Remember those chemistry classes you swore you'd never use again?
When it comes to something as simple as toilet paper, a little chemistry knowledge goes a long way. It turns out that making a bright white toilet paper roll involves some tricky chemical compounds.
Don't grab your old textbooks just yet, though.
We’re here to demystify Elemental Chlorine Free (ECF) and Process Chlorine Free (PCF) toilet paper and see why they’ve become the industry standards in the paper manufacturing world. (Spoiler: they’re better for both the planet and your bum).
What is chlorine bleached toilet paper, and why was it so harmful?
To understand the benefits of ECF and PCF, we must first revisit the original whitening agent: elemental chlorine gas.
When we talk about harmful chlorine bleached toilet paper, we're referring to the chemical process used to make paper pulp bright white.
Historically, many toilet paper brands have relied on elemental chlorine gas (Cl2) in this bleaching process to achieve the pristine, bright white look that consumers have come to expect. It's been the standard for decades, often associated with a sense of cleanliness and purity.
The consequences of elemental chlorine whitening
Unfortunately, this traditional toilet paper bleaching method came with several significant downsides for both the environment and human health. The use of elemental chlorine gas in bleaching creates damaging byproducts, most notably dioxins.
These aren't just any toxins — dioxins are persistent environmental pollutants that wreak havoc on waterways and aquatic life. Exposure to these chemicals can also lead to potential skin irritations, which no one wants to experience.
Fortunately, the industry has made significant progress, paving the way for more effective alternatives, such as ECF.
Tell me about elemental chlorine free (ECF) toilet paper
What exactly is Elemental Chlorine Free (ECF) toilet paper, you ask?
ECF is a bleaching process that eliminates the use of elemental chlorine gas. Instead, paper manufacturers use chlorine dioxide (ClO2) as the primary whitening agent.
While this sounds like a minor chemical tweak, it makes a world of difference.
The American Forest & Paper Association (AFPA) notes that ECF bleaching is the technological choice for sustainable pulp and paper manufacturing globally — it’s the whitening process for over 95 per cent of pulp production.
So, chlorine dioxide is a healthier alternative?
Yes, chlorine dioxide is a much healthier alternative for the environment and your tush. ECF has been the standard for paper products since the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recognised it as the best available technology for bleaching paper products in 1998.
Chlorine dioxide still achieves that clean, bright white appearance consumers prefer. Crucially, it significantly reduces the formation of harmful dioxins compared to elemental chlorine gas.
There is a caveat, though. While ECF drastically minimises these toxins, it doesn't eliminate them entirely.
Now tell me about Process Chlorine Free (PCF) toilet paper
Process Chlorine Free (PCF) is all about keeping your toilet paper free from additional chlorine chemicals. It’s a method that’s specifically for recycled paper products.
For a recycled roll to earn its PCF stripes, its fibres must not be bleached with chlorine compounds during the recycling process. Instead, manufacturers use gentler alternatives — such as oxygen, ozone or hydrogen peroxide — to give recycled TP a clean, white look.
To put it plainly: Recycled toilet paper is PCF as long as no new chlorine-based chemicals are used during its reproduction, even if the wood fibres were bleached initially with chlorine dioxide.
Comparing chlorine free toilet paper whitening methods
The sustainable paper industry recognises ECF and PCF as standard practices, indicating a move towards more environmentally responsible manufacturing.
That’s good news for our health, our bums and our planet.
Differences between ECF and PCF toilet paper whitening methods
While ECF and PCF both aim to reduce the environmental impact of toilet paper production, they apply to different types of paper materials and occur during different stages of the manufacturing process.
Material focus
ECF refers to the bleaching of virgin wood pulp or sustainably sourced alternatives, while PCF specifically applies to recycled paper fibres.
Elimination of elemental chlorine
ECF eliminates elemental chlorine gas from the bleaching process of virgin pulp. Meanwhile, PCF ensures that no new chlorine-containing chemicals are used to bleach recycled paper.
Dioxin reduction vs dioxin avoidance
ECF significantly reduces the formation of dioxins. PCF avoids adding any new chlorine bleaching agents — that’s two big thumbs up for avoiding extra chlorine in the recycling world.
Bonus round: Totally Chlorine Free (TCF) method
That’s right, we left the best for last. Totally Chlorine Free (TCF) is the highest standard, meaning no chlorine or chlorine compounds were used at any stage of the paper's production, regardless of the paper’s material.
While ECF and PCF are major improvements, TCF represents the complete absence of chlorine compounds in the entire process. However, there aren’t many paper mills using TCF — but the small percentage that do are found in Europe.
The AFPA reports that 3% of all toilet paper production relies on totally chlorine free methods, citing a lack of environmentally friendly advantages and higher manufacturing costs over the other whitening processes.
Here’s hoping the paper industry and its watchdogs continue to research and test TCF processing to prove its benefit and increase its prevalence.
Conclusion – Mastering the elements of a better wipe
Do you feel like you just aced your chem final?
Understanding terms like Elemental Chlorine Free (ECF) and Process Chlorine Free (PCF) helps protect your household from harmful pollutants in different kinds of toilet paper.
ECF is the standard for traditional forest pulp and sustainable alternatives, while PCF treats recycled wood fibres. These chlorine free methods are the paper industry’s formula for reducing nasty byproducts while keeping your toilet rolls bright and soft.
At Who Gives A Crap, we've perfected the equation by offering 100% recycled rolls and 100% bamboo toilet paper, both certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC®). Beyond our wildly popular eco-friendly products, customers also appreciate that we donate 50% of our profits to support clean water projects worldwide.
Companies like ours prove you can be kind to your bum, the planet and other humans — no complex calculations required. Shop Who Gives A Crap’s eco-friendly collections of bath, kitchen and household products to find out why customers made the sustainable switch.