If you’ve been on the hunt for bathroom tissue that’s more sustainable, look no further than bamboo toilet paper. There are plenty of companies that have begun to manufacture eco-friendly, longer-lasting and soft-textured alternatives to the common wood pulp variety, and bamboo is a great option since it’s fast-growing, carbon-neutral and highly absorbent.
There are bamboo toilet paper options out there for everyone. For example, if you’re looking for a super-soft, eco-friendly toilet paper delivered to your door, TUSHY Premium Bamboo Toilet Paper would be the perfect product for you.
What to know before you buy bamboo toilet paper
Texture
Toilet paper is about as universal a product as it gets and picking out an option that’s comfortable is important, since you’ll be using it every day. The texture of bamboo toilet paper comes down to how it was processed, whether it was texturized or quilted after the fact and whether the material is virgin bamboo, which tends to be softer. For more information about toilet paper in general, check out the full toilet paper buying guide from BestReviews.
Subscription service versus single purchase
You can either buy individual packs of bamboo toilet paper — normally with six rolls — as a single purchase from a store or sign up for a subscription service. Subscription services conveniently deliver the toilet paper to your home and will often discount their subscriptions so that they are more affordable than a one-time purchase.
Ply count
Plies, or the layers of paper that form toilet paper, make a big difference in how absorbent, soft and long-lasting bamboo toilet paper is. The more plies, the better, though a higher ply count will often indicate an uptick in price.
Bamboo toilet paper features
Softness
Most users rank the texture of their toilet paper as the most important distinguishing factor. Look for virgin bamboo pulp for softer bamboo toilet paper. It tends to be pricier, but many users decide that it’s worth a few extra dollars to have soft and cushy bathroom tissue.
Roll size
A thicker roll will last longer without needing to be changed out. For individuals or small homes, it may not make a difference, but for large families, large rolls are particularly helpful.
Free from chemicals, dyes and fragrances
Most bamboo toilet paper avoids the use of dyes, artificial fragrances and chemicals like chlorine. Manufacturers will typically label their bathroom tissue in a way that makes it clear which chemicals and dyes they’ve avoided adding to their toilet paper.
Bamboo toilet paper cost
Bamboo toilet paper is mostly sold in packs of six or more, but if you break down the price per roll, each roll can cost less than $2. However, when you’re buying in bulk, every penny counts, since even a small difference in price per roll exponentially can increase the price. Signing up for a delivery subscription normally offers a discounted price for continual bulk purchases.
Bamboo toilet paper FAQ
How is bamboo toilet paper made?
A. Bamboo toilet paper is produced in the same sort of way as regular toilet paper. Like wood pulp, the virgin bamboo is stripped down to its fibers, then turned to a pulp that is soaked, processed and pressed into a sheet. This sheet is then dried out to the desired texture, texturized further by processes like quilting and rolled out into the rolls that we know and love.
Why is bamboo more sustainable than wood pulp?
A. Bamboo grows exponentially faster than regular wood — up to 39 inches in a single day! It also requires less water to grow and process into toilet paper. Trees are spared by switching to bamboo toilet paper, which is great for the environment. Estimates show that up to 15% of deforestation is on account of the toilet paper industry.
Which bamboo toilet paper should I get?
Best of the best bamboo toilet paper
Tushy Premium Bamboo Toilet Paper: available at TUSHY
Our take: TUSHY is an environmentally-friendly luxury bamboo subscription service that brings their soft bath tissue right to your door.
What we like: This toilet paper boasts super-soft rolls, easy subscription and delivery and a sustainable business model. This triple-ply toilet paper is free from plastics, bleach and BPA and is completely biodegradable.
What we dislike: Buying TUSHY can become quite pricey if you don’t opt for the subscription service.
Best bang for your buck bamboo toilet paper
NatureZway Bamboo Bath Tissue: available at Bed Bath & Beyond
Our take: NatureZway offers a great bamboo toilet paper for customers looking for an economical and eco-friendly option.
What we like: This option is strong but soft, super absorbent and 2-ply. It’s septic-safe and free from fragrances, allergens and BPA. You can buy it in a single pack of six rolls, which some customers may prefer over a subscription model.
What we dislike: Some users complained that the paper is a bit thin.
Honorable mention bamboo toilet paper
Dream Bright Bamboo Toilet Paper: available at Amazon
Our take: Dream Bright offers super soft and absorbent bamboo toilet paper for bulk purchases.
What we like: This toilet paper can be bought in sets of 18 or 72 rolls, keeping you stocked for the long haul. It consists of 3-ply paper, meaning it’s strong but soft. It’s BPA, fragrance, dye and fluorescent-free.
What we dislike: Dream Bright is somewhat more expensive per roll compared to the other options.
Micayla Mead is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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