Cut down on germs spread by restroom waste — check out the “secret ingredients” in these paper towels

by Brianna Crandall — November 6, 2020 — Defend Tech hand towels from Sofidel’s Papernet brand are one of the latest solutions launched to support the new standard of cleanliness as facilities managers (FM) strive to keep building occupants and visitors safe from the threat of COVID-19. The paper towels are infused with orange essential oils, which have the ability to kill germs captured on the paper itself. According to Sofidel, a worldwide manufacturer of paper for hygienic and domestic use, essential oils have many applications because of various properties — they are antimicrobial, stress-relieving and gentle on delicate skin.

Papernet Defend Tech paper towels

Papernet Defend Tech paper towels are infused with orange essential oils, which have the ability to kill germs captured on the paper itself. Image courtesy Sofidel

Fabio Vitali, vice president, Marketing, Sofidel, remarked:

Sofidel, with its professional brands including Papernet, is positioning itself as the leader in innovative hygienic solutions with an emphasis on sustainability. In addition to our award-winning Bio Tech, Dissolve Tech and Freshen Tech products, Defend Tech hand towels are yet another example of how we are innovating as the pandemic progresses to deliver solutions that reduce the spread of germs. The public is more concerned than ever about the cleanliness of facilities, making Defend Tech a smart choice for use in restrooms and other high-traffic areas.

A new survey of 2,070 US adults, conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of Sofidel, reveals a desire for hygienic hand towels like Defend Tech with orange essential oils. The survey found nearly nine in 10 Americans (89%) would be interested in using paper towels that can kill bacteria that is captured on the paper when they use them. Additionally, more than four in five Americans (84%) say if a facility offered paper towels at hand-washing stations that can kill bacteria that is captured on the paper when they use them, it would positively impact their perception of that facility. The survey was conducted online October 19-21, 2020, among 2,070 US adults ages 18 and older.

Defend Tech hand towels are paired with sleek dispensers that incorporate silver-ion technology to repel and kill germs on the surface of the dispenser. This helps keep hands cleaner, even if they come into contact with the dispenser. In turn, clean hands spread fewer pathogens to surfaces and other people.

Vitali added:

Wet hands attract and spread more germs than dry hands, so the use of paper towels is essential for complete hand hygiene. We specifically selected orange essential oils for their unique ability to target pathogens and soothe delicate skin after handwashing.

For more information, visit the Sofidel Papernet website.

Sofidel launched the Papernet Defend Tech range of hygiene solutions for public spaces and the workplace in May, with new products developed specifically to guarantee proper hygiene thanks to the antibacterial, antimicrobial and sanitizing features of the active ingredients used.

Papernet Defend Tech is a system of specifically designed products: hydroalcoholic gel with over 70% alcohol, antibacterial dispensers, antibacterial plastic bins, antimicrobial soap, disposable tissue paper with antibacterial active principles (hand towels, interfolded toilet paper, wiper rolls). The product range also includes door tissue hand towels to protect freshly washed hands when touching surfaces like door handles and taps.