Balancing Sustainability and Hygiene Product Performance in Education Estates

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• Balancing Sustainability and Hygiene Product Performance in Education Estates

08 August 2025

Out of 250 FMs working in the education sector, 86 per cent said they have doubts about hygiene product performance when it comes to sustainable alternatives.

In this Opinion piece, Ramona Shellard from WEPA Professional UK reflects on this data and outlines how facilities managers can uphold hygiene standards in education settings while also meeting sustainability targets. 

Ramona Shellard has worked within the Sales team at WEPA Professional UK, formerly Star Tissue, for 16 years and is currently the Sales Director of the UK team. 

 

Scalable Hygiene Solutions in Education Estates

 

Driven by ongoing conversations with education facilities professionals, we set out to better understand their sustainability priorities, surveying 250 individuals across the sector. While we expected sustainability to be a key focus, the results were more significant than anticipated. The vast majority of respondents (88 per cent) said sustainability is important to their organisation. Yet, among those who have targets and policies in place, 86 per cent still have doubts about product performance, and 31 per cent remain unconvinced about potential cost savings when it comes to sustainable product alternatives. This shows a clear gap between intention and implementation.

For FMs supporting universities or multi-academy trusts (MATs), the message is clear: solutions must be consistent, credible and easy to scale, allowing for straightforward rollout and management across multiple sites. With MATs typically reviewing hygiene suppliers only every 2–3 years, FMs need to make long-lasting decisions that are cost-effective, future-proof and simple to operate. Solutions such as sustainable hygiene paper and touch-free, refillable systems are already proving their value, delivering lower carbon impact and waste without compromising performance in high-traffic school environments.

The research goes further, uncovering key trends and actionable insights across different education levels, operational priorities and purchasing behaviours. These findings help explain how hygiene and sustainability are being approached throughout the sector. 

 

"Interestingly, across all education types, tangible product features such as recyclability and reusability (both cited by 35 per cent of respondents) ranked higher than formal certifications (27 per cent), suggesting a strong preference for visible, functional sustainability over box-ticking." 

 

FMs at Multi Academy Trusts Most Likely to Prioritise Circular Economy Principles

 

The research revealed that while nearly 80 per cent of educational institutions already have a sustainability strategy in place, just 2 per cent report no planned initiatives. Priorities vary significantly by education level, which underscores the need for tailored approaches rather than one-size-fits-all solutions. For example, respondents from Multi Academy Trusts (MATs) were most likely to prioritise circular economy principles, with 55 per cent citing this as their leading sustainability factor when sourcing products, reflecting their systems-level approach and desire for scalable, consistent procurement aligned with ESG goals. 

In Further Education, 49 per cent focused on reducing carbon footprint, likely due to curriculum alignment and reporting into net-zero frameworks. Higher Education institutions placed the greatest emphasis on biodegradability (44 per cent), demonstrating their focus on public-facing sustainability performance and accreditation. Meanwhile, Primary schools, often operating under tighter budgets, prioritised refillable systems and water- and energy-efficient products, highlighting a preference for cost-effective, practical solutions. 

Interestingly, across all education types, tangible product features such as recyclability and reusability (both cited by 35 per cent of respondents) ranked higher than formal certifications (27 per cent), suggesting a strong preference for visible, functional sustainability over box-ticking. 

 

Why Sustainability Matters for Education Estates 

 

Sustainability in education goes beyond environmental impact - it's also about how institutions operate, teach and plan for the future. Many schools are starting to embed sustainability into their culture, with 44 per cent of facilities managers planning to involve staff and students in green initiatives over the next year. Educating children from a young age plays a key role in shifting perceptions and normalising sustainable choices. For example, using unbleached brown toilet paper is an environmentally friendly option, yet many people view it as unusual simply because it's not the norm. By focusing more on sustainability education in early years, we can help future generations see these alternatives as standard.

In Further and Higher Education, where sustainability is integrated into academic programmes and reporting frameworks, expectations are even higher. Colleges and Universities often face public scrutiny and must meet formal targets, making biodegradable materials, recycling infrastructure, and refillable systems part of their strategic planning. Ultimately, hygiene products and systems are no longer seen in isolation - they’re part of a wider push for long-term, meaningful environmental change across the education sector.

 

The Role of Trusted Supplier Relationships 

 

Trusted supplier relationships play a critical role in delivering credible, sustainable hygiene solutions. When budgets are tight and scrutiny is high, facilities managers rely on suppliers who can offer more than just credentials - they need proof of performance, transparent cost savings and hands-on support. 

The research shows that for those facing budget constraints, supplier relationships were the top priority (25 per cent), and the same was true for those uncertain about product claims (22 per cent). This highlights a clear trust gap: while sustainability is a priority, action is often delayed by doubts about whether eco-friendly solutions truly deliver.

Suppliers who can back up claims with evidence, provide consistent service and support decision-makers with clear, practical information are essential to bridging that gap. In a sector where hygiene product ranges are updated infrequently and procurement cycles can span years, getting it right the first time matters, making supplier trust and reliability just as important as the products themselves.

 

Sustainable Hygiene Solutions That Get a Top Grade 

 

Looking at the difficulties that facilities managers face, innovations like alternative fibre-based hygiene paper, such as OCC or Miscanthus, and touch-free refillable systems come into their own. These solutions directly address the dual challenge of sustainability and performance. Miscanthus, a fast-growing, low-input crop, offers a renewable alternative to traditional wood pulp, significantly reducing the carbon footprint without compromising quality. 

Meanwhile, refillable dispensers support circular practices by cutting single-use plastic and minimising waste, a priority for many schools. These systems also meet the operational demands of busy education environments, where 36 per cent of facilities managers cite product performance and reliability as key challenges when maintaining high hygiene standards. 

By combining environmental benefits with long-term usability, these solutions offer schools and trusts a practical, future-proof way to meet sustainability goals, delivering visible impact, cost efficiencies, and the day-to-day reliability that education settings require.

The path to sustainable hygiene in education is no longer uncertain; it’s well defined, backed by data, and driven by a growing demand for credible, scalable solutions. As the sector shifts from ambition to action, facilities managers need partners who understand their unique challenges and can deliver practical innovations that work. 

With the right products, the right support, and a shared commitment to long-term value, schools and academy trusts can confidently raise their hygiene standards while reducing their environmental impact. 

Picture: a photograph of Ramona Shellard. Image Credit: WEPA Professional UK

Article written by Ramona Shellard | Published 08 August 2025

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