How “clean” are unused  paper towels?  For the most part, one would say a paper towel that is fresh out-of-the-box should be pretty sanitary.

For that reason, many were surprised by a study published in the American Journal of Infection Control that found bacteria lurking on new, never-used paper towels.

The most common strain discovered on out-of-the-box paper towels was Bacillus, a bacteria associated with food poisoning.  It is important to note that there were no illnesses connected to the use of these paper towels, nor was any bacteria discovered to in the air during its use.  However, it was found that the bacteria were easily transferred to disposable nitrile gloves when drying hands with the towels, indicating bacteria could be transferred to human hands.

With that study in mind, we are very excited about carrying a new product, the Cascades Antibacterial Paper Towel.  Unlike ordinary paper towels, it almost instantly kills over 99.99 percent of harmful bacteria. It compensates for people’s imperfect hand washing habits and provides that extra layer of hand cleaning security.

Over 3,000 business executives, academics and leaders in product development, design, engineering, science and medicine are as excited as we are … this Spring they awarded this antibacterial paper towel the prestigious Gold honors in the Edison Awards Consumer Packaged Goods: Cleaning Solution category.

And the best part for anyone interested in greening their facility … the towels are green colored.

• Read specifics about  out Cascades Anti-Bacterial towels