There has long been the discussion over the benefit and disadvantages of hand dryers and paper towels - which is better for the environment/cheaper/more hygienic.
Both carry an environmental cost, but overall it is the hand dryers that use less energy (and therefore have a lower carbon footprint) than paper towels - including the transformation and manufacture.
It is because the hand dryers last much longer than paper towel dispensers - usually between 7 and 10 years - that they score better as manufacture costs are negligible.
However it is not always the case that hand towel are greener are there are manufacturers who specialize in the production of paper towels that are greener and more environmentally friendly.
These hand towels are composed of recycled material as the production of recycled paper takes 40% less energy and creating new paper.
However, paper towels once used cannot be recycled.
Hand dryers are also claimed to be more hygienic - however this is also under scrutiny from experts.
Some researchers have found that the hot air speeds up to the drying of the hands and thereby killing the microorganisms.
Handdryers can reach crevices in the hands that paper towels cannot reach even though the skin may appear drier.
Handy Dryers have been criticised for being too slow or noisy and not providing the public with access to towels to clean up spills.
Some reports have even found that the number of bacteria on the hands was found to increase on average after using a hand dryer rather than the reduction seen by using paper towels.
The spread of micro-organisms has been researched by experts as it is feared that more powerful handdryers can cause cross contamination.
After looking at the arguments, it seems it depends on personal choice as the difference seems to be so minuscule.
The best idea to find good janitorial supplies would be to contact your local hygiene supplies provider.
They will be able to advise you on where their products come from and the benefits they can offer you.