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A simple way to reduce the risk of clogged pipes with Handee

Handee paper towels are an essential kitchen tool. From wiping up kitchen messes to patting meat dry, Handee helps streamline cooking tasks while maintaining hygiene. Its strength and absorbency make it a reliable companion for everyday meal preparation.

But how can Handee help prevent your pipes clogging up? When fats, oils, and grease (FOG) enter the wastewater system, they don’t simply wash away. Instead, they cool, harden, and cling to the insides of pipes. Over time, these deposits grow, trapping other debris and forming fatbergs, some of which have been known to weigh several tonnes and cost millions to remove from wastewater systems.

Water authorities across New Zealand have long urged households to dispose of cooking fats in the bin, not the sink*. Handee is a pro at picking up grease, absorbing oils so they can be safely thrown away, rather than washed down the sink. Using Handee to wipe out pans and roasting trays before rinsing, households can reduce the amount of oil entering the drain, helping protect plumbing and prevent environmental damage. That’s powerful performance with a practical purpose.

One Handee sheet has been proven to absorb up to 4 teaspoons of olive oil**. Due to Handee's superior absorbency, fewer paper towels are required to clean up, which not only reduces waste but also saves money over time.

* Watercare Whatnot to flush ** Laboratory & Analytics Testing completed by Essity Global R&D Centre, January 2025. Olive Oil absorption levels at room temperature.

Handee Summer Print

Handee is bringing the summer vibes to your kitchen! All the strength and absorbency of your regular Handee double length paper towels, but with a limited edition kiwi summer themed print. 🍦

Available in most supermarkets now and while stocks last.

Handee Prints

Your kitchen staples don't need to be dull! Handee paper towel prints add a splash of colour and fun to your kitchen. Available in 5 contemporary designs and a limited edition Kiwi summer print design.

Essity invests $20 million to decarbonise Kawerau paper production

In a world first, by the end of 2024 some of the most popular hygiene paper products used every day by Kiwis, will be produced on a Kawerau paper machine using renewable geothermal steam.

Essity’s Kawerau mill is the only paper manufacturer and converter of toilet tissue and paper towels in New Zealand. Consumer products made at Kawerau include Sorbent and Purex toilet tissue, and Handee paper towels.

Read the full story here

Another big step forward with sustainable packaging

Some of New Zealand’s most recognised household brands are leading the way with 30% recycled soft plastic packaging.

In 2021, Handee Paper Towel, Purex and Sorbent Toilet Paper were the first brands to offer Kiwi shoppers 20% recycled plastic packaging, reducing demand for virgin plastic and supporting the development of a circular economy.

By using 30% recycled content, Handee, Purex and Sorbent will save 60 Tonnes of virgin plastic per year; the equivalent weight of approximately eight large African elephants! Our packaging can also continue to be recycled via the Soft Plastics Recycling Scheme in New Zealand. To find your nearest drop off point visit Store Locator | Soft Plastics Recycling.

Handee moves to more sustainable packaging 2021

Handee's investment into recycled plastic packaging came after 18 months of research and trials investigating sustainable packaging options. The Handee paper towel range of products transitioned to 20% recycled plastic packaging from October 2021. This packaging includes waste plastic that has been recycled, which reduces landfill and supports the circular economy.

Handee recycled plastic packaging has a lower carbon footprint than virgin plastics. Handee packaging can be recycled again in NZ through the Soft Plastics Recycling Scheme.

To find your nearest drop off point visit Store Locator | Soft Plastics Recycling

10 years of FSC certification

In September 2020 we celebrated our tenth anniversary of Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) certification at our Kawerau mill in New Zealand, marking a significant milestone in our journey to promote responsible forestry.

Read more here

Handee is certified Home Compostable

Handee paper towels are NZ’s only paper towel brand which is certified home compostable according to AS5810 (ABAP 20062). 

Instead of sending your used Handee paper towels to landfill, simply pop them in your home compost bin, worm farm or council food scraps bin. Composting Handee Paper towels will help reduce their carbon footprint.

You can easily turn your used Handee and other household kitchen and garden waste into a valuable resource, that can feed your garden or even your pot plants. Handee right?

Please do not compost if Handee has been used with cleaning chemicals or motor oil.

Get your hands on Handee

Handee is available at leading supermarkets across New Zealand.

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