10 Best Eco-Friendly & Plastic-Free Toilet Paper

Toilet paper is a bathroom necessity, indeed. But did you know that it’s one of the most wasteful products?

Over 42 million tons of toilet paper are used globally, and to accommodate this high demand, more than 712 million trees are cut down annually. In the United States alone, an average American uses about 24 rolls of toilet paper every year.

Considering the population size of over 335 million people, this adds up to an astonishing 8 billion rolls of toilet paper used annually. IN. THE. UNITED. STATES. ALONE! That’s a SCARY amount going to waste!

Even worse, traditional toilet paper packaging often contains plastic, contributing to plastic pollution, which takes decades (anywhere from 20 to 500 years) to break down.

Plastic-free toilet paper, on the other hand, is often made from recycled and/or biodegradable materials that are MUCH MUCH better for you and the planet. 

That’s why I have searched the internet high and low to find the most popular environmentally friendly plastic-free toilet paper brands and have compiled them in this article. Let’s dig in!

Best-Of by Category

Best Eco-Friendly and Plastic-Free Toilet Paper

1. Who Gives a Crap Toilet Paper

Who Gives a Crap (WGaC) is a Certified B-Corp. and an Australian-based toilet paper brand. They promote eco-friendly products and donate 50% of their profits to improve global toilet access and sanitation.

WGaC offers two types of eco-friendly toilet paper: bamboo and 100% recycled paper. All their toilet paper comes in a 3-ply design, which provides extra softness and comfort. 

They also don’t contain any inks, dyes, scents, or nasty chemicals and are 100% biodegradable and septic-safe. Best of all, their TP is available in different cute and fun designs.

Like many other plastic-free TP brands, WGaC also individually wraps each toilet paper roll in thin paper. Plus, they also offer free carbon-neutral delivery for orders over $25. That means everything, including packaging and shipping, is environmentally friendly.

Pros: 

• Made with 100% renewable and sustainable bamboo or 100% recycled paper
• Donates 50% of profits to improve toilet access and sanitation worldwide
• Colorful and fun packaging made from compostable thin paper wrappers
• Use vegetable-based printing ink 

Cons:

• Uses elemental chlorine-free (ECF) whitening, not totally chlorine-free
• Smaller rolls compared to some other eco-friendly TP brands on the list
• Some customers find their 3-ply paper thinner than traditional 3-ply TP brands

See Related: Best Eco-Friendly Wrapping Paper Options

2. Seventh Generation Toilet Paper

Seventh Generation is also a Certified B-Corp. and the US’ leading household and personal care brand. Since 1988, they have offered sustainable, safe, bio-based products that are good for your family and the planet.

One of Seventh Generation’s eco-friendly products is these 2-ply white toilet papers. These toilet papers are made from 100% recycled paper, with a minimum of 50% post-consumer recycled fiber. 

These toilet papers are also compatible with low-flow toilets in recreational vehicles (RVs) and campers. So, you can also take them with you wherever you go! 

The other great things you will love about these eco-friendly toilet paper rolls are that they are whitened without chemicals containing chlorine and free from no added dyes, inks, or fragrances.

Pros: 

• FSC 100% Recycled; no new trees were cut down
• Compatible with septic systems, RVs, and low-flush toilets
• Large supply with 500 sheets per roll
• 100% plastic-free 
• Chlorine-free processing

Cons:

• The 2-ply texture might feel a bit rough at first for those accustomed to 3-ply options
• Bulk packaging may be inconvenient if storage is limited

Important Note: 

Seventh Generation offers a selection of sustainable toilet papers that come wrapped in plastic. To ensure you receive the plastic-free option, order this specific 60-roll pack.

See Related: Best Clothing Companies That Plant Trees

3. The Cheeky Panda Bamboo Toilet Paper

The Cheeky Panda is another Certified B-Corp that sells sustainable personal care products in over 20 countries worldwide. They make toilet paper rolls from the world’s fastest-growing plant: bamboo!

What many people don’t realize is that bamboo is not an actual tree. It’s a tree-like, giant grass that grows extremely fast.

The Cheeky Panda toilet paper rolls are made from responsibly sourced, 100% sustainable bamboo fiber. These zero waste bathroom rolls come in a 3-Ply design for extra comfort and softness. They are also compatible with low-flush toilets, such as those in RVs.

But that’s not all! These eco-friendly toilet paper rolls are also hypoallergenic, 100% biodegradable, vegan, and cruelty-free.

