Hand dryers versus paper towels - analysis of environmental impact

Daily activities, such as hand drying, can surprisingly have a significant impact on the state of the natural environment. Paper towels and hand dryers are equally effective in maintaining hygiene, but differ in terms of greenhouse gas emissions, resource utilization, and impact on air and water quality. In this article, we will analyze the carbon footprint of both solutions, their impact on smog, ozone layer depletion, eutrophication, and acidification of the ecosystem. You will learn which solution is more environmentally friendly and how modern technologies minimize their impact on the environment.

Daily activities, such as hand drying, can surprisingly have a significant impact on the state of the natural environment. Paper towels and hand dryers are equally effective in maintaining hygiene, but differ in greenhouse gas emissions, resource usage, and impact on air and water quality. In this article, we will analyze the carbon footprint of both solutions, their impact on smog, depletion of the ozone layer, as well as eutrophication and acidification of ecosystems. You will learn which solution is more environmentally friendly and how modern technologies minimize their impact on the environment.

Carbon Footprint

Carbon footprint is the emission of greenhouse gases produced by a product or service throughout its life cycle.

Traditional hot air dryers consume a significant amount of electricity, increasing the emission of carbon dioxide, especially when fossil fuels are the main source of energy. Additionally, heat released from the air during drying can raise the temperature in the room, thus increasing the amount of energy needed to cool air-conditioned spaces.

Modern energy-efficient dryers use a strong airflow instead of heating it. Pocket dryers due to the lack of need for heating the air and short drying time (usually 10 to 15 seconds) consume less energy and can reduce CO2 emissions by up to 80% compared to older models. It should be mentioned that many modern dryers are equipped with intelligent energy management systems, and energy efficiency is a priority for their designers, which helps to further reduce their carbon footprint.

Paper towels emit up to 70% more CO2 than modern hand dryers. Paper production also uses chemicals that pollute water and soil. In addition, the long-distance transport of finished towels contributes to greenhouse gas emissions.

Smog and ozone layer degradation

Smog and depletion of the ozone layer are very harmful to human health and ecosystems. Smog contains toxic particles and gases that cause respiratory and cardiovascular diseases and increase the risk of cancer. On the other hand, the decreasing ozone layer increases UV radiation reaching the Earth, which leads to more skin cancer, weakened immune system, and degradation of ecosystems - especially water and forests. These two phenomena are the result of human activity and must be prevented.

The latest research conducted by Excel Dryer and TrueNorth Collective shows that electric hand dryers are more effective than paper towels in reducing smog and potential depletion of the ozone layer by 95%. Here's why:

The processes used to produce paper towels release volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which contribute to the formation of smog. Hand dryers do not emit VOCs during operation.

Paper towels have to travel long distances from production to distribution points, which results in vehicle emissions that contribute to smog. Hand dryers are one-time installations with low emissions during transportation.

Production of paper towels involves bleaching and other chemical processes, which contribute to air pollution and smog. Hand dryers avoid these chemical emissions.

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and other substances that deplete the ozone layer may be used in the production of paper towels. Hand dryers do not use these chemicals in production or operation.

Large amounts of chemicals used in the production of paper towels release substances that deplete the ozone layer. Hand dryers do not require these chemicals.

Hand dryers eliminate paper towels and other waste, which cause landfill overflow and methane emissions - a major greenhouse gas.

Eutrophication and acidification

Excess nutrients in water bodies lead to the growth of algae and other plants. This can deplete the water of oxygen and harm aquatic life and water quality. Acidification means that soil, rain, and water become more acidic - this can damage ecosystems, buildings, and biodiversity.

A life cycle analysis study has shown that electric hand dryers better protect clean water than paper towels. Modern dryers provide up to 93% lower eutrophication potential (kg of N equivalent) and up to 92% lower acidification potential (kg of SO2 equivalent) compared to processed paper towels. Here's why:

Hand dryers eliminate the production of paper pulp, which releases chemicals such as bleaching agents that cause eutrophication and acidification.

The production of paper towels results in wastewater with pollutants, which contribute to eutrophication and acidification. Hand dryers do not produce such wastewater and do not require any disposable products.

Transport emissions from hand dryers are cheaper than mass shipping of paper towels, thereby reducing acidifying emissions.

Paper towels end up in landfills, where their decomposition can release acids into groundwater. Hand dryers reduce the amount of waste that needs to be disposed of.

Save natural resources

Ecological hand drying also means less use of natural resources, such as wood, water, and energy.

Producing paper towels consumes a lot of wood and water. Currently, billions of paper towels are used worldwide every year - contributing to deforestation and increased waste in landfills.

Hand dryers do not require cutting down trees and do not produce any waste. However, they do require electricity - the more renewable energy sources in the region, the more environmentally friendly their use is.

If you have to use paper towels, choose recycled paper towels, created through the recycling process, which are less harmful to the environment. Recycling paper saves water and energy compared to producing towels from primary materials. Additionally, more and more companies are introducing compostable towels, which can decompose in nature without impacting the ecosystem.

Energy balance in the life cycle of a hand dryer

Modern hand dryers - especially stream models - have a positive energy balance.

A hand dryer requires resources and energy for production, but its lifespan (often over 10 years) means that the impact on each use is insignificant. Modern hand dryers are also designed to be recycled, making them less harmful to the environment when they break down.

Hand dryers with a power of up to 1600 W consume up to 80% less energy than older models, which run longer and use heating elements during use. In most energy-efficient models, motion sensors activate the device only when it is actually being used.

Many hand dryers are made from recyclable materials such as stainless steel and aluminum. Hand dryer manufacturers are increasingly offering programs for collecting used devices for upgrading or reusing parts.

Summary

As we can see, the choice of hand drying method can have a significant impact on the environment, and a life cycle analysis of different solutions shows that modern hand dryers are more environmentally friendly than paper towels. Modern hand dryer models have a lower carbon footprint and cause lower greenhouse gas emissions, as well as not contributing to water and air pollution. Hand dryers, unlike paper towels, also do not generate waste in landfills or harmful substances such as methane. Their longer lifespan and recyclability make them a more sustainable solution. Using modern hand dryers can reduce the impact on the environment and help promote more eco-friendly habits in everyday life.