Recycled toilet paper? That’s a thing? And wait… does that mean it’s been used before? We all know recycling is great for the planet and makes us feel good about reducing waste, but when we’re talking toilet paper, we understand you might have questions.
But here’s the good news: recycled toilet paper is nothing to be squeamish about. We’re here to clear the air about what it’s actually made of, whether it’s safe, and why your bum might just thank you for giving it a go.
Recycled toilet paper is not made from used TP
Read that headline again: recycled toilet paper is NOT made from used toilet paper. If there’s one myth we’re here to bust, this is it.
Instead, recycled toilet paper is made up of clean, pre- or post-consumer materials, giving new life to paper products that would otherwise end up in landfills. “Pre-consumer” refers to unused scraps or misprints that businesses collect before they ever find their way into the world.
Post-consumer paper includes things like letters, notebooks or newspapers that have been discarded. Instead of tossing all that paper, it’s cleaned, processed, and repurposed into soft, hygienic toilet paper.
This eco-friendly toilet paper choice reduces waste, conserves resources and provides a product that’s clean, safe and better for the planet.
How is recycled toilet paper made, anyway?
Be warned, this next bit’s a little nerdy.
Recycled toilet paper’s magical transformation starts with screening pre- or post-consumer materials to remove anything unsavoury — no grease, no contaminants, no gross surprises. Once cleared, the paper is mixed with lukewarm water to form a pulp.
Then comes flotation de-inking, where air bubbles lift ink and impurities to the surface for skimming, leaving behind clean, pure fibre pulp — no mystery marks, no unexpected ink transfers.
The pulp is dried at high heat to zap any lingering bacteria, making the recycled paper as hygienic as any other roll. Love bright-white TP? Some recycled toilet paper undergoes a whitening process using eco-friendly options like hydrogen peroxide. Others skip the whitening altogether for a more natural look.
Is recycled toilet paper less soft than traditional rolls?
Yes, recycled toilet paper can sometimes be less soft than traditional rolls. But here’s the thing — manufacturers have worked wonders improving the texture over the years, balancing comfort with sustainability.
And it’s not just good for the planet; it’s also great for your plumbing. Recycled toilet paper is designed to break down more easily, meaning fewer clogs and happier pipes.
The result is toilet paper that’s gentle enough for your bum, kinder to your plumbing and a lot gentler on the planet. So, while it might not be as silky smooth as the stuff you’re used to, recycled TP is a swap worth making for eco-friendliness that truly feels good.
The health and environmental benefits of recycled rolls
Now that we've settled your questions about the cleanliness of recycled toilet paper, it's worth noting that traditional TP rolls have their own dirty secrets.
First up, bleaching. Many well-known brands still use chlorine bleaching, creating harmful byproducts like dioxins, which are toxic to both humans and the planet. Most recycled toilet paper skips the nasty stuff, opting for safer, more eco-friendly options like hydrogen peroxide to achieve its whiteness.
Now, let’s address the environmental impact of toilet paper. Traditional rolls made from virgin wood pulp contribute massively to deforestation, including clear-cutting over 1 million acres of Canada’s boreal forest every year — a critical hub for carbon storage and biodiversity.
Every single day, over a million trees are cut down to produce traditional toilet paper — just to be used once and flushed away. TP made from recycled content, on the other hand, is a game-changer. By repurposing existing paper, it slashes the carbon footprint to about one-third of what traditional toilet paper leaves behind.
Choosing recycled TP doesn’t just conserve trees — it also helps protect vital ecosystems while cutting down on greenhouse gas emissions. Even better, rolls made by recycling paper take significantly less water and energy to process than those made with virgin trees. That’s a lot of good for one humble roll!
Conclusion: Make the eco-friendly choice today!
Say it with us: recycled toilet paper is NOT made from used TP!
The process starts by collecting scraps of pre- or post-consumer materials and screening out any contaminants. Next, the paper is mixed with lukewarm water to create a pulp, and any inks or impurities are washed away. Finally, the whole mixture gets heated to zap bacteria, leaving you with a clean and hygienic roll.
On the environmental front, traditional toilet paper takes a serious toll, contributing to deforestation and guzzling precious resources like water and energy. Recycled options, on the other hand, offer a much lower carbon footprint while being gentler on the planet.
And when it comes to comfort, sustainable brands like Who Gives A Crap are raising the bar, with 3-ply recycled rolls that combine strength and softness. Plus, we donate 50% of our profits to clean water and sanitation non-profits worldwide.
The verdict is in: recycled toilet paper is the smart, sustainable and totally not gross choice. Switch to recycled toilet paper today and see how a small swap can be a big relief for the planet.