Paper towel

A disposable absorbent sheet made from paper, used to dry hands, wipe surfaces, and clean spills. Its porous fiber network draws in liquid and is discarded after use.

Cellulose: A structural polysaccharide that forms the main framework of plant cell walls. Cellulose fibers make up the absorbent web that holds liquid between fibers.
Wood pulp: A fibrous material produced by separating cellulose fibers from wood. Most paper towels begin with wood pulp as their fiber source.
Hand drying: The removal of moisture from hands after washing or contact with water. Paper towels dry hands while also allowing friction to remove residual microbes.
Paper recycling: The collection and reprocessing of used paper into new paper products. Clean, dry towels may be recyclable, but food, grease, or cleaning chemicals often prevent recycling.
Cotton towel: A reusable absorbent textile towel made primarily from cotton fibers. Cotton towels can be laundered instead of discarded after each cleaning task.
Capillary action: Liquid movement through narrow spaces caused by surface tension and adhesion. Narrow gaps between fibers draw spilled liquid into the sheet.
Recycled paper: Paper recovered and processed into fiber for making new paper products. Recovered fibers can be used in towels, though repeated processing shortens them.
Paper towel dispenser: A device that stores and presents paper towels for use. Dispensers control access and can reduce unnecessary sheet use.
Composting: The controlled biological decomposition of organic materials into a stable soil amendment. Uncontaminated paper towels can break down in suitable composting systems.
Air dryer: A device that dries hands by moving ambient or heated air over them. Air dryers replace sheets with powered airflow in shared washrooms.

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