How is toilet paper made: traditional vs bamboo

February 12, 2024

Published on July 06, 2023Updated on May 18, 2025

Toilet paper is an everyday product that we often take for granted. Yet its production process is complex and has a significant environmental impact. In this article, we compare the production of traditional toilet paper with that of bamboo toilet paper, and we highlight the benefits of the sustainable choice of bamboo.

Production Process of Traditional Toilet Paper

Traditional toilet paper is mainly produced from wood pulp, derived from trees such as softwood and hardwood. The process begins with cutting down trees, after which the trunks are stripped of bark and chopped into small chips. These wood chips are then mixed with water and chemicals to release the cellulose fibers, resulting in pulp.

This pulp is washed, bleached, and processed into thin sheets of paper, which are eventually rolled into toilet paper rolls. The bleaching provides the white color we are accustomed to, but it also introduces chemicals that can be harmful to the environment.

Traditioneel toiletpapier

Production Process of Bamboo Toilet Paper

Bamboo toilet paper offers an environmentally friendly alternative. Bamboo is a grass species that grows remarkably fast, up to 91 centimeters per day, and after harvesting it naturally regrows, making replanting unnecessary.

The production process begins with finely chopping the bamboo stems, which are then mixed with water and caustic soda to separate the fibers. This pulp is washed and processed into paper, similar to the traditional method, but with significantly fewer chemicals and without bleaching, resulting in a naturally unbleached product.

Many people choose recycled toilet paper as a sustainable option, but recent research shows that it can be a source of PFAS contamination. Would you like to learn more? Read our article on the risks of PFAS in recycled toilet paper and discover why bamboo toilet paper is a safer alternative.

Gerecycled toiletpapier PFAS

Environmental Impact and Sustainability

Choosing bamboo toilet paper has several advantages compared to traditional toilet paper:

Resource Renewal: Bamboo grows up to 30 times faster than many tree species and can be harvested annually without replanting, which contributes to a more sustainable supply of raw materials.

Reduced Use of Chemicals: The production process of bamboo toilet paper requires fewer chemicals and no bleaching agents, resulting in a lower environmental impact and a product that is gentler on the skin.

Water and Energy Efficiency: Bamboo toilet paper uses less water and energy during production, contributing to a lower ecological footprint.

Would you like to learn more about how you can reduce your ecological impact? Read our article on the importance of reducing plastic and discover practical ways to contribute to a more sustainable world.

Choose Sustainability and Make the Switch to Bamboo Toilet Paper

Why choose traditional toilet paper when there is a more sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative? Bamboo toilet paper from Bamboi helps combat deforestation, reduces chemical usage, is better for the planet and your skin. Make the switch today and contribute to a greener future! Order your Bamboi bamboo toilet paper!