Understanding the Different Folds of Paper Towels for Optimal Use
Last Updated on 09/12/2025
Paper towels are a staple in both home and workplace environments, from busy office washrooms to warehouse sinks and kitchen areas. The way a paper towel is folded might seem like a small detail, but it makes a big difference to hygiene, ease of use, and how much you actually consume. Some folds are made for high-traffic washrooms with one-at-a-time dispensing, while others are better suited to wiping surfaces or cleaning up spills.
What Are the Different Types of Paper Towel Folds?
Paper towels come in a range of fold types, each with its own way of dispensing and best-fit environment. Choosing the right fold can improve hygiene, reduce waste, and ensure that your paper hand towels work smoothly with your dispensers. The most common folds you’ll encounter are: V-fold, Z-fold and M-fold (types of multifold towels), W-fold and Narrow-fold, C-fold, Rolled towels, Centrefeed rolls, Specialist variants such as towels without feather edge
Overview of Common Paper Towel Folds
Below is a quick overview of how each fold behaves in practice and where it tends to work best:
- V-fold: Interfolded into a V shape; dispenses one towel at a time and presents the next sheet automatically. Ideal for medium to high-traffic washrooms where hygiene and controlled usage are important.
- Z-fold: Folded into a Z shape, often classed as a type of multifold towel. Sheets interlock so they dispense one by one, helping reduce overuse in busy washrooms.
- M-fold: A compact multifold format. Like Z-fold, it interlocks for one-at-a-time dispensing but is typically slightly narrower or arranged to suit specific slim dispensers.
- W-fold: Interleaved W-shaped towels that “self-present” in the dispenser. Each pull leaves the next sheet ready, combining good hygiene with economical consumption.
- C-fold: A more traditional fold where the sides fold over to create a C shape. Towels are stacked but not interlocked, so users often pull out a small handful at once.
- Narrow-fold: A slim variant of multifold towels designed for compact or recessed dispensers, useful where wall space is limited or fixtures are very narrow.
- Rolled towels: Continuous sheets on a roll, usually perforated. These work well in kitchens, workshops, or other environments where towels are used both for hands and general cleaning.
- Centrefeed rolls: A roll dispensed from the centre rather than the outside. Great for wiping down surfaces and shared work areas where you need to grab sheets from any angle.
- Without feather edge: Towels with a clean, straight-cut edge instead of a softer or “feathered” edge. This helps minimise lint and gives a neat stack, which can be useful in more sensitive or more premium environments.
V-Fold Paper Towels: Controlled Use in Busy Washrooms
V-fold (also called interfold) paper towels are folded into a V shape and stacked so that each sheet interlocks with the next. When one towel is pulled, the next one pops into place, ready for the next user. This one-at-a-time dispensing design helps reduce waste, as people are less likely to take multiple sheets by accident.
V-fold towels are particularly suited to medium and high-traffic washrooms, such as office buildings, schools, healthcare settings, and hospitality environments. They support good hygiene because users only touch the towel they take, and the open sheet makes hand drying quick and efficient.
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Z-Fold and M-Fold: Interfold Towels for High Hygiene
Z-fold towels are folded into a Z shape with an extra crease in the middle. M-fold towels are closely related and are often grouped with Z-fold as part of the broader “multifold” category. In both cases, the sheets interlock so they feed out individually from the dispenser.
These folds are popular in high-traffic washrooms because:
- They encourage one-sheet dispensing and help reduce consumption.
- They stay neatly stacked in the dispenser, keeping the washroom looking tidy.
- They are usually compatible with a wide range of existing multifold or C-fold dispensers, making upgrades easier.
Z-fold and M-fold towels are a good choice when you want a balance of comfort, absorbency, and cost control in office or public washrooms.
W-Fold and Narrow-Fold: Space-Saving, Self-Presenting Towels
W-fold towels are another interfold style. They are folded in a W shape so that each sheet partially covers the next. When one towel is pulled, the next one is automatically presented, ready to be taken. This “self-presenting” behaviour makes W-fold towels both hygienic and economical, since users are naturally guided to take a single sheet at a time.
Narrow-fold towels work on the same principle but are produced in a slimmer format to fit narrow or recessed dispensers. They are ideal in locations where space is tight, such as small washrooms, corridors, or where dispensers are built into walls or furniture.
C-Fold Paper Towels: Simple and Familiar
C-fold towels are folded so that the sides overlap in the shape of a “C”. They are stacked but not interlocked, meaning that when someone pulls on one towel, several can come out together. This can lead to higher consumption compared to interfold styles.
However, C-fold towels are still widely used and may be suitable when:
- You already have C-fold-specific dispensers installed.
- The washroom has light to moderate traffic.
- You want a straightforward, familiar option without changing hardware.
