The process of converting wood pulp into toilet paper is a little more complicated than it appears. Many users prefer textured toilet paper to the smooth feel of basic single-ply bath tissue. There is also the practice of rippling, creating pleats in the paper to improve adhesion. Others use embossing to emphasize the brand name or trademark, along with adding strength. Some premium brands feature a technique called quilting, which creates visual interest and the perception of additional comfort. One popular method is to enhance the texture of the paper. TextureĬompetition for new customers can be substantial in the toilet paper market, so manufacturers are constantly looking for ways to make their products stand out on store shelves. The size of an individual roll can also vary widely, from an average of 77 sheets on a bargain brand to hundreds on a 5X mega-roll. Sometimes a premium three-ply brand becomes much more affordable per roll when purchased in bulk sizes. Alternatively, you have the option of purchasing a single roll for travel, or a four or six pack for personal use. Features Packaging optionsīecause toilet paper is one of those household commodities without a shelf life, buying in bulk does make good economic sense for larger families and institutions, or anyone with room to store it. Look for information on the recycled content and sustainability efforts on the product’s packaging or manufacturer’s website. The demand for toilet paper and other paper product is notoriously high, which means old growth and virgin sources for pulp can be easily depleted if not sustained responsibly. Environmentally-conscious toilet paper manufacturers make an effort to purchase their raw ingredients from sustainable forests and other sources. Other manufacturers do indeed use nearly 100% recycled pulp to create their bath tissue, but consumer satisfaction can be variable.Ī related consideration is sustainability. Some premium brands specifically use a special fiber found only in original wood pulp to create ultra-plush products. Recycled paper pulp is not always as absorbent or soft as virgin paper pulp, for instance. While the use of recycled paper stock is a common selling point for many toilet paper brands, there are some trade-offs to consider. While some individual users may be satisfied with smaller roll sizes, these mega-rolls can be very useful for larger families. Manufacturers address this issue by offering oversized rolls that still fit most standard toilet paper holders. Replacing a roll of toilet paper may not be the more difficult task for housekeepers, but it can become a time-consuming annoyance if smaller rolls are being emptied within a few days. Two-ply construction has largely become the default setting of toilet paper marketed for home use, while three-ply brands are seen as premium. Some single-ply brands are nearly as absorbent and comfortable as their more expensive two-ply competitors, but many consumers seek out two- and three-ply contenders because of factors such as durability and softness. The number of plies in a particular brand and style of toilet paper often determines more than thickness. It did not become widely popular until the 14th Century AD, however. The first recorded use of paper as a personal hygiene item was during the 6th Century AD in China.
Read on to learn even more about how to find the best toilet paper brand to meet your specific needs. Absorbency and texture are also factors to keep in mind. User comfort is one important factor, since many people use fewer sheets of a premium brand per visit. The use of dyes, fragrances and old growth pulp has also been reduced in recent years because of increased consumer awareness.Ĭonsidering how much toilet paper an average family uses in a year’s time, shopping in bulk does make good economic sense, but there are also many other factors to consider. For this reason, many manufacturers now place a premium on using recycled paper stock and/or sustainable wood sources. Toilet paper (or bathroom tissue) is an extremely popular product, requiring a significant percentage of the world’s total wood pulp supply to meet consumer demand. However, it is a product that has served humankind well for centuries, and it would definitely be missed if it disappeared from store shelves tomorrow. For some of us, toilet paper may be one of those household necessities that dare not speak its name.