A large-scale international survey reveals that the post-pandemic era has fundamentally reshaped expectations for commercial restrooms, with a strong emphasis on enhanced hygiene and touchless technology. Conducted by global market research firm MetrixLab in partnership with Excel Dryer, Inc., the study gathered insights from architects, designers, and consumers across the United States, Europe, and Asia.
According to the findings, architects and interior designers—key decision-makers in restroom design—reported three universal shifts in the industry. These include more stringent cleaning protocols, a significant increase in demand for touchless fixtures, and a greater need for space to allow for social distancing. These changes reflect a new baseline for hygiene, operational efficiency, and user confidence in commercial environments.
When specifying hand-drying solutions for new construction or renovations, design professionals now prioritize visual aesthetics, hygiene performance, and touchless operation. The study notes that architects and designers widely agree that touchless hand dryers are more hygienic, sustainable, and require less maintenance compared to paper towels.
The survey also highlights a significant change in public behavior, with 75% of U.S. consumers now washing their hands up to 10 times daily—a sharp increase from pre-pandemic habits. This frequency amplifies the operational and environmental burdens associated with paper towels, including labor, waste, and maintenance. Correspondingly, 89% of global consumers now state a preference for touchless hand dryers, signaling broad acceptance of automated drying methods.
Globally, the survey of over 4,000 participants found a unanimous consensus that a dirty restroom reflects poorly on a business. Respondents overwhelmingly identified paper towels on the floor and overflowing trash cans as the primary indicators of an unclean facility, reinforcing the market’s demand for more dependable and sustainable hand-drying solutions.
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