Alexei Volkov
Toilet paper is an everyday necessity, but many people are unaware of how it is made and whether it contains plastic. While most toilet paper does not contain plastic in the product itself, it is often packaged in soft plastic, which is derived from fossil fuels. This plastic packaging is used to keep the paper moisture-free and for hygiene reasons. However, the plastic waste from toilet paper packaging can contribute to environmental issues such as methane emissions and water pollution. In addition, recent studies have found harmful PFAS forever chemicals in toilet paper, which can contaminate water supplies and have potential health implications. These chemicals are used in the paper manufacturing process and are difficult to avoid in toilet paper products.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic in toilet paper | Most toilet paper does not contain plastic in the product itself. |
| Plastic packaging | Toilet paper is often packaged in plastic, sometimes even in double plastic. |
| Plastic-free alternatives | Some companies, like EcoRoll, Who Gives A Crap, Oceans, and Ecoleaf, offer plastic-free packaging. |
| PFAS chemicals | Studies have found harmful PFAS "forever" chemicals in toilet paper, which can contaminate water supplies and the environment. |
| Health implications | PFAS exposure is linked to cancer, fetal complications, liver disease, kidney disease, and autoimmune disorders. |
| Recycled paper | Recycled paper used in some toilet paper brands may contain higher levels of PFAS chemicals. |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic packaging
While most toilet paper does not contain plastic in the product itself, the packaging it comes in often does. Toilet rolls are often packaged in soft plastic, usually made from low-density polypropylene or LDPE plastic. Sometimes, each roll is individually wrapped in plastic, and the packaging on the outside is also plastic. This means that a single product can come in double plastic.
Some companies have started to offer plastic-free packaging for their toilet paper. For example, EcoRoll, Ecoleaf, and Oceans all offer toilet paper that is delivered in plastic-free packaging. Oceans' packaging is made from fully recyclable paper, while Ecoleaf's is made from a compostable material called PLA.
However, it is important to note that even if the packaging is plastic-free, the toilet paper itself may still contain small amounts of plastic. For example, recycled toilet paper may contain traces of plastic that were present in the recycled material before it was repurposed.
The presence of plastic packaging on toilet paper contributes to plastic pollution, as much of the plastic put out for recycling is actually landfilled. This plastic can sit in landfills for hundreds of years, emitting methane which is harmful to the planet. Therefore, it is important for consumers to be aware of the environmental impact of plastic packaging and to consider plastic-free alternatives when possible.
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PFAS chemicals
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a group of toxic synthetic chemicals that have been linked to various health issues, including cancer, fetal complications, liver disease, kidney disease, autoimmune disorders, and reproductive and developmental impacts in adults and children. PFAS have been dubbed "forever chemicals" because they do not naturally break down in the environment.
PFAS are commonly used in thousands of consumer products to make them resistant to water, stains, and heat. They can be found in items such as soaps, shampoos, cleaning products, clothing, food packaging, plastics, firefighting foam, and carpeting. PFAS have also been detected in personal care products like cosmetics and menstrual products, as well as in the water supply and the environment, including wildlife, human blood, and breastmilk.
A recent global study has found PFAS in toilet paper from brands around the world. University of Florida researchers detected PFAS in 21 major toilet paper brands, although the brand names were not disclosed. The study found that PFAS are likely added during the paper manufacturing process, where they serve as wetting agents to increase the efficiency of the pulping process. Recycled toilet paper may also contain PFAS that were present in the materials used during its initial manufacturing.
The detection of PFAS in toilet paper is concerning because it provides another route for these chemicals to enter the environment and our bodies. When toilet paper containing PFAS is flushed, it can end up in wastewater treatment plants, where the chemicals can be present in sewage sludge that is spread on cropland or spilled into waterways. This contributes to water pollution and can impact the health of both humans and wildlife.
While the health risks associated with PFAS in toilet paper have not been specifically evaluated, the fact that these chemicals are present in a product that comes into direct contact with human skin is alarming. Some experts suggest that society needs to find ways to limit the use of PFAS in consumer products to reduce potential exposure and minimize their impact on the environment and human health.
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Health implications
While most toilet paper does not contain plastic in the product itself, the paper is made from wood that undergoes a process to become the toilet sheets. However, plastic packaging is commonly used for toilet rolls, with each roll sometimes individually wrapped in plastic and additional plastic packaging on the outside.
The use of plastic packaging for toilet paper contributes to the plastic pollution crisis, which has significant environmental and health implications. Plastic pollution leads to the contamination of soil, waterways, and the ocean, with toxic chemicals released from plastic waste harming various ecosystems and the organisms within them. These toxic chemicals can accumulate in the food chain, ultimately reaching humans through the consumption of contaminated seafood or other animal products.
