Toilet paper is an essential household product that most of us use multiple times per day. Traditional toilet paper is made from trees, usually from virgin pulp. However, bamboo toilet paper has become an increasingly popular alternative in recent years due to its purported environmental benefits.
In this article, we’ll look at the pros and cons of bamboo toilet paper compared to regular tree-based toilet paper to help you decide if making the switch is worthwhile.
Page Contents
What is bamboo toilet paper?
Bamboo toilet paper is toilet paper made from bamboo fibers instead of tree pulp. Bamboo is a fast-growing grass that can be sustainably harvested within 3-5 years, while trees used for virgin wood pulp toilet paper take 20-50 years to mature.
Bamboo toilet paper is also often marketed as being more environmentally friendly than regular TP due to bamboo’s quick growth cycle. Many bamboo TP brands tout themselves as biodegradable, sustainable, and plastic-free.
Pros of bamboo toilet paper
Here are some of the main benefits that bamboo toilet paper offers over regular toilet paper:
More sustainable material
Bamboo is one of the fastest growing plants in the world. It can grow up to 3 feet per day, achieving maturity within 3-5 years. This makes bamboo a rapidly renewable resource compared to trees used for virgin tree pulp, which take decades to reach maturity.
Switching to bamboo TP allows consumers to reduce their environmental impact. Bamboo TP has a smaller carbon footprint because less energy is required for growing bamboo versus cutting down mature trees.
Biodegradable and plastic-free
Most bamboo TP brands use no plastic in their manufacturing process. The bamboo fibers break down naturally without leaving behind microplastics that contaminate waterways and oceans.
Many bamboo TP products are certified biodegradable and compostable. They can break down into organic matter within 6-12 weeks in landfills or industrial composting facilities.
Softer on skin
Bamboo fibers contain natural oils that give bamboo TP a soft, silky feel. The smooth texture makes bamboo TP gentle on sensitive skin compared to conventional TP.
People with skin conditions like eczema who find normal TP abrasive and irritating often report reduced skin irritation when switching to bamboo TP.
High absorbency
Bamboo pulp is naturally very absorbent. Bamboo TP can hold 2-3 times more liquid than regular TP made from wood pulp. This means you may be able to use less TP to achieve the same absorbency.
Cons of bamboo toilet paper
While bamboo TP offers some benefits, there are also a few downsides to consider:
Higher price
Bamboo TP tends to cost 1.5 to 2 times more than conventional TP. You’ll pay a premium for the sustainability benefits. Cheaper varieties of bamboo TP may not be significantly more eco-friendly than regular brands.
Prone to tearing when wet
The smooth texture that makes bamboo TP gentle for dry wiping can become a downside when the TP becomes wet. Bamboo TP is prone to tearing and shredding when damp, requiring more TP usage.
Limited availability
Bamboo TP can be harder to find in brick-and-mortar stores. You may need to purchase it online directly from manufacturers or eco-friendly retailers. This makes bamboo TP less convenient to purchase.
May use bleach during processing
While bamboo pulp itself is a sustainable material, some bamboo TP brands use chlorine bleach during manufacturing to whiten or disinfect the final product. This nullifies some of the eco-benefits.
Opt for unbleached bamboo TP to avoid chlorinated compounds. Check manufacturer processing methods before purchasing.
How bamboo toilet paper is made
Bamboo toilet paper goes through a pulping and papermaking process similar to regular TP, but using bamboo plants instead of trees. Here are the basic steps:
- Bamboo stalks are crushed and mashed to break down the fibers.
- The bamboo pulp goes through cleaning and bleaching operations.
- The cleaned bamboo fibers are mixed with water to make paper slurry.
- The slurry is spread on screens to form wet paper sheets.
- The bamboo paper sheets are dried and compacted using rollers.
- Perfumed chemicals, lotions, or moisturizers may be added.
- The bamboo TP sheets are wound onto rolls, cut, and packaged.
Unbleached or elemental chlorine-free (ECF) processes help retain the sustainability benefits of bamboo TP. Totally chlorine-free (TCF) bleaching further reduces chemical use but is more expensive.
Comparison of bamboo vs regular toilet paper
Here is a table comparing some key factors between bamboo toilet paper and regular toilet paper:
| Bamboo Toilet Paper | Regular Toilet Paper | |
|---|---|---|
| Main Material | Bamboo pulp | Wood pulp from trees |
| Strengths |
|
|
| Weaknesses |
|
|
| Environmental Impact | Low impact – sustainable material | High impact – deforestation concerns |
What to look for when buying bamboo toilet paper
If you want to try switching to bamboo TP, here are some tips for choosing a high-quality eco-friendly product:
Certifications
Look for bamboo TP with certifications like FSC, EcoLogo, Green Seal, or BPI compostable. These verify sustainability practices and material biodegradability claims.
Bleaching method
TCF (totally chlorine-free) bamboo TP is best to minimize chemical use. Or opt for ECF (elemental chlorine-free) over full chlorine bleaching.