If you are looking to reduce waste or improve hygiene, an interfold alternative such as V-fold, Z-fold, or M-fold is usually the better long-term choice.
Rolled Paper Towels: Flexible, Multi-Purpose Use
Rolled paper towels come as a continuous sheet – often with perforations so you can tear off just what you need. They are commonly used in kitchens, workshops, break rooms, and production areas where towels are needed for both hand drying and cleaning spills or surfaces.
Wall-mounted roll dispensers or countertop rolls are practical where:
- Usage is frequent and not limited to hand drying only.
- You need flexible sheet length – from a quick tear for hands to multiple sheets for wiping a workbench.
- Staff may be working with gloves or dirty hands and need to grab towels quickly.
Centrefeed Rolls: 360° Access for Surface Cleaning
Centrefeed rolls are a specific type of rolled towel where sheets are dispensed from the middle of the roll rather than the outside. The roll is usually placed in a dispenser that allows you to pull towels from the centre opening.
This design works well in:
- Food preparation areas, where surfaces must be wiped regularly.
- Workshops, warehouses, and garages.
- Shared workspaces where several people need access to the same roll from different angles.
Because you pull from the centre, the outer side of the roll is protected by the dispenser, helping to keep the paper cleaner between uses.
Specialist Option: Towels Without Feather Edge
Some paper towels are described as “without feather edge”. Instead of a softer or more textured edge, these towels have a clean, straight cut. This can be useful when:
- You want a very neat, uniform appearance in the dispenser.
- You want to minimise the risk of loose fibres or lint from the towel edges.
- You use towels in more sensitive environments where small fibres may be undesirable.
In practice, this is less about how the towel dispenses and more about the finish and performance of the sheet itself.
Comparison Table of Paper Towel Folds
| Fold Type | How It Dispenses | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| V-fold | Interfolded V shape, one sheet at a time, next sheet presented | Medium to high-traffic washrooms, offices, schools, healthcare |
| Z-fold | Interfolded Z shape, single-sheet dispensing | Busy washrooms where you want to control consumption |
| M-fold | Compact multifold, interlocking sheets | Washrooms with slim or recessed dispensers |
| W-fold | Self-presenting W shape, each sheet partially covers the next | Hygienic, cost-efficient hand drying in shared washrooms |
| Narrow-fold | Slim multifold format | Small spaces and narrow, built-in dispensers |
| C-fold | Folded into a C shape, not interlocked; several sheets can come out at once | Light to moderate traffic areas with existing C-fold dispensers |
| Rolled towels | Continuous perforated roll | Kitchens, workshops, production areas, general wiping |
| Centrefeed rolls | Sheets dispensed from the centre of the roll | Surface cleaning and shared work areas needing 360° access |
| Without feather edge | Straight-cut edges, standard dispensing depending on fold | Environments where a neat look and low lint are important |
Choosing the Right Paper Towel Fold for Your Space
When selecting paper towels, think about how and where they will be used:
- For office and public washrooms: Interfold styles such as V-fold, Z-fold, M-fold, W-fold, and Narrow-fold usually offer the best mix of hygiene, appearance, and controlled consumption.
- For kitchens and production areas: Rolled and centrefeed towels are practical because they double up for hand drying and surface cleaning, with flexible sheet length.
- For existing installations: If you already have C-fold or specific multifold dispensers, it can be cost-effective to choose compatible towels first, then review if an upgrade to an interfold system makes sense later.
- For premium or sensitive environments: Consider towels with a straight, non-feathered edge and higher-quality tissue to minimise lint and elevate the overall feel.
By matching the paper towel fold to your dispensers, traffic levels, and hygiene requirements, you can reduce waste, improve the user experience, and keep your washrooms and work areas running smoothly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most economical paper towel fold?
The most economical paper towel fold often depends on your specific needs and usage patterns. However, multifold towels (such as V-fold, Z-fold, M-fold, and W-fold) are generally considered cost-effective due to their compact design and one-at-a-time dispensing, which helps reduce waste.
How do Z-fold towels promote hygiene?
Z-fold towels promote hygiene by dispensing one towel at a time, minimising contact with other towels. This reduces the risk of cross-contamination and ensures that users only touch the towel they use, making them ideal for public restrooms and high-traffic areas.
Can C-fold towels be used in dispensers?
Yes, C-fold towels can be used in dispensers, although they may not fit as snugly as interfold styles like V-fold or Z-fold. It is important to use a dispenser designed for C-fold towels to ensure proper dispensing and help minimise waste.
Are roll towels more efficient than folded towels?
Roll towels can be more efficient in certain settings, particularly where continuous use is common, such as in kitchens or industrial environments. They offer a continuous sheet that can be torn at perforated sections, allowing for adjustable usage. However, folded towels often provide better control over consumption and a more hygienic presentation in washrooms.