Bamboo vs recycled toilet paper: which is actually eco?

Choosing eco toilet paper isn’t always straightforward. Between bamboo toilet roll and recycled loo roll, different brands claim to have different eco advantages. Bamboo is renewable and fast-growing, but recycled reuses materials already exist, helping to cut down waste and the demand for virgin resources.

So, which is really more planet-conscious? Let’s explore the myths, facts, and eco credentials, and why recycled toilet paper often comes out on top.

What is eco toilet paper?

Eco toilet paper - also called eco toilet roll or sustainable toilet paper - is designed to minimise environmental impact compared with conventional rolls made from virgin tree pulp. It might be made from bamboo, recycled fibres, or unbleached paper, and often comes packaged without plastic.

The shared goal is to create a toilet roll that’s biodegradable, PFAS-free, and safe for your skin as well as your toilet - helping reduce deforestation, and made without harsh chemicals.

Bamboo vs recycled toilet paper sustainability

Bamboo toilet paper is often marketed as eco because bamboo grows rapidly and doesn’t need replanting. While that’s true, most bamboo used in toilet paper is farmed and processed in the Far East before being shipped to the UK. And to make those tough bamboo fibres soft enough for toilet paper, they typically go through chemical processing to soften the fibres. Add in all those transport miles, and the carbon cost starts to climb - making bamboo potentially less sustainable than it first appears.

Recycled toilet paper, however, is made from post-consumer waste paper - that’s magazines, office paper, and newspapers that are already in circulation. By reusing existing materials, recycled toilet roll avoids unnecessary tree felling and typically has a lower carbon footprint when produced in the UK. For UK shoppers, it usually has the lowest carbon footprint overall, especially when it’s chlorine-free.

While recycled rolls have a reputation for being slightly rougher, modern options are much softer than people expect.

Is bamboo toilet paper better than recycled?

If you’re shopping with sustainability in mind, recycled toilet roll might be a good option. Bamboo’s environmental benefits can be offset by long-distance transport and energy-intensive processing.

The more eco-friendly choice tends to be 100% recycled toilet roll, particularly when made in the UK. If bamboo appeals to you, the best option is an FSC-certified brand packaged plastic free - but recycled is a lower-impact choice for most households.

Our verdict: For UK shoppers, recycled toilet paper tends to be the more planet-conscious choice.

Why choose Kit & Kin toilet paper?

At Kit & Kin, we believe you shouldn’t have to choose between comfort and conscience. Our toilet rolls are made in the UK, using 100% recycled paper - also sourced from within the UK. They’re also chlorine-free and wrapped in plastic-free packaging, helping to cut down on waste, and designed to be safe for the whole family.

By switching to Kit & Kin eco toilet paper, you’re choosing a roll that’s soft, free from harsh chemicals, and more conscious of our planet.

FAQs

What is eco toilet paper?
Eco toilet paper can be made from recycled fibres, bamboo or wood pulp, and is designed to reduce environmental harm compared to virgin wood rolls.

How is recycled toilet paper made?
Recycled toilet paper is created from post-consumer waste paper, pulped and pressed into soft new rolls without cutting down trees.

Is recycled toilet paper septic safe?
Yes, recycled papers break down easily, making them septic safe and biodegradable.

Does recycled toilet paper block drains?
No. Recycled paper breaks down quickly in water and won’t block pipes.

How sustainable is bamboo toilet paper compared to recycled?
Recycled toilet roll usually has a lower carbon footprint especially, if it's produced in the UK and not produced and shipped from the Far East. It’s also made from materials that already exist, rather than cutting down virgin resources.

What are the benefits of eco toilet paper?
t helps reduce deforestation, supports a lower-carbon footprint, is made without harsh chemicals, and is packaged plastic free.