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The best bamboo toilet paper has all the qualities of “regular” toilet paper—it’s plush, comfortable to use, and strong and absorbent. Because bamboo grows extremely fast, it’s touted as an eco-friendly alternative to wood. Bamboo toilet paper is a sustainable, natural resource to exchange for regular toilet paper that doesn’t sacrifice quality or comfort. The best bamboo toilet paper options are soft, strong, and sustainable, making them a good choice for your bathroom and the environment.
- BEST OVERALL: Betterway Bamboo Toilet Paper
- RUNNER-UP: Reel Premium Bamboo Toilet Paper
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: NooTrees Bamboo 3-ply Bathroom Tissue
- BEST SEPTIC SAFE: Caboo Tree-Free Bamboo Toilet Paper
- BEST UNBLEACHED: TUSHY Premium Bamboo Toilet Paper
- BEST ORGANIC: WHOLEROLL Bamboo Toilet Paper
- BEST SUBSCRIPTION: Cloud Paper Bamboo Toilet Paper
- BEST PLASTIC-FREE: Bim Bam Boo Premium Bamboo Toilet Paper
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Bamboo Toilet Paper
Toilet paper has a simple job, but that doesn’t mean all toilet paper is created equal. Shoppers must consider several factors (e.g., comfort, cost, and convenience) as well as environmental concerns when searching for the best bamboo toilet paper. Keep reading to find tips for choosing the best tree-free toilet paper.
Materials and Environmental Impact
Most bamboo toilet paper is manufactured in a manner similar to that of regular toilet paper, but it’s made of bamboo instead of wood or paper materials. While bamboo toilet paper is a more sustainable alternative to toilet paper made from wood pulp, it can be less eco-friendly than some brands of recycled toilet paper. Sustainability depends on how the bamboo is sourced and processed, as well as how far it travels to the consumer.
To help protect forests, consider choosing an FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified toilet paper. This label certifies that the bamboo is sourced sustainably to avoid negative impacts on forests.
Also look for the USDA BioBased (USDA BioPreferred) label. Products with this label are certified by the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) and primarily contain ingredients from renewable biological sources. Since most bamboo toilet paper is made from 100 percent bamboo, many products are considered sustainable even if they aren’t certified.
Chemicals
Chemicals are frequently used to manufacture toilet paper in some of the many steps required for production, from growing the source plant, to creating the toilet paper pulp, to manufacturing the final product.
While these chemicals are considered safe for their specific uses, some shoppers may prefer to avoid them. Consumers who have sensitive skin or general concerns about the toxicity of the chemicals used can opt for chemical-free, dye-free, fragrance-free, and BPA-free bamboo toilet paper. These toilet paper products are made with heat and water (and minimal chemicals) to create a cleaner toilet paper. Fewer chemicals means less chemical waste—another win for the environment.
Bleached or Unbleached
Bleaching gives toilet paper its attractive white appearance and soft texture. However, the bleaching process can raise some health concerns as well as have a negative impact on the environment.
When bamboo toilet paper is bleached, it’s labeled as elemental chlorine-free (ECF) toilet paper, which means the paper is bleached without the use of chlorine. To avoid this extra additive in toilet paper, search for unbleached rolls. Unbleached toilet rolls may be labeled as totally chlorine-free (TCF).
Unbleached toilet paper usually has a natural brown color; however, whiter options are available that are whitened with hydrogen peroxide. Unbleached toilet paper fibers typically have more texture than bleached materials, but they still create a luxurious-feeling toilet paper.
Packaging
To live up to their eco-friendly reputation, some bamboo toilet paper brands have other eco-friendly bonuses, including sustainable manufacturing practices and packaging. Some brands use less packaging and eliminate plastic waste. Bamboo toilet paper rolls are available in biodegradable or recyclable packaging (usually paper or cardboard). Eliminating the inner cardboard tube is another way some brands cut down on packaging waste.
Bamboo toilet paper also is available in traditional plastic packaging. Although plastic packaging is typically less eco-friendly, it’s convenient and will protect the toilet paper from water damage in transit, which can quickly ruin new rolls.
Ply Count and Sheets per Roll
Bamboo toilet paper comes in a variety of ply counts and roll sizes. Ply refers to the number of layers of material per sheet. The lower the ply, the thinner the toilet paper, and the faster it breaks down. Most bamboo toilet paper is two or three ply, which stays pleasantly soft while also breaking down when flushed.
In toilet paper, no standard exists for roll size, so determining the sheets per roll is a better way to gauge how long a package of toilet paper will last. However, the ply count (or thickness of the toilet paper), its quality, strength, and sheet size also affect how long each roll will last.
Texture and Absorbency
Most shoppers want soft toilet paper. While recycled toilet paper is often the most eco-friendly option, it often has a rougher texture. Bamboo toilet paper strikes a good in-between balance—it’s more eco-friendly than toilet paper made from virgin wood pulp, but it typically offers improved texture and better absorbency than recycled options.
