Is Bamboo Toilet Paper Scratchy? 5 Key Facts You Should Know

During the Great Toilet Paper Shortage of 2020, you likely began looking for alternative options. In your search, bamboo toilet paper probably caught your eye. Brands like Cloud Paper and Who Gives a Crap offer it as a more sustainable alternative to regular toilet paper, promoting it as a greener way to clean up.

Now, let’s tackle the first question: Is bamboo toilet paper actually made from bamboo? The same bamboo that pandas munch on? Yes, it is! Unlike most toilet paper, which is made from tree pulp, bamboo toilet paper is crafted from bamboo pulp. No trees are harmed in its production.

Sounds promising, right? But is it really? Here are five things you should know about bamboo toilet paper to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your needs.

1. Bamboo is Grown Sustainably

According to Ryan Fritsch, co-founder of Cloud Paper, bamboo can grow up to 3 feet (0.9 meters) daily. It reaches maturity in just three years, while trees can take 50 years or longer to grow to harvestable size.

As it grows, "Bamboo toilet paper produces at least 30% fewer greenhouse gas emissions than tree-based toilet paper," explains Fritsch. "It doesn’t need special care, irrigation, or fertilization, and is harvested only once a year," adds Farrah, a team member from Who Gives a Crap, via email. This saves water and avoids chemical fertilizers. Bamboo, being a grass and not a tree, is more like mowing a tall lawn than cutting down a forest. Given that Americans use an average of 57 squares per day, this means around 50 pounds (23 kilograms) of toilet paper are consumed per person annually!

2. Bamboo Processing is Chemical-Free

"There has been some media attention regarding the chemical-intensive processes used to convert bamboo for textiles and non-woven products like wet wipes or diapers," explains Farrah. "These products require a fiber that can be spun (which toilet paper doesn’t), and the process involves heavy chemical breakdown. This leads to issues around chemical usage and disposal, which fortunately we don't face!" Who Gives a Crap pulverizes and heats the bamboo to break down the fibers without using chemicals.

3. Bamboo Toilet Paper Is Safe for All Sewage and Septic Systems

In fact, it may even be safer than traditional tree-based toilet paper. Not only does it break down easily, but it’s also biodegradable and lacks the harsh chemicals found in many other toilet papers. For an even greener choice, look for bamboo toilet paper that hasn’t been bleached. Bamboo TP is typically stronger, so it often comes in one- or two-ply, as opposed to the plush three-ply tree-based varieties, although three-ply options are still available. Fewer layers make it easier to break down, which means bamboo toilet paper is even safe for use in RV toilets.

4. The Majority of Bamboo Is Grown in Asia

This includes the bamboo used for toilet paper. Fritsch mentioned that Cloud Paper sources its bamboo from farms certified by the Forest Stewardship Council, ensuring that the bamboo forests are sustainably managed and provide benefits to both the environment and the local community. The farmers working with Who Gives a Crap grow bamboo along the edges of their small farms, which eliminates the need to clear large tracts of land for cultivation. This approach minimizes the impact on local forests and the wildlife that inhabits them.

5. It’s Not Rough!

"We’ve put a strong quality control process in place to ensure our rolls are soft yet durable. If you’re new to eco-friendly TP, we suggest starting with our bamboo rolls—they’re the most comfortable," says Farrah. Fritsch concurs, stating, "The feel of toilet paper is always a matter of personal taste, but our three-ply version is soft, durable, and lint-free, so you don’t have to compromise on quality for sustainability."

While traditional virgin toilet paper is typically the most affordable, both recycled and bamboo toilet paper are available at comparable prices. For instance, Who Gives a Crap offers a pack of 48 rolls for $52.