Pros:

• Made with 100% sustainable bamboo fiber
• Unbleached
• Naturally hypoallergenic 
• 100% Biodegradable and septic-safe
• 100% plastic-free
• Free from fertilizers, pesticides, fragrances & BPA
• Chlorine-free processing 

Cons: 

• Smaller rolls compared to some other eco-friendly TP brands on the list
• A little bit more expensive than other options on the list

See Related: Different Types of Bamboo Around the World

4. Caboo Tree Free Bamboo Toilet Paper

Caboo is a famous tree-free toilet paper brand that uses renewable resources to make all its paper products. Their main goal is to reduce deforestation and its impact on global warming. 

Their toilet paper rolls are made with 100% sustainable bamboo fibers and leftover sugarcane pulp. Not only does this make the rolls incredibly soft, but it also makes them super strong, which are both important when you are dealing with a dirty bum! 

Even better, Caboo TP rolls also save water. How? The company uses less than 1 gallon of water per roll of toilet paper compared to the 37 gallons typically used in traditional toilet paper production. That saves 36 gallons of water per roll! Isn’t that just amazing?

And their TP is gentle on sensitive skin too! It’s hypoallergenic, non-GMO project verified, and free from nasty stuff like chlorine bleach, BPA, artificial fragrance, paraben, and lint!

Pros: 

• Made from non-GMO project-verified renewable resources
• Free from chlorine bleach, artificial fragrance, and color additives
• BPA-free & hypoallergenic
• Plastic-free packaging

Cons:

• A bit pricey compared to some other eco-friendly TP brands on the list

See Related: Best Eco-Friendly Baby Products to Buy Today

5. Betterway Bamboo Toilet Paper

Betterway is another famous US-based tree-free toilet paper brand that uses bamboo to make all its paper products. The brand believes that they make the softest and longest TP available on the market. According to them, their bamboo TP roll is 57% larger than other leading toilet paper brands, with 360 sheets per roll! 

However, the Who Gives a Crap Bamboo TP roll has 370 sheets per roll! Of course, it’s worth mentioning that Who Gives a Crap is an Australian TP brand, while Betterway is US-based. So, yeah, if you add the shipping, then the carbon ‘buttprint’ (pun intended!) of WGaC would be higher for US consumers.

Betterway bamboo toilet paper is made from 100% originally grown, non-GMO bamboo that is sourced from FSC Certified forests. Plus, this toilet paper is also hypoallergenic, unscented, and dye-free. 

Best of all! It’s also 3-ply and double-textured. So you get both the absorbency and strength you need to feel confident about cleaning up even the messiest of messes without worrying about leftover residue on your skin.

Pros: 

• Made from 100% originally grown, non-GMO bamboo
• No inks, dyes, or scents
• BPA-free & hypoallergenic
• 100% Plastic-free packaging even – even the tape is plastic-free!
• 100% biodegradable and septic-safe

Cons:

• Not the most wallet-friendly choice when compared to some other eco-friendly TP brands on the list,

See Related: Sustainable, Eco-Friendly Candles to Buy Today 

6. Marcal Toilet Paper

Marcal is one of the earliest recycled paper-making companies in the USA. They developed waste paper recycling technology in the 1950s and are known for their commitment to environmental sustainability. They use de-inked, recycled fibers to create their products, which helps protect valuable resources. 

The company’s main goal is to make paper from paper, not from valuable trees. That’s why their eco-friendly toilet paper rolls are made from 100% recycled paper with 60% of post-consumer waste content. 

Marcal whitens its toilet paper without chlorine bleach and it is Green Seal Certified. It is also septic-safe, virtually lint-free, fragrance-free, dye-free, and hypoallergenic. 

One roll comes with 330 sheets and you get 48 rolls per case. Each toilet paper roll is individually wrapped in paper and delivered in an earth-friendly cardboard package.

Pros: 

• Made from 100% recycled paper with 60% of post-consumer waste content
• Green Seal Certified
• Great value for bulk buy
• Free from chlorine bleach, lint, fragrance, and dyes
• Hypoallergenic
• Biodegradable and septic-safe 

Cons:

• Bulk packaging may be inconvenient if storage is limited

Important Note: 

A few customers have complained that they got their package in plastic. This may occur when third-party sellers wrap them in unnecessary plastic. To get 100% plastic-free delivery, please leave a special note to the company when buying this product. 

See Related: Best Zero Waste Products: Eco-Friendly Choices

7. Pacific Blue Basic Toilet Paper

You might already be familiar with Pacific Blue because of their super soft ‘Multifold Premium 2-Ply Paper Towels‘. But did you know they also make some of the best eco-friendly toilet paper rolls?

