Toilet paper might seem like one of life’s minor details, but if you’re a business, making the right choice matters more than you might expect. Taking a little time to consider what’s available and weigh up the pros and cons of the various options can reap a number of benefits for your business: reducing waste, improving hygiene, enhancing your staff or customer experience and, crucially, saving you money.

So, before you stock up on this store-cupboard staple, here’s a handy guide to the most common mistakes businesses make when choosing toilet paper, along with our top tips for avoiding them.

Mistake #1: choosing the wrong type of commercial toilet paper

Do you know your Jumbo from your Coreless? Your Mini Jumbo from your Standard? There are many different types of toilet roll out there, and the right choice depends on the unique needs of your business.

Standard Toilet Rolls are often the most cost-effective option if you have low footfall or small toilet areas. They don’t require a lot of space – either in use or in storage – plus they’re compatible with an array of traditional dispensers, which usually means they require less up-front investment.

At the other end of the scale, Jumbo Toilet Rolls are an ideal choice if your toilets have high footfall, as they offer a lower cost-per-sheet than Standard Toilet Rolls. They also cut down on maintenance because they don’t need to be changed as frequently, saving your business both time and money.

Mini Jumbo Toilet Rolls bridge the gap between Standard and Jumbo nicely, offering an economical solution for medium-footfall businesses and premises that need high capacity but don’t want or have space for the more bulky Jumbo rolls.

Last but by no means least, Coreless Toilet Rolls are the ultimate low-waste option. Each roll is 100% usable paper with no cardboard core, making them a planet-friendly choice that’s also very low-maintenance, as refills are less frequent and there’s absolutely nothing to dispose of at the end. And – bonus – they eliminate the age-old problem of having unsightly empty tubes lying around!

If you need some tailored guidance to help you choose the right loo roll for your business, we’re here to help.

Mistake #2: using the wrong type of toilet roll for your dispenser

Whether you have existing toilet roll dispensers in place or are shopping for new ones, matching the right dispenser with the right toilet paper is essential. Each different roll type – Standard, Jumbo, Mini Jumbo and Coreless – requires a slightly different dispenser to function correctly, and this compatibility is the key to efficient toilet paper management.

A mismatch can lead to ineffective paper dispensing and even damaged dispensers, which results in unnecessary waste and increased costs. You’re also likely to pay the price in maintenance time, as replacements or refills may be needed more frequently. And let’s not forget that your staff or customers might just experience a paper jam at a crucial moment – nobody wants that!

Not sure which dispenser fits your toilet roll or vice versa? Discover our collection or contact our friendly team for expert advice – we’ll help you find the perfect pairing.

Mistake #3: ruling out Twin Dispenser Systems

If you’re still relying on single-roll dispensers, you could be missing out on a smarter, more efficient solution. Twin Dispenser Systems are designed to hold two rolls at once, allowing you to use up stub rolls on one side while keeping a fresh roll in reserve on the other. This means less waste, a more dependable experience and fewer refills – it quite literally halves the number of times you need to replace the toilet rolls!

Many businesses rule out a twin system, believing the up-front investment will be cost-prohibitive. That’s why we offer the Raphael Versatwin system to our customers on a ‘free on loan’ basis – which means you pay nothing for the dispensers when you commit to buying the toilet paper for three years. It’s a simple switch that can deliver significant savings for your business, particularly if you’re currently using an expensive system or struggling with issues like pilferage or whole rolls being flushed and causing blockages (a common challenge in schools).

Versatwin toilet rolls come in two great-value options: 100% recycled FSC-certified paper, ideal for sustainability-focused businesses or high-traffic toilets, and a softer 100% pure pulp variant, offering a more luxurious feel for front-of-house and premium environments.

If you’d like to find out more about switching to a twin dispenser system with no up-front cost, get in touch with our friendly team – we’d be delighted to help.

Mistake #4: overlooking the difference between 1-ply, 2-ply and 3-ply toilet paper

The term ‘ply’ refers to the number of layers of toilet paper in a single sheet. The higher the number of plys, the thicker, softer and more absorbent your toilet paper will be.

But what does this mean in terms of commercial use? Here’s a rough guide based on our decades of experience in supplying toilet paper to businesses of all shapes and sizes!

– If you need a budget-friendly option, and durability and comfort aren’t your top priorities, a 1-ply toilet paper will most certainly tick your boxes. Keep in mind, though, that this is the least absorbent variant, which means people tend to use more of it – so while the cost per sheet will be lower, you might find you go through a higher volume than you expect and negate the meterage saving.

– If you want to offer your employees and/or customers a better toilet experience, 2–ply toilet paper will be a more fitting choice. It’s more comfortable, more absorbent and less prone to breakage than 1-ply, equating to less waste overall.

– Looking for luxury? It’s got to be 3-ply toilet paper! For high-end businesses, such as hotels, restaurants or showrooms, 3-ply toilet roll delivers a premium feel that enhances customer experience and reinforces your brand’s commitment to quality.

Mistake #5: avoiding eco-friendly toilet roll

Think recycled toilet paper means rough, flimsy sheets? Think again! Today’s recycled options are made with high-quality materials that offer impressive softness, strength and value – all while reducing environmental impact. If you want to improve your sustainability credentials and make more eco-conscious choices, it’s a switch that makes sense for the planet and your business.

Explore our range of recycled toilet roll here.

Mistake #6: buying retail instead of using a wholesale toilet roll supplier

Many businesses assume that buying their toilet roll off the shelf from a retailer is a quick and convenient solution, but it usually results in you paying more overall. It also leaves you open to inconsistent quality and a frequent need to repurchase, costing you time as well as money.

Switching to a wholesale supplier for your toilet rolls and dispensers means you can buy in bulk, reducing your cost per roll and making your budget go further. Here at AUK Hygiene, we’re proud to offer a comprehensive range of wholesale toilet paper solutions with the competitive pricing and top quality we’re renowned for.

Our collection spans Standard, Jumbo, Mini Jumbo and Coreless toilet rolls – with recycled and non-recycled options available. We also offer a complementary range of toilet roll dispensers with sizes and functionality to suit all kinds of commercial toilet settings.

What’s more, our Core Stock Guarantee means you can count on us for a steady, stress-free supply of toilet paper that fits your dispensers, meets your needs and creates the experience you want for your staff or customers.

Ready to upgrade your toilet paper supply? Contact us today and we’ll help you avoid common mistakes and make the smartest choice for your business.

The AUK Promise

At AUK Hygiene, we pride ourselves on delivering an exceptional customer experience at every touchpoint.

Core Stock Guarantee
We work hard to ensure the products you need most are always in stock, so you can count on them being available 24/7.

Innovative Account Management
Our customer portal empowers you to manage your products, orders, users, delivery sites, budgets and financials quickly and easily through one user-friendly portal.

Easy Ordering – even across multiple sites
Our unique Easy Access QR Code ordering system enables site workers to order from pre-approved collections of products, making the administration of multi-site stock management straightforward.

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We operate a fleet of delivery vehicles, offering a personalised delivery service to businesses across the South West and further afield. All our drivers are security checked and can make deliveries to secure sites.

Next Day Delivery anywhere in the UK
We deliver next day to most of mainland UK (and to the British Isles, subject to transportation links) using our own delivery network, or a carefully selected courier service.

Smart Scheduling Software
We’ll keep you updated with your order status and delivery schedule every step of the way.

Excellent Customer Service
Our dedicated UK-based Customer Care team is available by email or telephone to assist you with any queries throughout your purchasing experience.

6 common mistakes businesses make when choosing toilet paper

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