
Paper products 101: A practical overview for your accommodation business
Jeff Lewis of Solaris Paper demystifies the essential paper product selection process to ensure guest comfort
Tissue and paper products are indispensable essentials in the daily operations of any accommodation business.
From guest rooms to public areas, the selection of these products plays a crucial role in enhancing guest experience, maintaining cleanliness, and demonstrating environmental responsibility. However, with the plethora of options available in the market right now, choosing the right tissue and paper products can become overwhelming.
In this guide, we talk to paper product industry expert Jeff Lewis, National Business Manager Solaris Paper to attempt to demystify the selection process for you.
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Mr Lewis told us: “Several paper products are essential for ensuring guest comfort. Among these are 3ply toilet tissue, facial cubes, and packs of 100 facial sheets. I highly recommend them all.
“The choice of 3ply toilet tissue ensures both softness and luxury.”
His top tip to exceed guest expectations and enhance their experience is to offer “hypoallergenic facial tissues for guests with sensitive noses”, which he said “provides a touch of home wherever they go”.
Facial tissues are a staple in guest rooms, lobbies, and spas, providing guests with comfort and convenience during their stay. Mr Lewis says there are several factors that play an important role in choosing the perfect facial tissues.

“Softness is paramount, he said. “It directly impacts the sense of touch and feel experience for guests. Also consider strength, thickness and hypoallergenic properties.”
Mr Lewis recommends using smaller packs to reduce wastage. In his opinion the most cost-effective choices are 100 sheet facial tissues and 90 sheets facial tissue cubes. He adds it’s important to contribute to sustainability efforts and show guests a firm commitment to environmental responsibility; choosing plastic-free facial tissues reflects this.
In high-traffic public restrooms, guest rooms, and suites, the quality of toilet paper can significantly impact guest satisfaction. Operators have a range of options to choose from, including different ply, texture, and size variations.
Ply refers to the number of layers in the toilet paper, with higher ply counts often indicating softer and more absorbent products. Texture also plays a role in comfort and cleaning efficiency, while size considerations ensure compatibility with various toilet paper dispensers and usage requirements.
Mr Lewis said not all brands are the same, therefore always choose a reputable brand of toilet tissue as they “signify quality and reliability”.
When it comes to choosing the type of toilet tissue, he suggests, “absorbency, strength, and environmental considerations depending on the areas and nature of accommodation can elevate the guest experience and bring a touch of home-like comfort.”
He said: “The standard choice would be 2ply 400 sheets, but many discerning establishments opt for 3ply soft 225 sheets, other characteristics which influence guest preference are brand reputation and presentation.
“In public restrooms, where high traffic is common jumbo size roll toilet tissues are preferred. In guestrooms and suites, where comfort and convenience are paramount, 2ply and 3ply individually wrapped for hygiene purposes are expected.”
Paper towels are essential for maintaining cleanliness and hygiene in guest rooms, public restrooms, and food service areas. When selecting paper towels, once again, operators should assess factors such as absorbency, strength, and size.
Absorbency determines the effectiveness of the paper towel in soaking up spills and drying hands, while strength ensures tear resistance during use.
Choosing the appropriate size of paper towels is essential for minimising waste and optimising usage efficiency in different areas of the accommodation property.
Mr Lewis says it is important to prioritise qualities like, absorbency, thickness, wet and dry strength, texture and the number of sheets in a pack. He suggests softness will be a welcome comfort for frequently washed hands.
He said, “Paper towels with high absorbency are effective at quickly soaking up spills and messes, helping to maintain and prevent cross-contamination in food service areas. Your paper towel should deliver effective performance and meet the diverse needs of both guests and staff.
“Note, there are certifications required for food service areas to ensure that paper towels meet stringent standards for food safety and sanitation such as HACCP certification.”

He explained: “Technological improvements in the drying of paper have created a new type of paper, often referred to as TAD. With this type of paper, water is removed, and the paper is dried, by blowing air through the sheet (hence the name Through Air Dried-TAD).”
With increasing awareness of environmental issues, sustainability has become a key priority for the hospitality industry. Accommodation businesses are actively seeking ways to reduce their environmental footprint by opting for sustainable tissue and paper products. This includes products made from recycled materials, as well as those certified by reputable eco-labels. Sustainable paper products not only minimise environmental impact but also demonstrate a commitment to responsible business practices, which can resonate positively with guests and stakeholders.
When purchasing tissue and paper products, it is crucial to balance quality, cost, and environmental impact. Prioritise products that meet the specific needs of your accommodation and your guests while aligning with sustainability goals. Quality sustainable products not only enhance guest experience but also promote environmental stewardship, demonstrating your commitment to excellence in hospitality.
BREAKOUT:
The quality of toilet paper can significantly impact guest satisfaction

Mandy has over two decades of experience in accommodation and tourism industry writing, and she is also an accomplished editor and publisher. As co-Director of Multimedia Pty Ltd, a trusted B2B content provider for the accommodation and education sectors in Australia and New Zealand, she oversees high-quality print and digital content across notable publications, including AccomNews, Resort News, and School News, along with the property listing platform AccomProperties. Mandy’s contributions have been recognised with the Female Leader Award at the Best of Tourism 2023 and the ARAMA Life Member Award in 2024.