Sheet thickness
Thicker TP (4+ ply) holds up better when wet. Thinner TP (1-2 ply) saves material but tears easier.
Additives
Avoid lotions, fragrances, and additives which may contain chemicals. Opt for plain unscented bamboo TP when possible.
Texture
The smoother the TP, the gentler it will be for sensitive skin. Bamboo TP ranges from smooth to textured based on processing.
Price
While pricier than regular TP, the most affordable bamboo TP options still offer sustainability benefits. Only pay 2-3x more, not 5-10x.
Company practices
Research brands to ensure fair labor practices and eco-friendly manufacturing. Small TP companies are often most transparent.
Best bamboo toilet paper reviews
Based on criteria like sustainability certifications, bleaching methods, and product reviews, here are 5 of the best bamboo toilet paper options:
No. 1 – Caboo Bamboo Toilet Paper
Caboo is an eco-friendly company that makes toilet paper and paper towels from sustainably farmed bamboo. Their bamboo TP is very thick and soft, with each roll equal to 30 regular rolls.
Key features:
- 4-ply thickness
- Unbleached and unscented
- FSC and Green Seal certified
- Carbon-neutral manufacturing
Caboo bamboo TP is ideal for buyers looking for luxury softness and sustainability.
No. 2 – Tushy Bamboo Toilet Paper
Tushy specializes in bidets and eco-friendly TP made from sugar cane and bamboo. Their 3-ply bamboo TP has a velvety soft feel.
Key features:
- 3-ply thickness
- ECF bamboo with no inks/dyes
- Plastic-free
- 1% of sales go to water access charities
Tushy bamboo TP offers a responsible choice at a reasonable price point.
No. 3 – Native Bamboo Toilet Paper
Native focuses on plastic-free personal care products, including bamboo TP wrapped in compostable paper. It has a two-ply velvety texture.
Key features:
- 2-ply thickness
- Unbleached TCF bamboo
- Vegan, cruelty-free, plastic-free
- Ships free in minimal cardboard
Native TP is a highly eco-conscious choice for sustainability focused buyers.
No. 4 – Cloud Bamboo Toilet Paper
Cloud’s luxury bamboo TP contains a mix of bamboo and sugar cane fibers. It has a textured feel and comes in individually wrapped rolls.
Key features:
- 3-ply thickness
- ECF bamboo and sugar cane blend
- Wrapped in biodegradable paper
- Carbon neutral shipping
Cloud bamboo TP offers a posh hotel-like TP experience with eco benefits.
No. 5 – Bambo Nature Toilet Paper
Bambo Nature is an eco-friendly company from Denmark offering a range of bathroom products made from bamboo and sugar cane fibers. Their standard TP has a textured 2-ply feel.
Key features:
- 2-ply thickness
- Unbleached TCF bamboo
- Vegan, cruelty-free, BPA-free
- Ships in minimal paper packaging
Bambo Nature TP is an uncomplicated sustainable choice available internationally.
Frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about bamboo toilet paper:
Is bamboo toilet paper cheaper than regular toilet paper?
No, bamboo TP is typically more expensive than regular TP. You’ll pay around 1.5 – 2 times more for bamboo TP compared to basic household name brands. Eco-friendly materials and sustainable manufacturing increase the costs. But prices have come down as bamboo TP becomes more mainstream.
Does bamboo toilet paper clog pipes?
Bamboo TP is not more likely to clog pipes than conventional TP. In fact, since some bamboo TP varieties are thinner than regular TP, there may be slightly less risk of clogs. The bamboo fibers break down safely through drainage systems like normal toilet paper.
Can you flush bamboo toilet paper?
Yes, bamboo toilet paper is designed to be flushable and septic-safe, just like regular TP. The bamboo fibers disintegrate during flushing and are not toxic to waterways. Bamboo TP is more biodegradable than conventional TP with bleached wood pulp.
Is bamboo toilet paper rough on skin?
Bamboo toilet paper is often softer and smoother than regular TP. But some textured varieties can feel slightly rough or abrasive, especially cheaper brands. Higher-end bamboo TP with smooth fibers and lotion feels very gentle on skin.
Does bamboo toilet paper dissolve easily?
Dry bamboo TP is strong and absorbent for regular wiping. But it does not hold up as well as conventional TP when wet. The smooth fibers can become waterlogged and prone to tearing or dissolving when damp. Thicker ply bamboo TP is more durable.
The bottom line
Bamboo toilet paper makes an eco-friendly alternative to conventional tree-based TP. It offers sustainability benefits thanks to bamboo’s rapid renewal rate compared to slow-growing trees. Bamboo TP is also praised for its soft, smooth feel that is gentle on skin.
While pricier than regular TP, bamboo TP provides a more eco-conscious choice for environmentally minded buyers. The best bamboo TP balances quality, absorbency, strength, and sustainable production practices. Try a few top-rated brands to see if bamboo can upgrade your TP experience while also benefiting the planet.