What is bamboo toilet paper? Bamboo toilet paper is a more sustainable alternative to regular wood pulp paper. Surprise, surprise, it’s made from bamboo. Bamboo, despite being grass, has similar properties to hardwoods such as oak, maple or birch, which are commonly mixed with softwood trees such as pine to make regular toilet paper. Quick Links Where does bamboo toilet paper come from? How is bamboo toilet paper made? Comparison bamboo toilet paper vs regular toilet paper Bamboo toilet paper's fight against period poverty Bamboo is incredible stuff, it really is. Not only does it feed pandas, bamboo can also be used to make roads, buildings, furniture, food, clothes, bicycles and yes, toilet paper. From infrastructure to everyday items, such as bamboo cutlery, bamboo socks, bamboo toothbrushes and bamboo straws, the potential uses of bamboo seem almost endless. These sustainable alternatives offer practical and eco-friendly solutions, showcasing how versatile bamboo can be. Whether it's enjoying a meal, stepping into comfortable socks, or sipping a drink, bamboo continues to prove itself as a valuable resource with diverse applications. Where does bamboo toilet paper come from? The type of bamboo used to make agood toilet paper, Moso Bamboo, is grown in Guizhou, China. Not only is the bamboo grown in this region, but the factory responsible for manufacturing the toilet paper is also located there. Guizhou is known for its diverse plant life and has been recognised as one of the eight plant diversity hotspots in China. Guizhou's natural landscapes are home to different types of plants, such as forests with broad-leaved trees that stay green all year, forests with a mix of coniferous and broad-leaved trees, and small forests found in high mountain areas. However, one notable characteristic of the region is its abundant bamboo growth. Bamboo has thrived in Guizhou for thousands of years, making it an excellent place for sustainable bamboo cultivation. One of the key advantages of sourcing bamboo for toilet paper from Guizhou is that it is not grown on deforested land. Instead, the bamboo is cultivated in bamboo forests that have existed in the region for centuries. This ensures that the natural ecosystem and biodiversity of the area are preserved, as the bamboo growth is integrated into the existing forested landscapes. By choosing Moso Bamboo from Guizhou, companies like agood company contribute to sustainable and responsible sourcing practices. This approach not only helps in reducing deforestation but also promotes the preservation of the native flora and fauna in the region. How is bamboo toilet paper made? The process of making toilet paper from bamboo is fairly straightforward and clean. Once harvested, the bamboo goes to the bamboo toilet paper factory for processing. The bamboo stalks undergo a pulping process where they are broken down into small fibres. After pulping, the bamboo fibres undergo a thorough cleaning process. This involves removing impurities, such as dirt, debris, and residual chemicals, to ensure the paper is high quality and safe for use. The cleaned bamboo fibres are mixed with water to create a pulp. This pulp is then pressed into paper in giant-size rolls. Once the large rolls of bamboo paper are produced, they are cut into smaller rolls suitable for household use. No bleach needs to be used, and the wastewater is taken care of in a closed-loop system. Furthermore, the factory is powered by solar. With agood company toilet paper, we also added two innovations: We exchanged the inner roll from wood pulp paper to bamboo paper. We removed all plastic from around each roll. Instead, we pack them individually with bamboo paper. 0% plastic, better designs. What certificates exist? The strongest guarantee that the bamboo is sourced sustainably is that it has been certified by the FSC (ours has). The FSC Bamboo mark ensures environmental sustainability and also promotes the core conventions of the International Labour Organisation, meaning that vital workers’ rights are upheld. Comparison bamboo toilet paper vs regular toilet paper When comparing bamboo toilet paper vs regular wood-based toilet paper it is necessary to consider the growth and harvesting of the raw materials and also the production of the paper itself. Growth and harvesting, bamboo vs wood Technically a member of the grass family (we love grass), bamboo is in the Guinness world record book as the fastest-growing plant on earth, growing at a rate of up to 1m per 24 hours. It’s actually possible to watch it grow! It takes around seven years to reach maturity and, being grass, regrows as soon as it’s been cut. When harvested, a new shoot grows from its extensive root system, so bamboo does not need replanting or additional cultivation and can be harvested every year after reaching maturity. When