Why does reusable cotton reduce the environmental impact of your washrooms?

Reusable cotton: a simple choice to reduce your footprint

The reusable hand‑drying model has a lower impact than single‑use solutions because a single cotton roll can replace more than 30 000 paper sheets and be used 100 times before being recycled. 

Thanks to its circular model, CO₂ emissions can be reduced by 60%, and waste generation by 95%. And while the cotton solution consumes 2,5 times more water than paper, 95% of this consumption comes from cotton manufacturing, with only the remaining 5% linked to the washing of the cotton rolls. 

These figures come from a Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) conducted in 2024, a scientific and internationally recognised method. In practical terms, this means less waste to manage and a solution that better aligns with your CSR commitments. 

ACV

Did you know? Cotton still has a lower environmental impact than recycled paper — with 45% fewer CO₂ emissions, 35% less fossil energy use, and 95% less waste. •

Compare the impact of your hand‑drying solutions in just one click

Elis provides an online environmental calculator to help you estimate the benefits of choosing reusable cotton. You can obtain your results instantly and download them as a PDF. 

Discover how cotton rolls can reduce your CO₂ emissions, waste generation, or fossil resource consumption.

Calculate my environmental impact

Understanding LCA: a complete view of a product’s impact

Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) measures the environmental impact of a product at every stage: raw material extraction, manufacturing, transport, use, and end of life. 

This scientific methodology, governed by international standards (ISO 14040/44), provides a precise and objective assessment. It relies on recognised databases (Ecoinvent 3.11, PEFCR 3.1, ADEME) and includes an independent critical review (ISO 14070) to guarantee the robustness of the results. 

The analysis confirmed that the cotton roll, integrated into Elis’ circular service model based on rental‑maintenance, represents a significantly more sustainable alternative to single‑use paper.

Cycle

The LCA “Drying a pair of hands with cotton versus paper” was carried out following a strict protocol and underwent a critical review compliant with ISO 14071, conducted by an independent expert (Gentiane GASTALDI – Gingko 21). It is based on ISO 14040 and ISO 14044 standards and uses the Environmental Footprint 3.1 method, ensuring a robust and scientifically recognised assessment.

  • Key assumptions

    • Cotton solution: rolls are reused many times, washed in industrial laundries, and then redistributed to customers. Their long lifespan (more than 100 uses) significantly reduces waste.

    • Paper solution: the study covers both common types — rolls and folded sheets — and provides a market‑representative average.

    • Scope of the study: the LCA covers the full life cycle, from raw material to end of life, and includes both the consumable and the dispenser. The results are representative of the entire Elis Group and thus valid across all countries.

    • Sensitivity analysis: several tests confirmed that conclusions remain stable even when key parameters vary (number of dryings, cotton lifespan, paper usage). Cotton remains better than paper as long as it is reused at least 30 times — whereas in the Elis model it is systematically reused more than 100 times.

  • Methodological framework

    The study relies on Elis internal data, the Ecoinvent 3.11 database, the PEFCR 3.1 guidelines, and the Simapro software for environmental modelling. It analyses several key indicators: climate change, water consumption, fossil resource use, particulate matter, and waste generation depending on the scenario.

FAQ

  • How was the LCA conducted?

    Data comes from internal sources and recognised tools (Simapro, Ecoinvent), using methodology compliant with ISO standards. The report was reviewed by an independent expert (Gingko 21).

  • What exactly does the LCA cover?

    The study includes both the consumable (cotton or paper) and the dispenser across their entire life cycle. The results are representative of the entire Elis Group and valid in all countries.

  • Are the results valid for all Elis washroom ranges?

    Yes, the order of magnitude remains unchanged regardless of the dispenser. The dispenser accounts for less than 5% of the total footprint.

  • Do the results change if assumptions vary?

    Sensitivity analyses show that conclusions remain stable even when parameters change. Cotton remains better than paper as long as it is reused at least 30 times, while in the Elis model it is reused more than 100 times.

  • What is the share of the consumable in the overall impact?

    The consumable represents more than 30% of the carbon footprint for reusable cotton, but more than 90% for disposable paper. The dispenser accounts for less than 5%, and delivery for less than 10%.

L’ACV coton vs. papier en images

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