Making sustainable choices is becoming a priority for many UK households. While we focus on reusable bags and reducing food waste, one everyday essential is often overlooked: toilet paper. Choosing an eco friendly toilet paper doesn't mean you have to compromise on comfort or quality. It's about finding a product that aligns with your values while still meeting your family's needs for softness and strength.
As the Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer, my role is to help you navigate the options. This guide will break down the key factors to consider and highlight some excellent choices available, so you can make an informed decision for your home and the planet.
Before you choose, it's helpful to understand what makes a toilet roll sustainable. Here are a few key points to consider.
The two most common materials for sustainable toilet rolls are recycled paper and bamboo.
Sustainability shouldn't come at the expense of comfort. Key features to look for include:
Buying in larger quantities is often more economical and environmentally friendly, as it reduces packaging and transport emissions. Consider a bulk buy toilet paper option, especially if you have the storage space. Double-length rolls are another convenient feature, as they last longer and reduce the frequency of changing the roll.
Here are a few standout options that balance sustainability, comfort and value.
Why It Stands Out: This toilet roll is a fantastic all-rounder, made from 100% recycled paper. It avoids using any virgin trees, making a direct impact on forest conservation. The double-length design is a practical touch, offering 400 sheets per roll, which means less frequent changes and better value.
Why It Stands Out: For those who prioritise softness above all else, Andrex Ultimate Quilts delivers a cushioned and gentle experience. While made from virgin pulp, the brand is making strides in sustainability with packaging made from 50% recycled plastic. Its endorsement by the British Skin Foundation makes it a trusted choice for skin health.
Why It Stands Out: This is a premium bamboo toilet paper that offers a noticeably softer feel than many recycled versions. Made from 100% FSC-certified bamboo, it's a strong and sustainable option. It is also certified free from PFAS, formaldehyde and heavy metals, providing extra peace of mind for health-conscious consumers.
The products highlighted here are excellent starting points, but the world of sustainable toilet tissue is broad. If you're looking for different pack sizes or want to compare more brands, you can find a wider selection to suit your needs.
Explore our full range of 3 ply toilet tissue for more choices that balance comfort and quality.
1. Is bamboo toilet paper better for the environment than recycled paper? Both are excellent sustainable alternatives to traditional toilet paper made from virgin trees. Recycled paper helps reduce landfill waste and saves forests. Bamboo is a rapidly renewable resource that uses less land and water than trees. The "better" option often depends on your personal priorities—whether that's supporting a circular economy (recycled) or using a fast-growing plant-based material (bamboo).
2. Can you use eco friendly toilet paper in a septic tank? Yes, most eco friendly toilet paper, including those made from recycled paper and bamboo, are designed to be 100% biodegradable and break down easily. This makes them safe for standard septic systems and most other wastewater systems. It's always a good idea to check the product packaging for a "septic safe" confirmation.
3. Is 3-ply toilet roll worth the extra cost? A 3 ply toilet roll offers greater thickness, which translates to better absorbency and softness. While the upfront cost per roll might be slightly higher than 1 or 2-ply options, many people find they use fewer sheets per visit. This can make a 3-ply roll more economical in the long run, while also providing a more comfortable experience.