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Center pull paper towels vs roll paper towels: what is the main difference? The difference lies primarily in how the system dispenses the paper. A roll paper towel unwinds from the outside of the roll, either manually or through an autocut dispenser that automatically cuts a sheet to a precisely defined length with each pull. A center pull paper towel has a hollow core in the middle of the roll, so it works exclusively with a center pull dispenser, where the user pulls the sheet from the center of the roll and separates it along the perforation without touching the remaining paper
A study published in the journal American Journal of Infection Control (sciencedirect.com) showed that bacteria can transfer in both directions between hands and the dispenser outlet: from a contaminated hand to a clean dispenser at rates ranging from 0.01% to 0.64%, while reverse transfer, from a contaminated dispenser to clean hands, reaches significantly higher levels of between 12.4% and 13.1%. These results show why the number of contact points and the cleanliness of the dispenser outlet can play an important role in hygiene during use.
These types of paper towels represent only part of the professional paper hygiene product range. Read about other types of paper towels used in commercial facilities on our blog: Paper towels in commercial facilities: Everything you need to know about types, savings and hygiene.
How does a center pull paper towel work?
With center pull paper towels, the sheet comes out through the hollow core in the middle of the roll, which represents the roll’s fundamental feature regardless of where it is placed. When the roll sits inside a center pull dispenser, the user pulls the paper through the outlet and separates it along the perforation, without touching any handle or lever.
How does a roll paper towel work?
A roll paper towel unwinds from the outside, which represents the basic principle of the roll regardless of where it is placed. When the roll sits inside an autocut dispenser, the system automates this outside-unwinding principle. The dispenser releases one sheet at a time at a precisely defined length and cuts it with each pull, so the user does not need to measure or tear the paper manually.
Table: Center pull paper towel or roll paper towel – comparison
| Feature | Center pull paper towel | Roll paper towel |
| Pulling method | From the center of the roll | From the outside of the roll |
| Dispensing method | The user separates the sheet along the perforation at the dispenser outlet | Automatically, at a defined length, when placed in an Autocut dispenser |
| Touching the remaining roll | No | No |
| Control over paper quantity | Depends on the perforation and pulling method | High- the dispenser determines the sheet length |
| Required dispenser | Center pull dispenser | Autocut dispenser |
| Speed of use | Very simple and quick pulling | Controlled sheet-by-sheet dispensing |
| Suitable for | Kitchens, production and work areas, facilities with frequent use | Commercial restrooms and high-traffic facilities |
| Main advantage | Quick and easy access to paper | Controlled consumption |
| Compatibility | Only the appropriate center pull roll format | A roll with dimensions suitable for the autocut system |
Center pull paper towels vs roll paper towels – Practical experience
Problem: Employees frequently used paper in the work area, so they needed a system that allowed quick one-handed pulling and simple refilling.
Solution: The facility introduced center pull rolls in enclosed dispensers.
Result: Employees gained quick access to paper at the point of use, the dispenser kept the remaining roll enclosed, and staff could refill the system more easily.
Center pull paper towels vs roll paper towels: What is the main difference? – FAQ
Is a center pull paper towel more hygienic than a roll paper towel?
Not necessarily. Both center pull and autocut systems can limit contact with the remaining paper during use. Hygiene also depends on the dispenser design, the paper dispensing method, maintenance and the cleanliness of the outlet. Therefore, the main advantage of center pull systems does not automatically come from a higher level of hygiene, but from easy access to paper with a small number of contact points.
Can both formats be used in the same facility?
Yes. Larger commercial facilities can use different systems according to the purpose of each area. Center pull systems work well in kitchens, work areas and production zones where quick access to paper matters, while facilities often choose roll paper towels with autocut dispensers for high-traffic restrooms when controlled dispensing takes priority.
Does a center pull paper towel require a special dispenser?
Yes. Manufacturers design center pull rolls so users pull the paper from the center, which requires a suitable dispenser. A standard roll paper towel uses a different dispensing method, so these two formats cannot simply replace one another without checking dispenser compatibility.
How do you choose between center pull and roll paper towels?
Base the choice on the area of use, the number of users, expected consumption and the existing dispenser. Center pull systems work well when quick access to paper matters, while roll paper towels with autocut dispensers provide greater control over dispensing. Most importantly, the paper towel format must match the specific dispensing system. If you are unsure which system suits your space, our team can recommend a solution based on the number of users and the type of facility.
Choosing the right paper towel is not a minor detail. It is a small decision that makes maintenance easier every day.
About the author:
Milja Tonić – SEO Content Strategist & Copywriter
Milja Tonić is an SEO Content Strategist and Copywriter at LUU, specializing in creating expert content on professional hygiene, paper hygiene products, dispensers and facility management.
The expert articles on this blog result from detailed research, an analytical approach and editorial authorship.
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