Bamboo Toilet Paper: What Is It & Is It Better? | NZ Guide
Bamboo Toilet Paper: What Is It & Is It Better?
Bamboo toilet paper has become an increasingly visible alternative to conventional toilet tissue, with businesses and consumers looking more closely at the materials, packaging and manufacturing behind everyday paper products.
But what actually is bamboo toilet paper? Is it always made from 100% bamboo? Is it biodegradable? Can you use it with a septic tank? And, most importantly, is bamboo toilet paper really better than conventional toilet paper?
The answer isn't quite as simple as some environmental marketing makes it sound.
In this guide, we explain what bamboo toilet paper is, what to look for when comparing products, and the factors New Zealand businesses should consider before making the switch.
What Is Bamboo Toilet Paper?
Bamboo toilet paper is toilet tissue made using bamboo-derived pulp as some or all of its fibre source.
Just like wood used in conventional paper manufacturing, harvested bamboo can be processed into pulp. This pulp is then used as a raw material to manufacture paper products such as toilet tissue and paper towels.
However, an important point is often overlooked:
A product described as "bamboo toilet paper" is not necessarily made from 100% bamboo.
Different manufacturers can use different fibre compositions. Some products may use predominantly bamboo pulp, while others combine bamboo with wood or other fibres.
For this reason, one of the first things to check when comparing bamboo toilet paper is the actual fibre composition rather than relying solely on the word "bamboo" on the product description.
Hygiene Direct's bamboo toilet paper range, for example, is made from 60% bamboo pulp and 40% wood pulp.
Is Bamboo Toilet Paper Better Than Regular Toilet Paper?
It depends on what you mean by "better".
There isn't one characteristic that makes a toilet paper product automatically better than every alternative. Businesses should consider several factors, including:
- Fibre composition
- Product quality and comfort
- Packaging
- Roll capacity
- Dispenser compatibility
- Septic suitability
- Manufacturing processes
- Supply and cost
- Certification and sourcing information
Bamboo toilet paper can provide a useful alternative to conventional toilet tissue, particularly for organisations looking at the materials and packaging used in their everyday consumables.
However, broad claims that every bamboo product is automatically "eco-friendly", "carbon neutral" or more sustainable than every conventional alternative should be treated carefully.
The better approach is to look at the specific product and the evidence behind its claims.
What Is Hygiene Direct Bamboo Toilet Paper Made From?
Hygiene Direct's bamboo toilet paper is made from:
60% bamboo pulp and 40% wood pulp.
We think being clear about this matters.
Customers can sometimes reasonably assume that a product marketed as bamboo toilet paper is made entirely from bamboo. Unless a manufacturer specifically states that a product is 100% bamboo, that shouldn't be assumed.
By stating the fibre composition, businesses can make purchasing decisions based on what is actually in the product rather than on general environmental marketing.
What Are the Benefits of Bamboo Toilet Paper?
The benefits will vary between products, but there are several characteristics worth considering when evaluating bamboo toilet tissue.
1. Bamboo Is Used as a Fibre Source
Bamboo pulp can be used as an alternative fibre source in paper manufacturing.
In Hygiene Direct's range, bamboo accounts for 60% of the fibre composition, with wood pulp accounting for the remaining 40%.
This allows businesses looking to introduce bamboo-based consumables into their facilities to do so through a product they already purchase regularly.
2. Plastic-Free Packaging Is Available
Packaging is an important part of the purchasing decision, particularly when toilet paper is bought regularly and in commercial quantities.
All products in Hygiene Direct's Bamboo Paper Products NZ range are supplied in plastic-free packaging.
For businesses looking to reduce plastic packaging associated with frequently purchased consumables, this is a straightforward characteristic to consider.
3. Bamboo Toilet Paper Can Be Biodegradable
Hygiene Direct's bamboo toilet tissue is biodegradable under natural conditions, where the paper can be broken down by microorganisms.
It's worth checking this characteristic with the supplier rather than assuming that every product marketed as bamboo has exactly the same specifications.
4. It Can Be Suitable for Septic Systems
A common concern when changing toilet paper is whether a different type of tissue will work with an existing wastewater or septic system.
Hygiene Direct's bamboo toilet paper is septic suitable and designed to disintegrate rapidly after flushing.
