Forget the doom-scrolling and cat videos for a moment, because the fluffy stuff you use multiple times a day has a story all its own.
While things got off to a splintery start in the 1800s, will the whispers of a 4 ply toilet paper become the future?
This is how rumours start, folks.
We’re here to talk about the realities of toilet paper ply, explore the pros and cons of ultra plush rolls, and discover what’s really available to shoppers today.
Toilet paper’s humble beginnings
When Joseph Gayetty introduced the first commercial toilet paper in the 1850s, comfort wasn’t a driving factor.
The concept of ply didn’t apply, so to speak. Early TP versions were essentially glorified newspaper sheets — rough, stiff and sometimes came with splinters.
The single layer paper remained the standard for most of the 20th century, particularly in commercial settings. Its main selling points? One layer means less material, lower costs and friendlier to plumbing systems.
The 1 ply legacy continues today in office buildings, schools and anywhere efficiency beats comfort.
The multiply phenomenon: 2 and 3 ply emerge
The toilet paper ply revolution began in 1942 when a UK manufacturer, St Andrew Mills Ltd, asked the revolutionary question: “What if we stuck two sheets together?”
This brilliant innovation changed bathroom experiences forever. By the 1950s, 2 ply toilet paper had emerged as the comfort-forward alternative to its rougher predecessor. The premise was simple but effective: two thin sheets bonded together created a stronger, more absorbent and significantly softer product.
But the quest for posterior pampering didn’t stop there. As consumers demanded more comfort, 3 ply toilet paper hit the market.
These triple-layered rolls promised plush softness and superior strength, quickly becoming symbols of bathroom opulence. The marketing messages also shifted dramatically to convey how the latest rolls prioritised quality with “pillowy soft” comfort.
Toilet paper had effectively reached its glow up phase.
Is 4 ply the new frontier of toilet paper?
Yes, 4 ply toilet paper exists, but it’s difficult to find in the bathroom tissue world.
Four ply’s luxurious feel makes perfect sense for those pursuing the softest wipe. With four sheets bonded together, these rolls offer unparalleled thickness and cushioning.
The additional layers create a stronger paper that is unlikely to tear during use. They also deliver enhanced absorbency, which means you will likely use fewer sheets per trip.
Luxury brands market these products with terms like “supreme, “ultimate,” and “platinum” — positioning them as the Rolls-Royce of restroom experiences. They represent the pinnacle of tush pampering, though this reputation comes with some significant trade-offs.
Potential concerns about 4 ply toilet paper
Before you rush out to stock your bathroom with the plushest paper available, here are some practical considerations worth noting:
1. Environmental impact
Thicker toilet paper requires substantially more virgin wood pulp, meaning increased deforestation and habitat loss. The manufacturing process also consumes more water and energy, resulting in a significantly larger ecological footprint compared to its predecessors. It’s a hefty environmental price for a few seconds of extra comfort.
2. Plumbing problems
All that extra thickness doesn’t break down easily in water, which can potentially lead to pipe blockages, particularly in older systems. For septic tank users, it’s especially problematic — the paper accumulates, causing maintenance issues with costly and unpleasant consequences.
3. Limited availability
Genuine 4 ply toilet paper remains relatively rare, making availability the biggest challenge. Most products labelled “4 ply” should be thoroughly scrutinised, as they are more likely to be cleverly disguised 3 ply rolls.
Rolls that provide comfort, convenience and social consciousness
So what’s the sweet spot that balances comfort, environmental responsibility and practical considerations? For many, it’s in premium 3 ply options from socially conscious brands.
At Who Gives A Crap, we believe your bum deserves better than scratchy 1 ply, but doesn’t need the excessive thickness of 4 ply either. Our three layered toilet paper strikes the Goldilocks tone of “just right” — soft and strong without the environmental waste or plumbing panic.
We offer 100% recycled and bamboo toilet paper varieties that are gentle on the Earth’s finite resources and your skin. Plus, they’re delivered right to your door on a schedule that suits you. No more emergency TP shopping trips for you.
The best part? We donate 50% of our profits to support sanitation projects worldwide. So while enjoying the perfect balance of comfort and sustainability, you also contribute to improved sanitation worldwide.
That’s what we call a triple achievement for your bum, the planet and global health.
Conclusion – Finding the perfect ply for your bum
Admittedly, 4 ply offers unparalleled softness and strength, but we don’t believe it will be the next driver of a toilet paper revolution.
The environmental impact, plumbing risks, and higher costs associated with a four layer sheet make it a tough sell to manufacturers and shoppers alike. Even if consumers ignored these concerns and wanted to bring 4 ply into the fold, they would have a tough time finding these plush rolls available for purchase.
In reality, companies have already met consumers’ comfort demands — sustainable business practices and perceived value are where the market currently falls short.
Here’s a secret: it’s possible to find the perfect TP match without the compromises of quadruple ply. Shop our bathroom collections now to give your bum the sustainable luxury it deserves without any drawbacks.