What Is Toilet Paper Made Of (And Why It Matters)

Learn what toilet paper is made of, why conventional rolls harm forests, and how ZWS Bamboo Toilet Paper offers a sustainable, tree-free alternative. 

Estimated Read Time: 9 minutes

If there’s one household product we all use but rarely think about, it’s toilet paper. It’s there when you need it, gone in seconds, and replaced without a second thought.

But have you ever stopped to wonder: what is toilet paper actually made of?

The answer might surprise you… and once you know, you’ll never look at your TP roll the same way again. (Don’t worry, we’re here to make sure that change feels good for you and the planet.)

The Basics: What Is Toilet Paper Made Of?

Most conventional toilet paper is made from—you guessed it—trees. Big, beautiful, oxygen-producing trees. Typically, that means a mix of virgin pulp from softwood and hardwood trees like spruce, fir, pine, birch, and oak.

To create that “soft yet strong” feel we’re all familiar with, manufacturers process the pulp with water, bleach, and chemical additives to create the fluffy white rolls we find in stores.

Here’s the problem: That softness comes at a serious cost to the environment.

The Hidden Cost of Conventional Toilet Paper

Globally, over one million trees are cut down every single day just to make toilet paper.

Let that sink in. One million trees... per day.

Most of those trees come from old-growth forests in places like Canada’s boreal forest and the Amazon rainforest, which are crucial for absorbing carbon and protecting biodiversity. Once cut down, these ecosystems take decades, if not centuries, to recover.

And while recycled or FSC-certified paper is a step up, the truth is that most major toilet paper brands still rely on virgin pulp.

To make things worse, Americans are the biggest TP users in the world! According to Environment America, the U.S. makes up just 4% of the world’s population but uses 20% of the global toilet paper supply. That’s a lot of trees… flushed down the drain.

The Process (and Its Problems)

Here’s a quick peek behind the (bathroom) curtain at how conventional toilet paper is made:

• Trees are harvested, often clear-cut.
• Logs are pulped into wood fibers using chemicals like chlorine.
• The pulp is bleached to achieve that “clean white” look.
• Water and energy are used to press, dry, and roll it into sheets.

Each step uses massive amounts of water, electricity, and chemicals, and leaves behind harmful waste. Bleaching alone creates toxic runoff that can pollute waterways and harm wildlife.

So, yes, your average roll of TP might feel soft, but the process behind it is anything but gentle.

The Problem With “Recycled” Toilet Paper

You might be wondering: what about recycled toilet paper? Isn’t that sustainable?

Yes and no. While it’s better than virgin paper, the process can still involve bleaching and chemical treatments to sanitize the fibers, and recycled fibers wear out faster over tim, meaning more rolls, more packaging, and more waste.

Bamboo, on the other hand, offers a renewable, durable, and naturally soft alternative that skips all those extra steps.

The Rise of Tree-Free Toilet Paper

The good news? There’s a growing shift toward tree-free toilet paper—a sustainable alternative that wipes away (pun intended) the need for deforestation altogether.

Instead of trees, these eco-friendly rolls are made from renewable plants like bamboo, sugarcane, or hemp. These plants grow much faster, use less water, and don’t require replanting after harvest.

Among these, bamboo toilet paper is quickly becoming the go-to favorite for eco-conscious households, and for good reason.

Why Bamboo Toilet Paper Is the Better Roll

Bamboo is one of the most sustainable resources on the planet. It’s technically a grass, meaning it can regrow after harvesting without replanting, reaching maturity in just 3–5 years compared to trees that take decades.

It also thrives without pesticides or fertilizers, naturally regenerates, and produces 35% more oxygen than an equivalent stand of trees. Basically, bamboo is the overachiever of the plant world.

And when it comes to TP? It’s just as soft, strong, and reliable as the “big brand” stuff, without the guilt.

Conventional vs. Bamboo Toilet Paper: What’s the Difference?

So next time you’re running low, the answer’s clear: go bamboo.

Meet Your New Favorite TP: ZWS Bamboo Toilet Paper

Say hello to a bathroom essential that’s soft on you and the Earth. ZWS Bamboo Toilet Paper is made from 100% renewable bamboo, wrapped in plastic-free, planet-friendly packaging, and designed to last way longer than the average roll.

Why You’ll Love It:

• Made from 100% renewable bamboo
• Plastic-free, bleach-free, biodegradable, and septic-safe
• Mega 3-ply rolls with 370 sheets (that’s 7x more than most rolls!)
• Cute, plastic-free packaging that’s actually display-worthy
• Cute, plastic-free packaging that’s actually display-worthy
• Sourced from small family farmers
• Helps save the 27,000 trees cut down daily for traditional TP

This bamboo TP is proof that you don’t need to sacrifice comfort for sustainability. It’s soft, strong, and septic-safe, giving you a guilt-free clean that keeps your conscience (and your plumbing) happy. Better for your bum, better for the planet.

Beyond the Roll: Other Sustainable Bathroom Swaps

Switching to bamboo toilet paper is a great start, but why stop there? Your bathroom is full of easy, plastic-free swaps that can help you lower waste without sacrificing comfort or convenience.

Here are a few of our favorite upgrades for an eco-friendly bathroom routine:

Bamboo Toothbrushes

Skip the plastic handles and go for bamboo toothbrushes instead. They’re compostable, stylish, and come in soft or medium bristles for every brushing preference.

Shampoo & Conditioner Bars

Say goodbye to bulky bottles with solid shampoo and conditioner bars that last longer, travel better, and leave your hair feeling amazing—no plastic, no mess.

Refillable Hand Soap & Body Washes

Choose refillable or package-free options to keep your sink and shower stocked sustainably.

Reusable Cotton Rounds

Replace single-use wipes with washable rounds. They’re softer on your skin and on the planet.

The Bottom Line: Small Swaps, Big Impact

The next time you grab a roll of toilet paper, take a moment to think about what it’s made of (and what it could be made of).

Because with tree-free, bamboo toilet paper, you’re choosing the version that keeps nature standing tall. It’s a simple switch, but it’s one that matters.

So swap your roll, save some trees, and keep your bathroom routine soft, strong, and sustainable.

Shop ZWS Bamboo Toilet Paper Today 

Zero Waste Store Bamboo Toilet Paper

• Made from: 100% renewable bamboo
• Sheets per roll: 370 (3-ply!)
• Features: Plastic-free, biodegradable, bleach-free, septic-safe
• Bonus: Subscribe & save 10%
• Shipping: Available in the U.S. (excl. Hawaii, Alaska, and the Virgin Islands)
• Note: Excluded from all ZWS Essentials promotions and discounts.