Tork Launches Coalition for Inclusive Hygiene to Improve Public Restrooms
Tork, a brand under Essity and a global leader in professional hygiene, has introduced the Tork Coalition for Inclusive Hygiene. This initiative is dedicated to improving hygiene standards in public restrooms—often the most frequently used areas in a facility—to ensure they are more accessible and comfortable for all. Through this coalition, Tork aims to better understand the challenges individuals encounter in public restrooms and promote inclusive hygiene solutions.
The coalition brings together a team of experts and advocates committed to identifying and addressing hygiene-related obstacles in public restrooms. The founding members include:
The coalition brings together a team of experts and advocates committed to identifying and addressing hygiene-related obstacles in public restrooms. The founding members include:
- Dr. Steven Soifer – Co-Founder and Treasurer of the American Restroom Association (ARA) and Adjunct Professor at Adelphi University.
- Dan Rocker, LCSW – President of the International Paruresis Association (IPA), an organization that supports individuals with social anxiety around urination, commonly known as “shy bladder syndrome.”
- Lee Moreau – Founder & Director of Other Tomorrows, a design and strategy consultancy, and Professor of Practice, Design at Northeastern University.
Together with Tork, the coalition will work to raise awareness about the importance of inclusive hygiene in public restrooms and create resources that businesses and facilities can implement to improve restroom accessibility. With over 50 years of expertise in restroom product design and development, Tork has already received the world’s first Design for All certification for its dispenser development process.
“The launch of the Tork Coalition for Inclusive Hygiene marks a significant step in addressing a widespread public health concern affecting millions,” said Amy Bellcourt, VP of Communications at Essity. “Research indicates that 44% of individuals feel anxious about using public restrooms when away from home, often adjusting their daily plans, travel, and lifestyle around restroom accessibility. This can limit their experiences, deter them from revisiting establishments, or even prevent them from purchasing food and drinks at events due to restroom-related concerns.”
A recent Tork survey of more than 6,000 people across five countries found that:
“The launch of the Tork Coalition for Inclusive Hygiene marks a significant step in addressing a widespread public health concern affecting millions,” said Amy Bellcourt, VP of Communications at Essity. “Research indicates that 44% of individuals feel anxious about using public restrooms when away from home, often adjusting their daily plans, travel, and lifestyle around restroom accessibility. This can limit their experiences, deter them from revisiting establishments, or even prevent them from purchasing food and drinks at events due to restroom-related concerns.”
A recent Tork survey of more than 6,000 people across five countries found that:
- 44% plan their travel routes based on restroom availability.
- 38% avoid eating or drinking while out to reduce restroom use.
- 26% skip social events due to restroom concerns.
- 1 in 6 have left a job due to inadequate restroom facilities.
These findings highlight the widespread impact of restroom accessibility on individuals, businesses, and the broader economy.
“This goes beyond mere convenience—it’s a pressing issue that affects society at large,” Bellcourt continued. “While the Americans with Disabilities Act has played a crucial role in addressing some accessibility challenges, our research underscores the need for further action. By assembling a group of experts, Tork is committed to advancing this often-overlooked issue.”
Dr. Steven Soifer emphasized the importance of awareness: “Many people struggle with the challenges of public restrooms, yet these difficulties are not widely recognized. I’m honored to be part of a coalition that is bringing these issues to light, educating people, and providing actionable guidance for creating more inclusive public restrooms.”
The idea for the Coalition for Inclusive Hygiene stemmed from a roundtable discussion hosted by Tork in Washington, D.C., in summer 2024. In collaboration with the Global Handwashing Partnership, Tork gathered leading experts and representatives from both public and private sectors to explore the challenges people face in public restrooms. The discussion highlighted the significant impact of poor hygiene usability and reinforced the need for increased awareness and education on the topic.
Click here to know more about the key takeaways from the discussion.
“This goes beyond mere convenience—it’s a pressing issue that affects society at large,” Bellcourt continued. “While the Americans with Disabilities Act has played a crucial role in addressing some accessibility challenges, our research underscores the need for further action. By assembling a group of experts, Tork is committed to advancing this often-overlooked issue.”
Dr. Steven Soifer emphasized the importance of awareness: “Many people struggle with the challenges of public restrooms, yet these difficulties are not widely recognized. I’m honored to be part of a coalition that is bringing these issues to light, educating people, and providing actionable guidance for creating more inclusive public restrooms.”
The idea for the Coalition for Inclusive Hygiene stemmed from a roundtable discussion hosted by Tork in Washington, D.C., in summer 2024. In collaboration with the Global Handwashing Partnership, Tork gathered leading experts and representatives from both public and private sectors to explore the challenges people face in public restrooms. The discussion highlighted the significant impact of poor hygiene usability and reinforced the need for increased awareness and education on the topic.
Click here to know more about the key takeaways from the discussion.
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