Environmental Impact of Hand-Drying Systems: 2026 Life Cycle Assessment Update

Following an earlier study conducted in 2019, CE Delft has carried out an updated life cycle assessment (LCA) of the main hand-drying systems. The findings form the basis for sustainability advice on Sustainable Public Procurement (SPP).

Results: Electric hand dryers have the lowest environmental impact
The analysis shows that electric hand dryers have the lowest environmental impact, followed by paper towels and cotton roll towels. For electric hand dryers, the environmental impact is primarily determined by energy consumption during use. Modern hand dryers with low power consumption, a standby mode and a short drying time perform best, particularly when powered by renewable energy (wind and solar).
For paper towels and cotton roll towels, both user behaviour and the choice of materials determine the environmental impact.

Recommendations

• When purchasing hand dryers, opt for modern models with low power consumption, a standby mode and a short drying time.
• Encourage users to use as few paper towels or pulls as possible per drying session.
• For paper towels, give preference to recycled paper produced using renewable energy, as this has a lower impact on biodiversity. Unbleached paper is a good alternative.
• Choose cotton roll towels made from recycled cotton or alternative fibres, and increase the number of reuses (up to 125 times).
• Use renewable energy sources for both electric hand dryers and the washing and drying of cotton roll towels.