Pros and Cons of Bamboo Toilet Paper to Know

As the demand for sustainable household paper products grows, bamboo toilet paper has gained popularity as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional toilet paper. It’s seen as a greener choice, but what are the real advantages and drawbacks? 

In this article, we'll discuss the pros and cons of bamboo toilet paper so you can make an informed decision for your household and the planet.

The Pros of Bamboo Toilet Paper

Bamboo toilet paper is not just another trend. It brings real benefits to both the environment and your personal hygiene routine. Let’s take a closer look at the key advantages.

Sustainability and Environmental Impact

One of the biggest pros of bamboo toilet paper is its sustainability. Bamboo is one of the fastest-growing plants on the planet,¹ making it a highly renewable resource. Unlike wood pulp from trees that is used in traditional toilet paper production, bamboo can be harvested multiple times. This means less disruption to the land and soil. 

By switching to bamboo toilet paper, you're reducing your impact on the planet by choosing a raw material that replenishes quickly and biodegrades naturally.²

Soft and Durable

Despite what you might think, bamboo toilet paper doesn’t sacrifice comfort. Bamboo pulp creates toilet paper that is surprisingly soft while maintaining durability. In fact, bamboo fibers are naturally smoother than wood fibers, which means bamboo toilet tissue can feel gentler on your skin.³

Bamboo toilet rolls, like those from Reel Paper, offer a perfect balance between softness and strength. Unlike 1-ply toilet paper, which can feel flimsy and often leads to more usage per visit, bamboo toilet paper is typically 3-ply, providing enhanced softness and absorbency. With bamboo, you don’t have to sacrifice comfort for sustainability.

Learn more about 1-ply vs 2-ply and 2-ply vs 3-ply toilet paper in our blog.

Septic Safe and Biodegradable

Does bamboo toilet paper block drains? If you're concerned about your septic system, bamboo toilet paper is a safe choice. Its biodegradable nature ensures that it breaks down easily, reducing the risk of toilet paper block drains. Whether you live in a city or use a septic tank, bamboo toilet paper offers peace of mind. It's designed to dissolve efficiently, so you won’t have to worry about long-term plumbing issues.

BPA & PFAS-Free

Traditional toilet paper can contain harmful chemicals like BPA (Bisphenol A) and PFAS (per—and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances), which are often used to whiten or soften paper. These chemicals can cause health concerns over time. Bamboo toilet paper, on the other hand, is typically free from these toxic substances.

This leads many to ask, Is bamboo toilet paper bleached? It really depends on the brand. Most bamboo toilet papers are indeed bleached, but it’s important to look for brands using elemental chlorine-free (ECF) technology (like Reel Paper!) in their bleaching process, which is recognized by the Environmental Protection Agency as the best available technology for bleaching paper products.

We pride ourselves on creating non-toxic toilet paper that is safe for both you and the environment. By choosing bamboo toilet tissue, you're opting for a cleaner, chemical-free product that aligns with your values of sustainability and personal health.

Hypoallergenic and Safe on Sensitive Skin

Bamboo toilet paper is a great option for sensitive skin. Bamboo toilet paper is gentle on the skin, making it an excellent choice for people who need a softer, more skin-friendly option for personal hygiene.

If you’re someone who struggles with allergies or has a history of reacting to conventional toilet paper, bamboo toilet paper might just be the solution you’ve been looking for.

Potential Cons of Bamboo Toilet Paper to Keep in Mind

While bamboo toilet paper has many benefits, it’s important to consider some potential downsides before making the switch. Let’s explore the few challenges you might encounter.

Perceived as More Expensive Compared to Traditional Options

Trust us, we hear it all the time: Why is bamboo toilet paper so expensive?

One of the most common misconceptions about bamboo toilet paper is that it’s more expensive than traditional toilet paper. At first glance, the price per roll might seem higher, but there’s more to the story. 

Take, for example, the leading store brand at Target, which costs about $1.19 per roll. This brand offers 16 fewer sheets per roll and 192 fewer sheets per pack compared to Reel Paper. Moreover, it’s a 1-ply product, whereas Reel Paper provides 3-ply quality, ensuring superior softness, absorbency, and durability.

This means that while you may spend slightly more upfront for bamboo toilet paper, you actually use less with each use, potentially saving money over time. The durability and absorbency of bamboo toilet paper reduce the need for multiple sheets, making it a cost-effective option in the long run. Learn more about how much toilet paper to use in our blog. 

Brand Variability in Softness

Not all bamboo toilet paper is created equal. Depending on the brand, you may notice differences in softness and texture. Some brands might produce bamboo toilet paper that feels slightly more textured than the ultra-soft varieties available from other companies. For instance, while Reel Paper is known for its balance of softness and durability, other brands may not offer the same level of comfort, which could be disappointing if you’re expecting a premium experience.

When selecting bamboo toilet paper, it's important to choose reputable brands that prioritize both sustainability and quality. Reading reviews and trying out different brands can help you find the best bamboo toilet paper for your household.

In-Store Availability

Another drawback to consider is the in-store availability of bamboo toilet paper. While traditional toilet paper is readily available at most grocery and convenience stores, bamboo toilet paper may not always be stocked in your local shop, which can be a slight inconvenience for those who prefer to make purchases in-store. Luckily, Reel Paper is stocked at stores like Target, Gelson’s, Harris Teeter, and Erewhon. Find a store that sells Reel near you today!

That being said, the availability of bamboo products is increasing as more people recognize the benefits of eco-friendly alternatives. Like Reel, many brands also offer subscription services that deliver bamboo toilet rolls directly to your door, ensuring you never run out.

Experience the Benefits of Bamboo Toilet Paper with Reel Paper

At Reel Paper, we believe that making sustainable choices should never mean sacrificing comfort or quality. Our bamboo toilet paper offers all the benefits of traditional toilet paper, plus the added perks of being eco-friendly, hypoallergenic, and chemical-free. We’re committed to creating household paper products that are better for you and the planet.

Ready to make the switch? Experience the soft, durable, and sustainable benefits of bamboo toilet paper with Reel Paper. Whether you’re looking for a more eco-friendly option or simply want a non-toxic, hypoallergenic product for your home, Reel Paper delivers. Start your journey towards a greener, cleaner future today.

Source:

1. One Tree Planted. 8 Amazing Bamboo Facts. https://onetreeplanted.org/blogs/stories/bamboo
2. Mongabay. Toilet paper: Environmentally impactful, but alternatives are rolling out. https://news.mongabay.com/2024/03/toilet-paper-environmentally-impactful-but-alternatives-are-rolling-out/
3. Science Direct. Bamboo fibre: A sustainable solution for textile manufacturing. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2773139124000338