Characteristic

Bamboo Toilet Paper

Regular Toilet Paper

Environmental Impact

Made from sustainable, fast-growing bamboo plants.

Made from wood pulp, which contributes to deforestation.

Growth Rate

Up to three feet per day, making it highly sustainable

Approximately one to two feet per year.

Annual Tree Consumption

Zero trees. 100% sustainable.

Estimates are 20-30 million trees

Water used to manufacture one roll of paper

One gallon.

Twenty to thirty gallons.

Biodegradability

Biodegradable and breaks down quickly in the environment.

Biodegradable but will take longer to break down due to chemical processing.

Dissolve Rate

Begins dissolving about 30 seconds after contacting water and accelerates upon flushing.

Slowly dissolves over a long period of time leading to clinging to pipes.

Softness

Often softer due to longer fibers in bamboo, but varies based on source.

Softness varies depending on the quality and type of paper.

Strength

Generally strong and durable.

Strength may vary depending on the brand and ply.

Absorbency

Highly absorbent and effective.

Absorbency varies depending on the brand and quality.

Hypoallergenic

Naturally hypoallergenic and suitable for sensitive skin.

Usually contain additives or chemicals that can cause irritation.

Chemicals

No inks, dyes, or additives. No BPA. Much better for the human body.

Multiple additives including bleach and BPAs.

Sustainability

Bamboo is renewable and can be harvested without damaging the plant.

Regular toilet paper may contribute to deforestation if not sourced sustainably.

Cost

Comparably priced but varies with purchasing volume.

Wide variation based on sheet count, ply count and carton count.

Availability

Increasingly available in mainstream channels. Very limited in high capacity rolls for business.

Widely available in every brands and types.

Packaging

Eco-friendly packaging materials using no plastic.

Varies by vendor but usually wrapped in plastic.