It is compatible with standard septic tanks and municipal sewage systems.
5. Plastic-Free Packaging Can Reduce One Source of Plastic
Changing the fibre used to manufacture toilet tissue is only one part of the product.
Packaging matters too.
Choosing toilet paper supplied without plastic packaging can help businesses reduce plastic associated with their regular washroom consumables.
This is one reason we consider the plastic-free packaging of the Hygiene Direct bamboo range an important product feature in its own right rather than simply relying on the bamboo content as the sustainability message.
Is Bamboo Toilet Paper FSC Certified?
This is another area where precise wording matters.
Hygiene Direct's bamboo paper products are manufactured by an FSC Chain-of-Custody certified manufacturer.
FSC Chain-of-Custody certification provides a system for tracing FSC-certified material through the supply chain.
However, a manufacturer's Chain-of-Custody certification should not automatically be interpreted as meaning every finished product it manufactures carries an individual FSC product claim.
For this reason, we describe our bamboo range as:
"Manufactured by an FSC Chain-of-Custody certified manufacturer."
This accurately describes the manufacturer's certification status without making a broader certification claim about an individual product.
Is Bamboo Toilet Paper Chlorine Free?
"Chlorine free" can be an imprecise description, so it is useful to understand the terminology.
Hygiene Direct's bamboo paper is manufactured using an ECF – Elemental Chlorine Free – bleaching process.
ECF means elemental chlorine is not used in the bleaching process.
We therefore describe the product as manufactured using an Elemental Chlorine Free bleaching process rather than making the broader claim that it is completely "chlorine free".
Is Bamboo Toilet Paper Safe for Septic Tanks?
Yes, the bamboo toilet paper supplied by Hygiene Direct is suitable for standard septic systems.
The toilet tissue is designed to disintegrate rapidly after flushing and is compatible with both standard septic tanks and municipal sewage systems.
For businesses operating properties with septic tanks, however, toilet paper is only one part of maintaining a healthy septic system. Appropriate water use, system maintenance and avoiding unsuitable materials being flushed remain important.
Is Bamboo Toilet Paper Biodegradable?
Hygiene Direct's bamboo toilet paper is biodegradable under natural conditions.
The paper can decompose through the action of microorganisms.
Biodegradability shouldn't be confused with permission to dispose of paper products anywhere, however. Toilet tissue should still be used and disposed of through the appropriate wastewater system.
Is Bamboo Toilet Paper Carbon Neutral?
Not necessarily.
The fact that a product contains bamboo does not by itself establish that the finished product is carbon neutral or low carbon.
Assessing the carbon footprint of a product can involve factors including raw materials, processing, manufacturing, energy use, packaging and transport.
Hygiene Direct does not make a carbon-neutral or low-carbon claim for its bamboo paper range because there is currently no independently verified Product Carbon Footprint report supporting such a claim.
We prefer to focus on product characteristics that can be substantiated rather than making environmental claims without the evidence to support them.
Bamboo Toilet Paper vs Recycled Toilet Paper
Bamboo and recycled toilet paper take different approaches to fibre sourcing.
Bamboo toilet paper uses bamboo-derived pulp as some or all of its fibre source.
Recycled toilet paper uses recovered paper fibres that are processed and made into new tissue.
Neither description alone tells you everything about the environmental performance, quality or suitability of the finished product.
Factors such as fibre composition, manufacturing, packaging, product performance and transport can all matter.
We'll explore this subject in more detail in our guide to Bamboo vs Recycled Toilet Paper: Which Is Better?
Is Bamboo Toilet Paper Suitable for Businesses?
Yes. Bamboo toilet paper isn't limited to household bathrooms.
Commercial bamboo toilet tissue is available in formats designed specifically for workplace and public washrooms.
Hygiene Direct's bamboo toilet tissue range includes:
Standard Bamboo Toilet Rolls
Standard rolls provide the familiar format used in conventional toilet roll dispensers.
Hygiene Direct's 3 ply bamboo toilet paper contains 260 sheets per roll and is supplied in cartons of 48 rolls.
This format can suit offices, accommodation, hospitality and other commercial facilities where comfort and presentation are important.
Mini Jumbo Bamboo Toilet Rolls
Mini jumbo toilet tissue provides greater capacity than a conventional toilet roll, reducing the frequency with which rolls need to be replaced.
