Choosing paper products for a trade site comes down to three things: the right product type for the task, a product that fits the dispenser already on your wall, and cost per use rather than price per case. Get those right and you cut waste, reduce how often staff refill dispensers, and keep washrooms and work areas stocked without overspending.

This guide covers the main types of commercial paper, what to check before you order, and how to compare products fairly. It is written for facilities managers, workshops, farms, food production sites and cleaning contractors across Norfolk and East Anglia.

The main types of trade paper products

Most sites need a combination of the following. Each type is built for a different job, so using the wrong one costs you money.

• Folded hand towels (C-fold, Z-fold, V-fold or M-fold). These dispense one sheet at a time and suit washrooms where you want controlled use.
• Rolled hand towels. These are used in roll-towel dispensers, including controlled-length and automatic systems, and generally need changing less often than folded stacks.
• Toilet tissue. This comes in standard domestic-size rolls, mini jumbo and jumbo rolls for high-traffic washrooms, and bulk-pack sheets for controlled dispensers.
• Centrefeed rolls. These pull from the centre of the roll and are a general-purpose option for kitchens, washrooms and light workshop wiping.
• Industrial wiper rolls. These are heavier rolls for workshops, garages and production areas. They are usually used on floor stands or wall brackets.
• Hygiene and couch rolls. These are used to cover treatment couches and work surfaces.

You can see the range on our paper products page. If you need something we do not list, we can source it to order.

Start with the dispenser

Mismatched stock is the most common ordering mistake we see. Many washroom dispensers are designed for one specific roll format, core size or fold type. Some proprietary systems will only accept their own refills. Paper that does not fit either jams, gets wasted or never reaches the wall.

• Note the make and model of every dispenser on site before you order.
• If you are refitting a washroom, choose the dispenser and the paper together.
• If you are changing paper supplier, confirm that the new product suits your existing dispensers before you switch the whole site.

Send us your dispenser details and we will confirm which products fit. If you are planning a wider refit, our washroom and kitchen supplies cover dispensers as well as the soaps and consumables that go alongside them.

Ply, material and absorbency

Paper is described by ply (the number of layers) and by material, which is usually virgin pulp, recycled fibre or a blend. More plies and virgin pulp generally give a softer, stronger sheet. Single-ply and recycled papers usually cost less per sheet. Which is better depends on the task:

• For client-facing washrooms, comfort and appearance carry more weight.
• For staff washrooms on high-traffic sites, controlled dispensing and roll capacity usually matter more than softness.
• For workshops and garages, the paper needs to stay strong when wet and when wiping oil or grease. A heavier wiper roll often does the job with fewer sheets.
• For food production and catering, do not assume any paper is approved for direct food contact. If paper will touch food, ask us for the manufacturer’s documentation for that specific product before you use it that way.

Judge cost per use, not price per case

A cheaper case is not always cheaper to run. To compare two products fairly:

• Divide the case price by the total number of sheets, or total metres, in the case. This gives you the cost per sheet or per metre.
• Think about how many sheets a person actually uses. A stronger, more absorbent towel often means fewer sheets per hand-dry.
• Include labour. Larger rolls mean fewer refills and fewer complaints about empty dispensers.
• Include waste. Open rolls and loose stacks tend to get over-used. Controlled dispensers limit how much paper is taken at once.

This is the same principle behind our concentrated chemicals, where cost per litre of working solution matters more than the price of the barrel. With paper, the deciding figure is cost per use. We are happy to work through the numbers with you using the products you currently buy.

Your welfare duties

Under the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992, employers must provide suitable washing facilities, including towels or another suitable means of drying. The HSE’s guidance Welfare at work (INDG293) explains what this means in practice. To meet this duty, keep enough stock on site that washrooms never run out. For wider health and safety advice, our sister company Milne Safety can help.

Storage and stock control

• Store paper somewhere dry and off the floor. Damp paper weakens and can spoil.
• Keep paper away from chemical storage areas.
• Rotate stock so the oldest cases are used first.
• Set a minimum stock level for each product so you reorder before you run short.

Frequently asked questions

Should we use folded or rolled hand towels?

Folded towels suit low to medium traffic and are simple to refill. Rolled towels in a controlled dispenser usually suit busy washrooms better, because they hold more paper and limit how much is taken at once. Your existing dispensers may make the decision for you.

Will your paper fit our current dispensers?

Send us the dispenser make and model, or a photo, and we will confirm which products fit before you order.

Is recycled paper suitable for workshops?

It can be, depending on the product. For oily or heavy-duty wiping, a stronger wiper roll may get the job done with fewer sheets. Ask for samples and test them on your own work.

Can we trial products before ordering in volume?

Yes. Samples are available for trial on request, so you can test fit, strength and how quickly the paper is used on your own site.

Get a quote for your site

Milne Chemicals is a trade supplier in Wymondham, Norfolk, and part of the Milne Safety group, which was established in 1978. We work on quotations. Tell us which dispensers you have and roughly how much you use, and we will recommend products and price them for you. We offer free delivery on orders over 50 pounds across East Anglia, including Wymondham, Norwich, Attleborough, Dereham and Thetford. We aim to despatch within 2 days, with a maximum of two pallets per delivery. Call 01953 607093 (option 2) or contact us for a paper products quote. Samples are available on request.