These two-ply TP rolls are made from 100% recycled paper with a minimum of 25% post-consumer material. They are soft, thick, and super absorbent. 

These toilet paper rolls are also whitened without chlorine bleach and are Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) and EcoLogo certified. 

One roll comes with 550 sheets and you get 80 rolls per case. Each toilet paper roll is individually wrapped in paper and delivered in a giant cardboard box.

Pros: 

• Made from 100% recycled paper with a minimum of 25% post-consumer material
• Strong, thick, and absorbent
• Safe for all standard sewer and septic systems
• Great value for bulk buy
• Chlorine-free processing

Cons:

• The 2-ply texture might feel a bit rough at first for those accustomed to 3-ply options
• Some users find their 2-ply paper thinner than traditional 2-ply TP brands
• Bulk packaging may be inconvenient if storage is limited

See Related: Essential Environmentally Friendly Tech Products

8. Reel Premium Bamboo Toilet Paper

Reel is also a Certified B-Corp. and a US-based toilet paper brand. They offer two types of eco-friendly paper products: bamboo and 100% recycled paper. 

Their toilet paper rolls are made from responsibly sourced, 100% sustainable bamboo fiber. These rolls come in a 3-ply design for extra thickness and softness. They also don’t contain any inks, dyes, scents, or nasty chemicals and are biodegradable. 

Best of all, the company offers carbon-neutral delivery and zero plastic packaging, even the tape! Each toilet paper roll is wrapped in biodegradable paper that can be recycled and comes in an earth-friendly cardboard package.

Pros: 

• Made from tree-free 100% sustainable bamboo
• Biodegradable and sustainable
• Free from inks, dyes, fragrances & BPA
• 100% Plastic-free – even the tape is plastic-free!
• Free Shipping on subscription orders in the USA only

Cons:

• Uses elemental chlorine-free (ECF) whitening, not totally chlorine-free
• The 3-ply thickness may clog pipes and upset septic and low-flush systems

See Related: Best Biodegradable Baby Wipes

9. Cloud Paper Bamboo Toilet Paper

Cloud Paper toilet paper sets a new standard for eco-friendly and butt-friendly (again, pun intended!) products with its high-quality bamboo and super soft design.

Their toilet paper is made from 100% bamboo, meaning it’s strong and sustainable. And it doesn’t contain any PFAs, added scents, or pesticides! 

Even better, the packaging is 100% plastic-free and made from post-consumer recycled material. The product itself is responsibly sourced and has been certified as FSC-certified bamboo.

One roll comes with 300 sheets and you get 24 rolls per case. Each toilet paper roll is individually wrapped in paper and delivered in a post-consumer recycled box. That means the entire thing, including packaging, is plastic-free.

Pros: 

• Made from 100% bamboo toilet paper
• Soft, strong, durable, and sustainable
• Biodegradable and septic-safe
• Toxin-Free: No PFAs, no added scents, and no pesticides
• 100% plastic-free packaging in a post-consumer recycled box

Cons:

• Uses elemental chlorine-free (ECF) whitening, not totally chlorine-free

See Related: Sustainable Toothpaste Products Ranked

10. Scott Professional 100% Recycled Fiber Toilet Paper

Scott is a well-known washroom brand in the US. In fact, it is the very first company to introduce toilet paper on a roll. 

Their ‘Professional Toilet Paper’ offers a sustainable and durable option for everyday use. It features a 2-ply design and is made from FSC and EcoLogo certified 100% recycled fiber. 

Additionally, these toilet paper rolls are also sewer and septic-safe. So, there are rare chances that they will ever clog your toilet!

One roll comes with 473 sheets and you get 80 rolls per case. Each toilet paper roll is individually wrapped in paper and delivered in an earth-friendly cardboard package. That means the entire thing, including packaging, is plastic-free.

Pros:

• Made from 100% recycled fiber
• 2-ply design for strength and durability 
• Large pack size for long-lasting supply
• One of the cheapest plastic-free toilet paper

Cons:

• 2-ply design may not be as soft as higher-end options
• Individually wrapped rolls may generate more waste compared to unwrapped options

See Related: Eco-Friendly Cotton Comforters to Buy

Are Traditional Toilet Papers Bad for the Environment?

Unfortunately, yes – and they are not just bad but actually worse. Why, you ask?? Americans are world leaders in tissue paper consumption, including toilet paper. According to the Natural Resources Defense Council, Americans use around 15 billion pounds of tissue paper annually. This is about 20% of the world’s tissue paper supply, even though Americans comprise only about 4% of the world’s population.

