Toilet paper is one of the most frequently used products in our house, yet we barely talk about it. What happens when the bathroom door shuts is pretty off-limits for most people, but not here at The Skinny Confidential.
We teach you all to be mindful of all the products you put on and in your body, from things like sunscreen and face oil to snack foods and toothpaste. So, we would be doing you a disservice if we didn’t talk about toilet paper.
The truth is, standard toilet paper is full of a lot of crap—pun intended. Think: plastic, ink, dyes, chlorine, formaldehyde, BPA, PFAS—ingredients that we’re not fans of. And honestly, most people don’t think twice about what’s in their toilet paper… and that’s a problem.
These ingredients aren’t just harmful to you; they’re also bad for the environment. The good news? There are sustainable alternatives that prioritize clean ingredients without compromising on quality or comfort. So today, we’re looking at two of the best options: Recycled and bamboo toilet paper.
Bamboo Toilet Paper vs. Recycled Toilet Paper: The Clear Choice
Discussing cleaner alternatives to traditional toilet paper isn’t new around here. In the past, we even posted a comparison between bamboo toilet paper vs. regular toilet paper. And, spoiler, bamboo was the clear winner in pretty much every metric.
However, there are still other eco-friendly toilet paper options! So, if you’re ready to make a more sustainable choice, but aren’t sure what type is right for you? Here’s our comparison of bamboo and recycled toilet paper:
What Is Bamboo Toilet Paper?
Bamboo toilet paper is a sustainable alternative to standard TP. It’s made from naturally soft and strong bamboo fibers rather than rough and fibrous virgin wood pulp. This makes it super eco-friendly without sacrificing comfort and strength.
How Is Bamboo Toilet Paper Made?
Bamboo toilet paper starts with harvesting bamboo, one of the fastest-growing and most eco-friendly plants in the world. Unlike trees, bamboo doesn’t need to be replanted—it grows back on its own after cutting.
Once harvested, the stalks are chopped into small chips, soaked, and softened so the natural fibers can be separated. These fibers are then pulped using heat and steam to create a smooth, fibrous slurry that’s ready to be turned into paper bamboo products.
From there, the pulp is gently whitened using chlorine-free methods, then dried and pressed into thin sheets. These sheets are rolled out, cut, trimmed, perforated, and sometimes embossed to make the toilet paper rolls.
The result is a soft, strong, and sustainable alternative to traditional toilet paper.
What Are the Benefits of Bamboo Toilet Paper?
Sustainable Growth
Farming and harvesting bamboo have a super low environmental impact.
Like we said, bamboo is one of the fastest-growing plants in the world. And since it regenerates after cutting, there’s no need to replant it. Beyond that, it grows with very little water and doesn’t need pesticides. So, the whole process of creating bamboo toilet paper is naturally eco-friendly.
Reduces Carbon Footprint
Bamboo actually soaks up more carbon dioxide than trees and releases more oxygen, which makes it a win for both you and the planet. On top of that, it grows with minimal resources and requires less processing. Overall, the entire production chain creates less pollution and leaves a lighter environmental footprint.
Less Deforestation
Manufacturers make traditional toilet paper from slow-growing hardwood trees, often sourced from the boreal forest. This is an essential biome that regulates climate, supports freshwater resources, and provides habitat for thousands of animals.
Switching to more sustainable bamboo helps reduce deforestation in this critical forest system. By making the switch, you’re helping protect the environment and easing the demand for tree harvesting.
Hypoallergenic Benefits
Bamboo is naturally free of chlorine, formaldehyde, BPA, PFAS, plastic, ink, dyes, and other harsh chemicals. It just isn’t necessary when processing bamboo into great-quality toilet paper!
That means bamboo toilet paper is totally non-toxic and super gentle for those with allergies or sensitive skin. Plus, bamboo has antimicrobial properties too, making it resistant to bacterial growth of any kind.
Soft and Comfortable
Bamboo fibers are round and smooth, resulting in silky-soft paper. Conventional toilet paper, on the other hand, has to rely on harsh, chemical-filled processes to pull that off, and it’s still not as soft.
So, even though you’re making an eco-friendly choice, you don’t have to compromise on texture. In fact, you’ll find bamboo toilet paper is softer and more luxurious than anything else you’ve used.
Strong and Durable
Bamboo is soft, but doesn’t that mean it tears easily? Nope. Bamboo fibers are long and form strong bonds, so they’re actually stronger and more tear-resistant than conventional toilet paper.
It even maintains its strength when wet. The fibers don’t weaken easily, even if the sheets are thin and soft for comfort.
