Gone are the days of Ouma’s crocheted toilet roll holders, those sweet, beautiful woollen animals or patterned covers prompted atop the toilet.

As public spaces have become where most of us spend our time: school, work, restaurants, malls, etc., there is a need for more practical, durable and sanitary toilet roll holders. Often overlooked, toilet roll holders are crucial in our daily lives.

This article explores the evolution of toilet roll holders from simple fixtures to sophisticated bathroom accessories. It offers advice to South African business and commercial property owners on what to look for in this landscape.

The Evolution of Toilet Roll Holders

Toilet roll holders were originally simple spindles or nails. But as bathrooms evolved, the design became decorative. In more recent times, these holders combined practicality and style. Today, you can find holders made of various materials with innovative features.

Modern designs, such as stainless steel or clear-finished plastic, look great and offer innovative features to make our lives easier. For instance, some holders come with shelves for your phone that keep it within reach while you use the bathroom. Others are designed to hold jumbo rolls, ensuring that you don’t run out of toilet paper as often. Then, there are touchless toilet paper dispensers, which are perfect for those who prioritise hygiene.

Regardless of the style, the function remains the same – to keep toilet paper organised, easy to access and sanitary for others in more public/communal bathrooms.

Toilet Roll Holders in Public Spaces

Toilet roll holders in public spaces have unique requirements that must be met.

These holders must be durable enough to withstand vandalism and accommodate heavy daily usage.

In the past few years, a substantial effort has been made to develop toilet roll dispensers suitable for public spaces. The primary goal is to design high-capacity dispensers that require less maintenance and need to be refilled less often.

Toilet paper holders have become increasingly important in public spaces because they are crucial in ensuring they are comfortable and accessible for everyone.

Toilet Roll Holders in the Workplace

Maintaining workplace bathrooms can be challenging. Balancing practicality and hygiene is crucial; otherwise, it can be a nightmare for those in charge of keeping them clean.

Toilet paper, soap dispensers and hand dryers are crucial components of any bathroom, and they must be designed while keeping both factors in mind. Lockable holders help keep the contents secure, while non-contact holders minimise the risk of germ transmission.

Advancements in holder technology have made maintaining clean, hygienic, and practical workplace bathrooms easier. This is crucial, as having a clean and hygienic bathroom is essential for the well-being and productivity of employees.

The Future of Toilet Roll Holders

With new technologies and growing concerns about the environment, the future of the toilet roll holder is set to change.

Integration of sensors for touch-free toilet roll dispensing: This innovation is already being used in some public restrooms and will eventually become more common in households. Not only does it make the restroom experience more hygienic, but it also reduces the amount of paper wasted due to accidental dispensing.

Use of recycled or eco-friendly toilet roll holders: Manufacturers are responding to the growing concern about the environmental impact of paper production and waste disposal. Using recycled or environmentally friendly materials can reduce their carbon footprint while providing consumers with a more sustainable product.

A Note to South African Business Owners

When making purchases for your bathroom, it’s essential to understand the products you’re buying and who your bathroom will cater to. This information can help you make informed decisions regarding your purchases.

Some factors may include:

1. Assessing Bathroom Traffic: High-traffic bathrooms require durable, easy-to-clean, and efficient products that can withstand constant use and reduce maintenance.
2. Understanding User Demographics: If your bathroom is open to both employees and the public, consider products that meet diverse needs, such as a family-friendly bathroom
3. Durability and Maintenance: In high-traffic bathrooms, products should be durable and easy to maintain. This means selecting materials that resist wear and tear and simple designs to clean.
4. Hygiene Considerations: Hygiene is crucial when multiple people are using a product. Touchless or hands-free options may be preferred.
5. Compliance and Accessibility: Ensure that products comply with accessibility regulations for individuals with a disability.
6. Aesthetic Consistency: The bathroom products should have a design that matches the overall aesthetic, creating a more cohesive experience.
7. Budget: Investing in high-quality, durable products may have a higher upfront cost but can lead to savings in the long run due to lower replacement and maintenance costs.

The Nuwkem Green Light

At Nuwkem, we understand the ever-changing needs of users in various settings, which is why we offer a wide range of toilet roll holders.

Our innovative approach to design and evolving relationships with our suppliers ensures that our products are always ahead of the curve. Whilst this doesn’t mean we offer every variation of toilet roll holders, it does mean that we strive to offer the best-suited products for our clients’ needs.

With constant advancements in the field, we are excited to see what features and functionalities our next-generation bathroom accessories, such as toilet roll holders, will offer.