ECJ EUROPEAN Cleaning Journal

Essity brand Tork has announced the Tork dispenser development process is the first in the world to be certified according to the Design for All standard (EN 17161). This approach aims to make hygiene in public spaces accessible for the majority of users.

"We are committed to making public hygiene accessible to the majority of users by working to eliminate visible and invisible barriers to hygiene," explained Kristian Grennfelt, global brand innovation director, professional hygiene, Essity.

"Washrooms are the busiest rooms in a building, and when businesses provide washrooms designed to meet the needs of many, it not only improves their reputation but also improves their overall business. In fact, nearly 90 per cent of people say it's important for them to have easy access to hygiene in public, particularly in the washroom. It's clear that providing inclusive hygiene in washrooms is good for people and for business."

Applying design for all principles to the Tork dispenser development process helps reduce barriers to hygiene for users with a range of conditions, capabilities, neuro-diversities, general hygiene concerns and in various stages of life.

For example, the Tork PeakServe range of hand towel dispensers was designed with low pull force, accommodating people with varying hand strength, such as children, and is certified as Easy to Use by the Swedish Rheumatism Association.

"Designing better products for all users - including cleaning and maintenance staff - is a long-held philosophy that has always guided our way of working," Grennfelt continued.

Essity began pursuing certification according to the Design for All standard in 2020, even though no organisations were accredited to certify it at the time. Its commitment to obtaining Design for All certification resulted in RISE Research Institutes of Sweden, an independent state-owned research institute, becoming the first to be accredited and able to offer the certification.

The Tork dispenser design and development process will be audited annually by RISE according to the Design for All standard (EN 17161:2019. Design for All - Accessibility following a Design for All approach in products, goods and services - Extending the range of users).