Highly Absorbent
Now you know that bamboo toilet paper is soft and durable, but did you know it’s also incredibly absorbent? The bamboo fibers are longer and more porous, allowing them to hold more liquid.
That means even though bamboo toilet paper can be more expensive than other brands, it’s more cost-effective because you need fewer sheets per visit.
What Is Recycled Toilet Paper?
Recycled toilet paper is another eco-friendly alternative to traditional toilet paper. Instead of virgin wood pulp, recycled toilet paper uses “post-consumer materials.” That means office paper, newspapers, paperboard, and other similar products.
By giving used paper a second life, recycled toilet paper helps reduce the demand for new trees. Additionally, it keeps more waste out of landfills, turning what would be trash into a practical, everyday product.
How Is Recycled Toilet Paper Made?
Recycled toilet paper is made through careful manufacturing processes that turn used paper into soft, durable products.
The process starts with recycling paper from sources like old office documents, newspapers, and cardboard. These materials are cleaned, sorted, and broken down into fibers to create a pulp that can be shaped into sheets for toilet paper.
Many brands now offer 100% post-consumer recycled toilet paper. What does this mean exactly? That every sheet comes entirely from previously used paper rather than new trees.
The pulp is then processed, pressed, and dried into rolls, resulting in a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative!
What Are the Benefits of Recycled Toilet Paper?
Reduces Waste
Since recycled toilet paper doesn’t require any new paper, it naturally helps reduce waste.
Instead of old training manuals, yesterday’s newspaper, or the cardboard from your Amazon order ending up in a landfill, these materials are thoughtfully repurposed to help protect our planet.
Less Deforestation
Like we said, recycled toilet paper doesn’t require any new trees or plant life of any kind. That means the more people who choose recycled paper products, the fewer trees need to be cut down.
This can help preserve our forests, which in turn maintain air quality, freshwater, animal life, and our climate.
Sustainably Made
Recycled paper still needs to be processed, of course, but it requires less water and energy, since it cuts out the whole farming process. Instead, it simply involves repurposing used paper, making it a naturally sustainable choice you can feel good about.
Cost Effective
Recycled toilet paper is usually priced similarly or slightly below conventional toilet paper. This is especially true if you use a subscription option. The lower production costs and easy access to recycled materials make it both environmentally-friendly and budget-friendly.
Is Bamboo Toilet Paper Better than Recycled?
Ultimately, bamboo toilet paper is the better option. Though bamboo and recycled toilet paper may seem comparable, they’re really not.
Yes, they’re both eco-friendly, and recycled paper is often more inexpensive. However, recycled paper is of much lower quality than other toilet paper products.
If that wasn’t enough to make you reconsider, recycled TP could still contain chlorine, formaldehyde, BPA, PFAS, plastic, ink, dyes, and other forever chemicals. Why?
Because manufacturers aren’t sourcing the materials with hypoallergenic properties or with toilet paper use in mind. Newspapers and office documents have dyes. Shipping boxes have chemical coatings. Almost all convention paper contains bleach . . . we could go on. You get the problem.
But what about bamboo toilet paper? Like recycled paper, bamboo is a sustainable option. However, it goes a step further by not compromising on quality and being free of toxins.
It’s soft, durable, and strong without harsh chemicals or deforestation practices. Yes, it’s a little more expensive, but since you need fewer sheets per bathroom trip, it’s actually really cost-effective.
However, it’s important to choose carefully. When the Forest Stewardship Council studied popular toilet paper brands, they found that many claiming to be 100% bamboo actually contained traditional wood pulp.
So, to make sure you’re reaping all the benefits of this high-quality, sustainable option, purchase only from a trusted brand. The Skinny Confidential Bamboo Toilet Paper is 100% bamboo, hypoallergenic, and provides the most luxurious bathroom experience.
Soft, gentle, absorbent 3-ply toilet paper with zero harmful chemicals. Sounds great, right? You can subscribe and save to get your monthly supply sent right to your doorstep.
For more on why this is the best choice, read our post titled: Is Bamboo Toilet Paper Better?
Bamboo toilet paper is the best option for you, your health, and the planet.
When it comes to choosing toilet paper, opting for recycled or bamboo is a simple way to make a more sustainable choice.
Both options reduce the demand for new trees and help cut down on waste. Nonetheless, bamboo takes it a step further. This toilet paper offers superior softness, strength, absorbency, and hypoallergenic qualities. Ultimately, it’s a smarter, higher-quality alternative for you, your home, and the planet.
For more of the best quality wellness products out there, browse The Skinny Confidential Shop.
