Z-Fold vs. C-Fold Hand Towels: What’s the Difference & Which Should You Choose?
Z-Fold vs. C-Fold Hand Towels: What’s the Difference & Which Should You Choose?
Your Complete Guide to Commercial Paper Towel Selection for Business Facilities
Choosing the right commercial hand towels for your business is more important than it seems. Whether you manage an office building, hotel, restaurant, school, factory, or public restroom, the type of paper towel you select affects hygiene, user experience, cost efficiency, and overall professionalism. Two of the most widely used options in the market are Z-fold hand towels and C-fold hand towels—but what exactly sets them apart, and which is right for your space?
This guide breaks down the differences in design, material, absorbency, dispenser compatibility, and ideal applications so you can make an informed decision for your commercial facility.
What Are Z-Fold Hand Towels?
Z-fold hand towels—also known as multifold paper towels or 3-fold towels—feature interlocking folds that resemble the letter “Z.” When placed inside a dispenser, each sheet neatly feeds the next, making them one of the most efficient options for busy restrooms.
Key Features of Z-Fold Towels (Huzhou Hannlo Tech Premium Series)
- Folding & Size Options: Available in 1-ply and 2-ply; folding sizes range from 20–24cm (most common: 22cm & 22.5cm)
- Material Choices: Wood pulp, mixed wood pulp, bamboo pulp, or recycled pulp
- Weight Range: 1-ply (26gsm–42gsm) | 2-ply (18–20gsm per layer, glue-laminated for extra thickness)
- Color Options: White, brown (recycled), and blue (1-ply); 2-ply in classic white
- Packaging: 200pcs/bag, 20bags/carton
- Loading Capacity: ~1200 cartons (1-ply) or 1000 cartons (2-ply) per 40HQ container
- Main Advantage: Auto-feed dispensing—users pull one towel, and the next emerges instantly
Z-fold towels are ideal for organizations valuing speed, hygiene, and convenience.
What Are C-Fold Hand Towels?
C-fold hand towels fold into a clean “C” shape and do not interlock. Each sheet is independent, making them practical for both dispenser and non-dispenser use.
Key Features of C-Fold Towels (Huzhou Hannlo Tech Premium Series)
- Folding Size: Fixed 32cm fold & 23cm cutting size
- Material: Wood pulp, bamboo pulp, mixed pulp, or recycled pulp
- Weight: 38gsm (strong, durable, and consistently absorbent)
- Colors: White or brown
- Packaging: 200pcs/bag, 12bags/carton
- Loading Capacity: Up to 2000 cartons per 40HQ container—excellent shipping efficiency
- Main Advantage: Controlled use—users pull only one sheet at a time
Z-Fold vs. C-Fold: Quick Comparison
| Feature | Z-Fold Hand Towels | C-Fold Hand Towels |
|---|---|---|
| Fold Type | Zig-zag, interlocked | C-shaped, individual sheets |
| Dispenser Use | Best for dispensers (auto-feed) | Works with or without dispensers |
| Ply Options | 1-ply & 2-ply | 1-ply only |
| Size Flexibility | Highly customizable | Fixed size |
| Weight | 26–42gsm (1-ply), 18–20gsm (2-ply) | 38gsm |
| Colors | White, brown, blue | White, brown |
| Packaging | 20 bags/ctn | 12 bags/ctn |
| Shipping Efficiency | Medium | Very high |
| Waste Control | Low waste due to auto-feed | Good for strict dispensing control |
| Ideal For | High-traffic areas | Budget-friendly, low–medium traffic spaces |
When Should You Choose Z-Fold Towels?
Z-fold hand towels are best when you need:
- High-speed dispensing for busy restrooms
- Better user experience (easy pull, one-sheet-at-a-time)
- Premium quality options (2-ply laminated for luxury settings)
- Cleaner, more hygienic dispensing
- Compatibility with most standard paper towel dispensers
Perfect for:
Airports, offices, restaurants, malls, hotels, hospitals, retail stores.
When Should You Choose C-Fold Towels?
C-fold towels are the smarter choice when you want:
- Dispenser-free usage (countertop-friendly)
- Lower shipping and storage costs
- Consistent 38gsm absorbency
- Wastage control (users don’t pull multiple sheets accidentally)
- Simple, universal paper towel solutions
Perfect for:
Small offices, break rooms, outdoor facilities, schools, workshops, low-traffic washrooms.
Buy Wholesale C-Fold Towels (OEM/ODM)Pro Tips for Selecting the Right Hand Towels
1. Choose High-Quality Pulp
Premium materials—like bamboo pulp or mixed virgin pulp—offer the best softness and absorption. Brown recycled pulp is ideal for eco-friendly facilities.
2. Match GSM to Usage
High GSM = Better absorbency | Low GSM = More cost-effective for daily use
3. Consider Branding
Custom logos and packaging help elevate your business image—especially for hotels, restaurants, and corporate spaces.
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