Tork Inclusive Hygiene Award.
“Hygiene for all” is a core pillar of the Tork sustainability policy, says Baker. “We want to celebrate those organisations that go beyond compliance to create washrooms that are comfortable, welcoming and considerate for the majority of users,” she said. “This includes thoughtful design, availability of essential supplies, privacy, sensory-friendly features and support for cleaning teams. By recognising these efforts we aim to inspire best practice and raise the bar for washroom experiences everywhere.”
Tork is leading a global initiative to make public spaces more welcoming, comfortable and functional for all. The aim is to remove barriers to hygiene and ensure that publicly-used washrooms meet the needs of as many people as possible.
The Tork Inclusive Hygiene in Public Washrooms Initiative received an Amsterdam Innovation Award in the “Sustainability & Environment” category this spring. Further recognition has come from the European Cleaning & Hygiene Awards 2026, where both Tork and the Loo of the Year Awards have been named finalists in the Best Initiative Raising the Profile of the Cleaning Sector category. These nominations highlight the positive impact of collaborating to highlight the important role that hygiene and washroom facilities play in public wellbeing.
The Loo of the Year Awards is open to all away-from-home facilities in the UK, Republic of Ireland, Isle of Man and the Channel Islands. Customers, visitors, staff members, managers, owners and contractors are invited to nominate a facility for any one of the 63 individual awards categories. These include hospitality, retail, healthcare and transport which means the winning toilets could be situated anywhere from a shopping centre, hotel, restaurant or school to a doctor’s surgery, airport or service station.
“We are delighted to be introducing the Tork Inclusive Hygiene Award as part of the 2026 Loo of the Year Awards programme,” said Loo of the Year’s Managing Director Becky Wall. “Inclusive washroom provision is becoming increasingly important as organisations strive to create facilities that are welcoming, comfortable and accessible for all users, regardless of their individual needs or circumstances.
“At the Loo of the Year Awards our aim has always been to recognise excellence and encourage continual improvement in washroom standards. This new award category aligns perfectly with that objective by highlighting the importance of thoughtful design, user comfort and the removal of barriers that can prevent people from confidently using public facilities.
“We are proud to be working alongside Tork to raise awareness of inclusive hygiene and to celebrate those organisations that are leading the way in creating washrooms that genuinely meet the needs of a diverse range of users. We look forward to recognising and sharing examples of best practice from across the UK and Ireland.”
The awards event will take place on January 13 2027 at the National Motorcycle Museum in Solihull. Entries can be made via the Loo of the Year website at www.loo.co.uk.