Good bamboo toilet paper has the same soft texture, adequate strength, and excellent absorbency as quality regular toilet paper. Despite its plush feel, it also breaks down easily, so it’s pleasant to use without causing plumbing problems.
Subscription Service or Single Purchase
Bamboo toilet paper is not as readily available as regular toilet paper; in fact, many shoppers buy their rolls online. Online retailers may offer bamboo toilet paper as a single purchase item or through a subscription service.
Many households fear running out of toilet paper. Subscription services provide consistent, reliable deliveries to remedy that problem. Single-purchase options are ideal for those who don’t want to commit to a subscription, whether because of the recurring cost or a desire to try different brands.
Our Top Picks
Eco-friendly shoppers are always happy to find new ways to reduce their footprint without sacrificing product quality. Bamboo toilet paper is an excellent alternative to regular toilet paper, and the best options rival traditional toilet paper in softness, strength, and absorbency. Go tree-free with the best bamboo toilet paper products described here.
Best Overall
Betterway Bamboo Toilet Paper
Betterway Bamboo Toilet Paper is soft and absorbent, with an embossed texture for a more comfortable clean. This bamboo toilet paper is free from chlorine, BPA, ink, scent, and dye. It also won’t leave lint behind, making it hypoallergenic and suitable for sensitive skin.
Certified by the FSC, Betterway toilet paper is made of bamboo pulp sourced from small family-owned farms. The bamboo is organically grown, which means no pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers are used in the growing process.
The brand offers its toilet paper as a one-time purchase or as a subscription directly from its website. Both buying options come in eco-friendly packaging, which is all recycled or recyclable down to the plastic-free tape that holds the boxes together.
Product Specs
- Thickness: 3 ply
- Rolls per pack: 12
- Subscription available: Yes
Pros
- Made from organically grown bamboo
- Embossed texture
- Eco-friendly packaging
- Discounted subscription options
Cons
- Roll size is smaller relative to most standard rolls
Get Betterway Bamboo Toilet Paper at Betterway or on Amazon.
Runner-up
Reel Premium Bamboo Toilet Paper
Reel Premium Bamboo Toilet Paper is soft and strong, and it’s made with fewer chemicals than the average grocery store toilet paper. This three-ply toilet paper contains no chlorine, fragrance, BPA, ink, or dye. To reduce its impact on the planet, Reel sources its bamboo from sustainable FSC-certified manufacturers.
The brand offers wraps its rolls in tissue paper and delivers them in cardboard, so the packaging can be composted or recycled. To suit different types of shoppers, the toilet paper is available as a one-time purchase or a subscription. The subscription option, available directly through the Reel website, gives subscribers the flexibility to choose their delivery schedule.
Product Specs
- Thickness: 3 ply
- Rolls per pack: 24
- Subscription available: Yes
Pros
- Strong sheets
- Recyclable packaging
- Flexible purchasing options
Cons
- Not as soft as some standard toilet paper rolls
Get Reel Premium Bamboo Toilet Paper at Reel, Target, or on Amazon.
Best Bang for the Buck
NooTrees Bamboo 3-ply Bathroom Tissue
Making sustainable products may cost a little extra. Bamboo toilet paper is pricier than its wood or recycled alternatives, but NooTrees Bamboo Bathroom Tissue is relatively affordable and provides an excellent clean.
NooTrees bamboo toilet paper is made from virgin bamboo pulp sourced from FSC-certified growers. It’s made without dye or fragrances. Each BPA-free three-ply sheet is soft, absorbent, and hypoallergenic, so it’s suitable for sensitive skin. While the brand doesn’t offer a subscription option, the toilet paper is delivered, saving the cost of an extra trip to the store.
Product Specs
- Thickness: 3 ply
- Rolls per pack: 12 rolls
- Subscription available: No
Pros
- Relatively affordable
- BPA-, dye-, and fragrance-free
- Hypoallergenic
Cons
- Looser rolls can unravel too easily
Get NooTrees Bamboo 3-ply Bathroom Tissue on Amazon.
Best Septic Safe
Caboo Tree-Free Bamboo Toilet Paper
Caboo Bamboo Toilet Paper will break down when flushed—it’s safe for septic systems, boats, and RVs. Bleached without elemental chlorine, it’s also free of parabens, fragrance, and BPA, making it safe for septic systems and sensitive skin.
This toilet paper is made from a combination of bamboo and sugarcane pulp. The sugarcane pulp is made from the residue left over from sugarcane extraction, making it one of the best eco-friendly toilet paper options. Each roll of toilet paper is two ply, so it’s thinner than some options; however, the thinner texture allows it to break down in all types of waste systems.
Product Specs
- Thickness: 2 ply
- Rolls per pack: 16
- Subscription available: No
Pros
- Sustainably made with bamboo and sugarcane
- Septic safe
- Suitable for RVs and boats
Cons
- Plastic packaging
Get Caboo Tree-Free Bamboo Toilet Paper at Walmart and on Amazon.
