Why is Bamboo Toilet Paper So Expensive? – 4 Main Reasons

 

You may be asking, why is bamboo toilet paper so expensive and what could be so special about it that justifies its price? Since it is ‘eco-friendly,’ it requires a few more considerations throughout its manufacturing – the reason for its relatively higher cost.

In turn, you pay for what you get: your trusty bathroom product sourced from renewable materials. Take a look at how bamboo tissue paper rolls with the current market trends and the calls for a more sustainable way of living.

Reasons Why Bamboo Toilet is So Expensive

Bamboo toilet papers are among the environmentally friendly options in the market. And the steps in producing it incurs additional costs to ensure the product lives up to its ‘sustainable branding.’

So, how expensive is bamboo TP?”

Its average cost per roll is around $1.5 up to $2; you can get regular 3 ply tissue rolls for just under a dollar.

Let’s take a closer look how both is manufactured so we can understand their pricing better:

1. Bamboo sources

The first step in the manufacturing process of toilet paper is sourcing out its primary material. But since grove bamboo is non-native in the US and could be invasive when improperly planted, shipping and transportation are necessary for the production cost.

This is because the most ideal method is to source and process the paper in China, where bamboo is more common and better managed, then ship it to the US. As for regular TPs, they can be sourced and processed into pulp without importing anything.

2. Manufacturing process

The next step is bleaching the pulp produced. This process significantly sets different toilet paper types apart. As expected, big tissue companies prefer the cheapest option; and these inexpensive bleaching methods contain potentially harmful chemicals.

For bamboo-based rolls, some companies choose to leave their toilet paper unbleached during its processing; while other brands, particularly cloud paper, use Elementally Chlorine Free (ECF) bleaching – a method that is more costly but is better for the environment.

When the bleaching process is done, the pulp is spread out on a giant sheet and wrapped around to turn into the ‘parent roll.’ This gigantic toilet paper roll is then transformed into tissue rolls of the correct size, sheet count, and ply number.

3. Packaging

Then it’s time to package the rolls. As we all know, regular toilet paper is usually wrapped in plastic – a cheap but nonbiodegradable option.

On the other hand, bamboo toilet paper brands utilize biodegradable and recyclable packaging. Of course, this adds up to the bamboo TP’s total cost, but it significantly reduces plastic pollution that threatens our planet.

4. Additional cost

We now realize that by shifting to the use of bamboo-sourced tissue, we contribute significantly to the protection of forests and its inhabitants: that is, countless species and millions worth of livelihood impacted by the growing concern for deforestation.

Although bamboo toilet paper is slightly more expensive, the environmental effects of aggressive logging and eventual deforestation effectively add up to the cost of every regular toilet paper roll produced – hence the environmental cost of deforestation.

The Environmental Impact of Bamboo Toilet Paper

Switching to toilet paper made of bamboo has considerable positive impacts on our environment. Greenhouse gas emissions are significantly lower in bamboo toilet paper production compared to that of other types of TP.

In addition, bamboo toilet paper is septic-friendly since it breaks down easily when flushed and does not undergo toxic chemical treatments. It does not disrupt the drainage system and its ecology.

Of course, its biggest impact is its sustainability. Bamboo is replenished in a shorter amount of time – effectively making it a renewable resource.

Pros and Cons of Bamboo Toilet Paper

 

Bamboo Toilet Paper Vs Regular Toilet Paper

The problem with traditional toilet paper is that older trees are preferred to be able to produce the softest toilet papers.

Growing and harvesting trees until they are mature enough is an expensive and inefficient process. This harvesting-replantation to make toilet paper may take 25 to 100 years.

With this, big tissue brands rely on excessively logging numerous forests to sustain their manufacturing. And as we can expect, this poses serious threats to our natural environment.

As mentioned, the process is similar when you make paper out of bamboo; it involves cutting, shipping, and grinding it into pulp. But the difference lies in how fast bamboo plants can regrow compared to ordinary trees.

Bamboo plants are similar to weeds and grass, so they grow back from their roots relatively faster. Also, bamboo can be grown in small groves alongside farms. This makes harvesting and replanting this material more sustainable.

All these factors account for differences in the prices of different toilet papers. That’s why it is important to consider the price comparisons between different brands of wood and bamboo-sourced toilet paper so you can choose what works for your budget and lifestyle.

Tips to Save Money on Toilet Paper

1. Utilize each tissue square cut

Admit it or not, we all tend to use more toilet paper than we need; and it’s not a good practice if you want to save money.

Find the right number of ‘squares’ you need to clean yourself thoroughly. The trick is to fold a few squares on each other so your toilet paper has enough surface area and strength. This way, you’ll avoid using too much and wasting most of it.

2. Be mindful of ‘deluxe’ toilet paper and tissue wipes

Premium brands could be not worth the extra cost even if they promise softer texture and less sheets needed per use.

If you prioritize cost-effectiveness, then regular two-ply rolls from less expensive brands would be enough. Ofcourse, they can’t promise the soft finish other brands promise; but at least you’re saving extra dollars out of your purchase.

3. Sign up on toilet paper subscriptions

Toilet paper subscriptions offer good deals you would not want to miss. And compared to buying individual pieces in-store, you can now get your usual tissue roll at a much cheaper price when you sign up on subscription offers.

4. Buy in wholesale/bulk

Similar to having subscriptions, you can get hefty discounts when you buy in bulk. Make the most out of their wholesale prices so you can save some coins for every roll you use.

5. Go toilet paper free

Reusable cloth wipes are good alternatives if you want to give up toilet paper. Of course, it would require water, soap, oils, and other cleaning materials. But if these turn out to be less expensive, then consider going toilet paper free.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is bamboo toilet paper worth the money?

Yes, it is worth the extra cost. From its sustainable sourcing, harmless bleaching, and eco-friendly packaging, you’ll get more than you paid for.

On top of all these, bamboo toilet paper is also claimed to be softer than cotton. Contrary to initial thoughts most people may have, bamboo TP is said to be very comfortable to use – hence another reason why it is worth the extra dollar.

Does bamboo toilet paper clog toilets?

No. Similar to other types of toilet paper, the ones made with bamboo are designed to easily disintegrate when flushed down. Bamboo fibers break down in water, so it rarely clogs toilet pipes.

Can bamboo toilet paper be recycled?

You cannot further recycle bamboo toilet paper. Although it is made from recycled bamboo pulp, they are single-use items much like regular tissue ply. But you don’t have to worry since they are biodegradable and would pose zero hazards after disposal.

Are bamboo toilet paper septic tank safe?

Yes, because bamboo toilet papers are biodegradable. And since it is flushable and easily dissolves, it cannot cause damage to your drain pipes.

Additionally, some of these eco-friendly rolls do not contain harmful chemicals nor do they undergo bleaching or de-inking processes, all of which can disrupt the septic’s bacterial ecosystem.

Other brands, although still undergoing bleaching, use safer methods like the ECF bleach of cloud paper. So, there is nothing to be worried about.

Conclusion

With sustainability being the talk of the town, products like bamboo TP shine in today’s spotlight. Bamboo toilet paper going up in prices is pretty much negligible compared to all its benefits to the environment- and household level.

Since we have discussed ‘how is bamboo toilet paper made’, we can understand its pricing better. All the careful considerations and modifications made in manufacturing, with just a few dollar additions to your receipt – we see it to be worth it!