compared with the woods commonly used to make regular toilet rolls (oak, maple, birch, pine) they can take 20-100 take to mature and are then chopped down and the stumps burnt for fertiliser. Bamboo also absorbs twice the amount of carbon as trees and produces 30% more oxygen. It’s hardy too, requiring no chemicals, pesticides or fertilisers. It has natural antibacterial properties, and discarded leaves provide all the nutrients needed when they start to decompose.The water efficiency is twice that of trees, so it grows densely and can produce 20 times more usable materials in a single harvest. Typically the yields of bamboo of up to 150 tons per acre greatly exceed the yield of 25 tons for most trees. Also, as there’s no deforestation occurring, the extensive root system remains intact and prevents soil erosion, saving nutrients for the next crop. This makes it truly one of the most efficient and sustainable materials around. Regular toilet paper production As we’ve already mentioned the process of making toilet paper from bamboo is simple and clean. The process of making regular wood-pulp paper is much messier. To make paper, first of all, trees are cut down, resulting in deforestation and the loss of vital forest ecosystems and habitats for countless species. Next, a lot of water is needed to clean and prepare the pulp. A variety of chemicals are also involved in the manufacturing process.For example, chlorine is used to bleach the pulp white and makes toilet paper feel softer, but with the drawback that it also severely pollutes local water sources and also poses health risks to workers and nearby communities. Lastly, the production of regular wood-pulp paper emits a significant amount of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, contributing to global warming and climate change. By choosing bamboo toilet paper, you can actively contribute to the preservation of forests, mitigate climate change, and protect the health of both workers and ecosystems. 100% biodegradable and flushable Bamboo toilet paper is 100% biodegradable and breaks down well when flushed down the toilet. Also, as it doesn't contain bleaches or dyes, it won't pollute the environment, and it is also safe for use in septic tanks and on boats and RVs. Is bamboo toilet paper soft? At this point, you may be thinking “Yes! Sounds great, but there’s an undeniably important factor of toilet paper to be considered”. We hear you, and we can confirm - yes, it is just as soft. Also, bamboo is naturally antibacterial, making it perfect for use in sensitive areas. Despite being made from bamboo, it is just as soft and gentle as traditional toilet paper, if not more so. A roll of hope: bamboo toilet paper's fight against period poverty Bamboo toilet paper goes beyond its environmental benefits; it also has a significant social impact. Did you know that over 500 million women worldwide struggle to manage their periods? They face the painful reality of missing school or work and enduring shame and stigma. But together, we can make a difference. With every subscription of our bamboo kitchen rolls or toilet paper, we team up with Days for Girls to provide period kits to women in need. Our goal? To deliver a minimum of 10,000-period kits each year and work towards ending Period Poverty. Join us in this meaningful journey by supporting our bamboo toilet paper subscription and empowering women worldwide. You can explore our Shop by Purpose - Period Poverty collection to find products specifically designed to address the issue of period poverty. Conclusion We genuinely hope that we've succeeded in highlighting the sustainable advantages bamboo toilet paper holds over its conventional wood-pulp counterpart. By opting for bamboo toilet paper, you become a powerful agent of change, actively contributing to the preservation of our precious forests and water resources, as well as the reduction of carbon emissions. It's a small choice that carries a significant impact. We understand that the proof lies in personal experience. So, we invite you to take the plunge and try our soft bamboo toilet paper for yourself. It comes in a 48-pack with climate-compensated shipping available. Trust us, you won't be disappointed! We firmly believe that once you've experienced the gentle touch and eco-friendly essence of bamboo toilet paper, there will be no turning back. It's a transformative step towards a more sustainable lifestyle. So, go ahead, give it a try! Embrace the sustainable advantages, feel the difference, and join the growing community of bamboo enthusiasts who are shaping a better future. Make the switch today, and let our ultra-sustainable bamboo toilet paper be a reminder that even the smallest changes can lead to amazing results. Your choice matters! Let's create a more sustainable world for generations to come.