Because of this high consumption rate, many trees are cut down, contributing to deforestation. Around 27,000 trees are cut down daily to make toilet paper. 

The production process for toilet paper also uses a lot of water and oil. It takes about 1,165 million tons of water and 78 million tons of oil each year to make toilet paper.

Even worse, the transportation and disposal of traditional toilet paper also cause carbon emissions and pollution, which makes the environmental impact even worse.

See Related: Why Should We Care About Climate Change

Why Should We Use Eco-Friendly & Plastic-Free Toilet Paper?

Eco-friendly and plastic-free toilet paper is the better choice for the environment. Let me explain why:

Less Tree Cutting

First, eco-friendly toilet paper does not need to cut down 712 million trees. Eco-friendly options use bamboo or recycled materials instead of hardwood trees. 

Bamboo grows fast, so it can be harvested in just 3-4 years, while other hardwood trees take over 30 years to regrow. 

Saves Water and Energy

Eco-friendly toilet paper also uses less water and energy when it’s made. It takes about half the amount of water compared to regular toilet paper. 

Furthermore, the energy required to process eco-friendly toilet paper is generally one-third of what’s needed for conventional toilet paper production.

Reduces Carbon Emissions

Another great thing about eco-friendly toilet paper is that it can help reduce our carbon footprint. Bamboo pulp, in particular, releases 30% fewer greenhouse gas emissions compared to toilet paper made from virgin wood pulp

Recycled toilet paper is by far a better way to save trees, water, and energy, extend carbon storage, and reduce waste.

No Plastic Packaging

Lastly, eco-friendly toilet paper often comes in plastic-free packaging. Instead of plastic, such TP brands use materials that can break down over time, like biodegradable materials or recycled paper, reducing plastic waste in landfills or the ocean.

By using eco-friendly and 100% biodegradable toilet paper, we can do our part to reduce the staggering amount of environmental damage.

See Related: Plastic Pollution

What To Look Out For When Buying Plastic-Free & Eco-Friendly Toilet Paper

Many sustainable toilet paper brands have emerged, offering eco-friendly and plastic-free alternatives. But how do you know which brand is better and what to look for in environmentally friendly toilet paper? Is it enough to see a green logo and buy that product?  

Below, I have shared a few factors to remember when choosing a plastic-free, eco-friendly brand to ensure that you get truly environmentally friendly toilet paper.

Source of The Materials

First, consider the source of the toilet paper. Around 80% of toilet paper comes from cutting down trees in clear-cut forests.

Always look for brands with sustainable resources and certifications, such as the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), Rainforest Alliance certified, or Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI), which ensure responsible forestry practices.

FSC Certification

Okay, so if a brand has an FSC logo, that should be enough to mark the brand as eco-friendly No, not really. Not all FSC-certified toilet papers are equally eco-friendly. There are three types of FSC certification:

• FSC RECYCLED: Made from recycled material
• FSC MIX: A blend of responsible wood and recycled materials
• FSC 100%: From well-managed forests

The ‘FSC Recycled’ certification takes the top spot regarding environmental friendliness as it uses pre- or post-consumer waste wood. Even the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends buying toilet paper that contains at least 10-15% post-consumer recycled pulp.

However, choosing a brand with higher percentages of post-consumer recycled pulp is even better, as this reduces water and energy waste.

Chlorine Bleaching

To make toilet tissue white and plush, elemental chlorine was used to bleach wood fiber. Many manufacturers have now switched to using more eco-friendly processes. For instance, elemental chlorine-free (ECF), process chlorine Free (PCF), or chlorine-free (TCF). 

However, it’s important to note that even with elemental chlorine-free (ECF) whitening, the process is not entirely chlorine-free. So there is still a potential for elemental chlorine particles to be produced and find their way into our waterways and bloodstreams.

TCF is by far the most environmentally friendly option for bleaching toilet paper. 

Artificial Fragrances and Dyes

Many traditional toilet papers contain artificial fragrances and dyes, which can be toxic. Thus, look for a toilet paper brand that is made with natural ingredients and does not contain any synthetic fragrances or colorants.

Plastic-Free Packaging 

Lastly, think about the packaging.  Traditional toilet paper packaging often contains plastic, which contributes to plastic pollution. And plastic materials take anywhere from 20 to 500 years to break down. So, choosing a brand made with recycled or compostable paper is better for reducing waste. 

Many brands now offer 100% plastic-free packaging. However, they can be a bit expensive compared to regular toilet brands. 

See Related: Biodegradable vs Compostable: What’s the Difference?

Frequently Asked Questions:

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