NEW award recognising excellence in inclusive washroom provision has been introduced to the Loo of the Year Awards by the event’s headline sponsor Tork, an Essity brand and global leader in professional hygiene.
The Tork Inclusive Hygiene Award will recognise organisations that create public washrooms which are welcoming, comfortable and easy to use for people with a wide range of needs. It reflects the growing importance of designing facilities that go beyond accessibility legislation to deliver a better experience for all users.
Loo of the Year Awards Managing Director Becky Wall BEM said:
“We are delighted to be introducing the Tork Inclusive Hygiene Award as part of the current Loo of the Year Awards programme. Inclusive washroom provision is becoming increasingly important as organisations seek to create facilities that are welcoming, comfortable and accessible for everyone, regardless of their individual needs or circumstances.
“At the Loo of the Year Awards, our aim has always been to recognise excellence and encourage continual improvement in washroom standards. This new award aligns perfectly with that objective by highlighting the importance of thoughtful design, user comfort and removing barriers that can prevent people and staff from confidently using public facilities.”
Research by Tork shows that 54 per cent of people experience some form of difficulty when using a public washroom depending on their individual circumstances. Conditions such as anxiety, sensory sensitivities and paruresis, commonly known as shy bladder syndrome, are often invisible, yet the design and environment of washrooms can have a significant impact on how comfortable people feel using them.
“Our research highlights that many people face barriers when using public washrooms, often because of needs that are not immediately visible,” said Amelia Baker, Brand Activation Manager at Essity Professional Hygiene.
“Creating inclusive hygiene is about designing spaces that are welcoming, comfortable and considerate for as many people as possible. We want to celebrate organisations that are leading the way through thoughtful design, reliable hygiene standards, privacy, sensory-friendly features and support for cleaning teams. By recognising these achievements, we hope to inspire even higher standards across the industry.”
The new category was open to all entrants to this year’s Loo of the Year Awards, who could opt to be considered for the Tork Inclusive Hygiene Award as part of their application.
The Loo of the Year Awards recognise away-from-home washroom facilities across the UK, Republic of Ireland, Isle of Man and the Channel Islands, with organisations from sectors including hospitality, retail, healthcare, education and transport hoping to be recognised across 63 different categories.
The annual awards ceremony will take place on January 13, 2027, at the National Motorcycle Museum in Solihull. For more information and to enter, visit www.loo.co.uk.