Hygiene Direct's 2 ply bamboo mini jumbo toilet tissue provides 200 metres of tissue per roll and is supplied in cartons of 12 rolls.
This format can be useful in medium to high-use commercial washrooms.
Jumbo Bamboo Toilet Rolls
For higher-traffic facilities, jumbo toilet rolls provide even greater capacity.
Hygiene Direct's 2 ply bamboo jumbo toilet tissue is supplied on 300 metre non-perforated continuous rolls, with eight rolls per carton.
The larger roll capacity can help reduce servicing frequency in busy washrooms.
Which Bamboo Toilet Paper Should Your Business Choose?
Start with how the washroom is actually used.
For lower-volume washrooms or facilities where presentation and user comfort are the priority, a conventional 3 ply standard bamboo toilet roll may be the most appropriate option.
For busier commercial washrooms, 200m mini jumbo bamboo toilet rolls provide increased capacity while maintaining a relatively compact dispenser format.
For high-traffic facilities where reducing roll changes is particularly important, a 300m jumbo bamboo toilet roll can provide greater capacity.
Also check your existing dispensers before changing formats. Standard, mini jumbo and jumbo rolls require compatible dispensers and aren't necessarily interchangeable.
What Should You Look for When Buying Bamboo Toilet Paper?
Rather than choosing a product simply because "bamboo" appears in its name, ask a few specific questions:
What percentage is actually bamboo?
Check the fibre composition.
How is it packaged?
Look at whether plastic is used around individual rolls, packs or cartons.
How is the paper bleached?
Look for precise terminology rather than vague chemical-free claims.
Is it suitable for your wastewater system?
This is particularly important for properties using septic tanks.
What certification does the supplier actually hold?
Distinguish between manufacturer Chain-of-Custody certification and a product-specific FSC claim.
Does the roll fit your dispenser?
Commercial toilet tissue comes in different widths, diameters and formats.
How much tissue is on each roll?
For commercial facilities, roll capacity can affect how frequently cleaners need to check and replenish dispensers.
These questions provide considerably more useful information than relying on broad claims such as "green" or "eco-friendly".
So, Is Bamboo Toilet Paper Worth It?
For many businesses, bamboo toilet paper is worth considering as part of a broader review of workplace consumables.
The important thing is to choose it based on specific, verifiable product characteristics, not simply because bamboo sounds environmentally preferable.
Hygiene Direct's bamboo toilet paper range provides businesses with:
- A 60% bamboo pulp / 40% wood pulp fibre composition
- Plastic-free packaging
- Paper that is biodegradable under natural conditions
- An ECF (Elemental Chlorine Free) bleaching process
- Toilet tissue suitable for standard septic tanks and municipal sewage systems
- Manufacture by an FSC Chain-of-Custody certified manufacturer
- Standard, mini jumbo and jumbo formats for different commercial washrooms
We don't make unsupported carbon-neutral or low-carbon claims about the range. Instead, we provide the available product information so businesses can decide whether bamboo toilet paper is the right choice for their facilities.
Shop Bamboo Toilet Paper in NZ
Hygiene Direct supplies bamboo toilet paper throughout New Zealand for offices, hospitality businesses, accommodation providers, schools, commercial buildings and other workplaces.
Explore our Bamboo Paper Products NZ range to compare standard, mini jumbo and jumbo bamboo toilet tissue, along with bamboo paper hand towels.
Need help choosing between standard, mini jumbo and jumbo toilet rolls? Contact Hygiene Direct and we can help you find the right paper and dispenser combination for your washrooms.
Related Bamboo Paper Guides
Continue exploring our Bamboo Paper guides:
- Bamboo vs Recycled Toilet Paper: Which Is Better?
- Is Bamboo Toilet Paper Septic Safe?
- Bamboo Toilet Paper for Businesses: Is It Worth Switching?
- How Is Bamboo Toilet Paper Made?
- Is Bamboo Toilet Paper Biodegradable?
- Bamboo vs Regular Toilet Paper: What's the Difference?
- Plastic-Free Toilet Paper: What Should Businesses Look For?
- Why Is Our Bamboo Paper 60% Bamboo and 40% Wood Pulp?