Eliminating barriers to hygiene in public restroom

Every day, people around the world face visible and invisible barriers to restroom hygiene – due to a range of individual abilities, needs and circumstances. ​
Young child plays with water from a hard to reach tap​

Inclusive hygiene in public restrooms

Inclusive hygiene in public restrooms means creating environments that consider these diverse needs, making hygiene accessible to all. Tork aims to advance hygiene for as many people as possible by identifying and addressing barriers in the restroom environment. 

Individual abilities, needs or circumstances 

Throughout our lives, many of us at some point face barriers to hygiene when visiting public restrooms. Nearly 1 in 2 people are likely to face barriers in the public restroom.¹ The problem is, it’s only the people who face the barriers that are aware of them. ​ 

Older woman washing her hands​

Mobility limitations

Individuals can have different capabilities impacting mobility, reach, and hand strength.

Young boy covering his ears due to loud noise​

Auditory sensitivities

Some people are more sensitive to loud noises than others, especially people who are neurodivergent (e.g autism) and young children.

Student washing hands and dispensing soap

Hygiene concerns

Many people avoid public toilets and handwashing due to poor hygienic environment.

Red and itchy hands due to skin dermatitis/eczema​

Skin sensitivites

Some soaps contain ingredients that can worsen condition. 

The Inclusive Hygiene Playbook: A Better Restroom for All

When restrooms fall short, people notice, and facilities pay the price –our playbook offers research-backed insights and tips to empower teams to improve hygiene for a larger group of individuals.
Read playbook

Tork Coalition for Inclusive Hygiene

The coalition is comprised of a group of experts and advocates who are passionate about finding solutions to the hygiene barriers that people face in public restrooms. Meet our expert:

Image of, Dr. Steven Soifer, a Tork Coalition member, actively supporting efforts to advance inclusive hygiene in public restrooms

Dr. Steven Soifer

American Restroom Association, and Adjunct Professor at Adelphi University

Image of, Dan Rocker, a Tork Coalition member, actively supporting efforts to advance inclusive hygiene in public restrooms

Dan Rocker

Licensed Clinical Social Worker and President of International Paruresis Association

Image of, Lee Moreau, a Tork Coalition member, actively supporting efforts to advance inclusive hygiene in public restrooms

Lee Moreau

Founder of Other Tomorrows and Prof. of Practice Design at Northeastern University

Image of, Uma Srivastava, a Tork Coalition member, actively supporting efforts to advance inclusive hygiene in public restrooms

Uma Srivastava

Executive Director at KultureCity

A restroom with three sinks, oval mirrors, and a mix of wood and green tile accents, including paper towel and soap dispensers
Restroom guide

Reimagining your public restrooms ​- a practical guide

Discover how to create an improved public restroom experience with our practical guide focused on people, planet and efficiency.
Read guide

Tork makes hygiene easy for everyone ​ 

Tork has a long history in designing for all. ​In 2010, Tork received the first Easy to use certification, followed by Tork Easy Handling® for its packaging design. ​In late 2024, Tork received the world’s first certification for meeting Design for All standard EN17161.2 ​

Mother carrying her child​

Design for ​All

The certification applies to Tork dispenser development for hand soap, paper towels, toilet paper, napkins, wiping products and waste bins.

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Older woman pushing soap dispenser​

Easy to use

Systems are designed for those with reduced hand function. Many Tork dispensers are certified Easy to use by the Swedish Rheumatism Association.​

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Cleaning staff carrying packaging with both hands​

Easy to handle and carry

Tork Easy Handling® ergonomic packaging for easier carrying, ​opening and disposing.​

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Child and parent washing hands​

Kind to skin

Dermatologically tested soaps. Tork Foam soaps are made with 99% ingredients from natural origin.3

Read more

References

  1.  Tork Insight Survey 2025, conducted in US, UK, Germany, France, Mexico, Canada, Australia, Spain, Sweden, Netherlands and Poland among 11,500 from the general public and 1,000 cleaning staff. 54% of respondents reported experiencing, without limitation, physical conditions or self-diagnosed conditions, e.g. eczema, chronic pain, general anxiety, claustrophobia.​
  2. Design for All is a development process that considers diverse user needs to encourage and promote accessibility of products and services by as many people as possible. ​
  3. According to ISO 16128, including water.