Research firms predict that the US toilet partition market will grow between 4.4% and 4.8% annually from 2022 to 2030. What’s behind this growth in a fairly utilitarian product category?
From a market standpoint, retail has slowed. However, commercial building development and existing facility renovations are growing segments.
More importantly, three overarching trends are compounding growth in the commercial market:
- Hygiene
- Privacy
- Accessibility
Hygiene:
Naturally, people have always been concerned about restroom hygiene, and COVID has heightened concerns. The trend now is to offer open-plan restrooms that can accommodate heavy foot traffic with plenty of elbow room.
Touchless technology has expanded from faucets and hand dryers to partition doors, too. Just hold your hand in front of a sensor and the door will open. Then, hold your hand in front of the sensor on the inside of the stall to close the door. (In the event of a power outage, the doors can be operated manually). Hands-free door latches are another approach that helps meet hygienic concerns in the restroom.
Partition manufacturers are also using different materials like polyethylene, polypropylene, and polycarbonate to address hygiene concerns. These smooth materials not only look sleek, they are non-porous and bacteria-resistant.
Privacy:
The lack of privacy is the biggest complaint about common restroom partitions. “Privacy is no longer just a trend—it is rapidly becoming an expectation across a range of building types, schools in particular,” washroom accessory and partition company Bobrick published on its website.
Patrons are primarily concerned about the large gaps beneath and above common partition doors and walls, as well as the small gaps between them. European-style, full-height partitions are becoming more popular in the US because they provide patrons enhanced comfort and privacy. A floor-to-ceiling design and no-gap construction that eliminates “sight-lines” between panels gives stalls a very private, room-like feel.
Occupancy indicators, often motion-sensing lights mounted in the ceiling above each stall, are increasing in popularity. Partition manufacturers are also integrating occupancy indicators with the touchless door systems (above) to help increase privacy. A green LED indicates that the stall is available for use. A red LED tells patrons that the stall is occupied.
Accessibility:
Companies are prioritizing inclusivity in restroom designs. In addition to providing ADA-compliant restrooms, family restrooms, and private nursing areas, companies are now creating gender-neutral facilities to ensure that commercial restrooms are welcoming and accommodating.
Plastic restroom partitions manufacturer, Scranton Products, posted on its blog, “In 2023 and beyond, it’s more important than ever to provide a safe, private, modern, and inclusive design to your facility’s restroom.”
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) published A Guide to Restroom Access for Transgender Workers with recommendations to help employers provide a safe and healthy workplace. Specific to restroom options, the OSHA best practices include:
- Single-occupancy gender-neutral (unisex) facilities; and
- Use of multiple-occupant, gender-neutral restroom facilities with lockable single-occupant stalls
Companies are using similar approaches for their customers and visitors, too.
Inclusivity is also driving the need for privacy, as mentioned above. Multi-user restrooms with full-height partitions are a practical approach to meeting patron’s needs and providing a safe and comfortable environment for everyone.