In addition to the environmental and health impacts of plastic packaging, there are also health concerns associated with the chemicals present in some toilet paper products. Some toilet paper brands contain chlorine, fragrances, and other chemicals that can cause skin irritation, particularly in sensitive areas. These chemicals can also disrupt the natural pH balance, leading to further irritation and potential infections.
Furthermore, a recent global study found harmful PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in toilet paper and sewage. PFAS are often used in the manufacturing process as lubricants and wetting agents, but they do not naturally break down, persisting in the environment and earning the nickname "forever chemicals." PFAS have been linked to various health issues, including impaired testicular function, decreased fertility, hypertension in pregnant people, increased risk of certain cancers, developmental delays in children, low birth weight, hormonal irregularities, and a weakened immune system.
While the health implications of PFAS exposure through wiping with contaminated toilet paper have not been directly studied, PFAS can be dermally absorbed. The presence of PFAS in toilet paper provides another route for these toxic chemicals to enter the human body, contributing to the existing exposure through contaminated water supplies, food packaging, and other consumer products.
To minimize health risks, consumers can opt for plastic-free and fragrance-free toilet paper made from sustainable sources, such as bamboo.
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Eco-friendly alternatives
Most toilet paper does not contain plastic in the product itself. However, it often comes packaged in plastic, and sometimes even in double plastic. There may be plastic packaging on the outside, and each individual roll can be wrapped in plastic, too.
- Recycled toilet paper: You can buy toilet paper made from recycled paper. For example, Thrive Market's toilet paper is made from post-consumer recycled pulp blended with renewable bamboo.
- Tree-free paper products: You can combat deforestation by choosing paper products made from alternative materials such as bamboo. For example, Reel's toilet paper is made from 100% bamboo, while Who Gives A Crap's is made from forest-friendly bamboo.
- Bidets: In most Western European and Asian countries, bidets are the primary cleaning method. Bidets use just 1/8th gallon of water per use, compared to 37 gallons of water required to make a single toilet paper roll.
- Water alternatives: In some eco-friendly cases, individuals might clean off with a shower or another water source for a quick rinse.
- Reusable cloths: Some people use washable cloths, such as Skoy cloths or organic cotton flannel, as an alternative to toilet paper.
- Composting toilets: Instead of flushing, you can use a composting toilet that uses no water and turns waste into compost for your garden.
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Manufacturing processes
The manufacturing process for toilet paper depends on whether the paper is made from virgin or recycled paper. Virgin toilet paper is made from chipped wood, while recycled paper is made from recycled paper.
The process for making virgin toilet paper begins with harvesting and stripping trees of their bark. The wood is then chipped into small pieces, separated into batches, and pressure-cooked with other chemicals for about three hours. During this phase, the moisture within the wood evaporates, and the mixture is reduced to cellulose fibres and lignin. Once this phase is complete, the wood pulp is ready to be made into paper. The pulp is then washed to remove lignin and the cooking chemicals, and then bleached. The cleaned pulp is then mixed with water to create a paper stock. The paper stock is sprayed onto mesh screens and then pressed and dried until it reaches about a 5% moisture content. The paper is then scraped off the screens and wound into rolls. From there, a machine cuts the paper into long strips and perforates it into squares. Finally, the long logs are cut into rolls before heading off to be packaged.
Recycled toilet paper is made from 100% recycled paper. The process of making recycled toilet paper begins by washing recycled paper in warm water to create a pulp. The pulp is then washed and processed into paper, similar to the traditional method, but with fewer chemicals and without bleaching.
Bamboo toilet paper is another environmentally friendly alternative that uses significantly fewer chemicals and no bleaching agents. The production process begins with finely chopping the bamboo stems, which are then mixed with water and caustic soda to separate the fibres. This pulp is then washed and processed into paper.
The tissue paper manufacturing process requires many precise steps, from procuring raw materials and equipment to manufacturing the tissue paper. The product of toilet paper involves not just the paper itself but also the wrap, which is typically made of plastic, and the cone in the centre, which is made of tough paper.
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Frequently asked questions
Most toilet paper does not contain plastic in the product itself. However, it often comes packaged in plastic, and sometimes even in double plastic.
Most toilet paper is made from wood that goes through a process to become the toilet sheets.
A global study found harmful PFAS "forever chemicals" in toilet paper and sewage. PFAS are used in paper manufacturing as wetting agents to increase the efficiency of the pulping process. PFAS are linked to cancer, fetal complications, liver disease, kidney disease, and other serious health issues.
Some plastic-free toilet paper brands include EcoRoll, Ecoleaf, Who Gives A Crap, Greencane, Serious Tissues, and Oceans.