Best Unbleached
TUSHY Premium Bamboo Toilet Paper
Because bleaching gives toilet paper its white color, plush texture, and improved sheet strength, most toilet paper is bleached in some way. Shoppers trying to avoid chemicals can reach for a completely unbleached option like these bamboo rolls from TUSHY.
Each three-ply roll is made from 100 percent unbleached, BPA-free bamboo fibers. TUSHY uses a biological pulping process that’s free of chlorine, bleach, chlorine dioxide, and emulsifying agents. Its process creates a more natural toilet paper that’s excellent for shoppers with sensitive skin or those looking for a bleach-free alternative. Although the brand omits these chemicals, the toilet paper is still soft and strong. Plus, it’s delivered in plastic-free packaging.
Product Specs
- Thickness: 3 ply
- Rolls per pack: 36
- Subscription available: Yes
Pros
- 100 percent bleach-free
- BPA-free
- Plastic-free packaging
Cons
- Expensive
Get TUSHY Premium Bamboo Toilet Paper at TUSHY and on Amazon.
Best Organic
WHOLEROLL Bamboo Toilet Paper
WHOLEROLL Bamboo Toilet Paper is made by a company with a mission to keep both people’s health and the environment in mind during manufacturing. To live up to its natural ethos, the brand’s bamboo toilet paper is made from organic bamboo that’s responsibly sourced from FSC-certified sources and processed without chlorine bleach. Since it’s made with fewer chemicals, it’s also completely septic safe.
Each three-ply roll is absorbent with a soft cotton-like texture. The brand uses a chlorine-free ECF bleaching process to make the toilet paper white and plush. The resulting sheets are hypoallergenic, BPA-free, and lint-free, making it one of the best organic toilet paper options for sensitive skin. Although this toilet paper comes in plastic packaging, the brand makes each roll extra tight, which means a more compact (and more eco-friendly) shipping size.
Product Specs
- Thickness: 3 ply
- Rolls per pack: 18
- Subscription available: Yes
Pros
- Made from organic bamboo pulp
- Free from chlorine bleach
- Lint-free
- Compact package
Cons
- Plastic packaging
Get WHOLEROLL Organic Bamboo Toilet Paper at WHOLEROLL and on Amazon.
Best Subscription
Cloud Paper Bamboo Toilet Paper
No one wants to run out of toilet paper. To make sure there’s always toilet paper at home, consider purchasing a toilet paper subscription from Cloud Paper. The brand offers subscription options for 24 or 48 rolls, delivered every 2, 3, or 4 months. This flexibility means there’s a subscription option for most households, whether for a family or a single person.
The brand’s tree-free bamboo toilet paper is made with bamboo sourced from FSC-certified bamboo producers. Each three-ply roll is free from chlorine, pesticides, BPA, scents, and dye to create a lint-free toilet paper. Moreover, the toilet paper arrives in plastic-free packaging to boost its sustainability factor.
Product Specs
- Thickness: 3 ply
- Rolls per pack: 24 or 48
- Subscription available: Yes
Pros
- Multiple subscription options
- Free shipping
- Plastic-free packaging
Cons
- Subscription only
Get Cloud Paper Bamboo Toilet Paper at Cloud Paper.
Best Plastic-Free
Bim Bam Boo Premium Bamboo Toilet Paper
Bim Bam Boo sources pesticide- and GMO-free and FSC-certified bamboo to make its toilet paper. The toilet paper is free from a range of harsh ingredients, including chlorine bleach, fragrance, dye, formaldehyde, BPA, and phthalates. This USDA BioPreferred product is safe for septic tanks, RVs, and boats.
Bim Bam Boo packages its toilet paper in 100 percent plastic-free packaging sealed with plastic-free tape. While the company’s standard rolls are wrapped individually in tissue paper, the brand also offers unwrapped rolls to reduce waste even further.
Product Specs
- Thickness: 2 ply
- Rolls per pack: 24
- Subscription available: Yes
Pros
- Free from chlorine bleach and other harsh chemicals
- 100 percent plastic-free packaging
- Unwrapped rolls available
Cons
- Unwrapped rolls available only as an eight-pack option
Get Bim Bam Boo Premium Bamboo Toilet Paper at Bim Bam Boo and on Amazon.
Our Verdict
Betterway Bamboo Toilet Paper offers soft, strong toilet paper backed by a commitment to sustainability. The brand’s toilet paper is made of bamboo organically grown on small family-owned farms and processed without harsh chemicals. Reel Premium Bamboo Toilet Paper is also an excellent option that omits several chemicals and arrives at the door in sustainable packaging.
How We Chose the Best Bamboo Toilet Paper
The average person uses around three rolls of toilet paper per week. This habit creates a lot of waste, so what you wipe with matters. When choosing the best bamboo toilet paper, the primary considerations we looked for were eco-friendliness and user experience.
Through extensive product research, we chose bamboo toilet paper products that make a good effort toward sustainability through better manufacturing processes (including less chemical use, closed-loop systems, and sustainable farming practices). A third-party certification, such as FSC certification, earned brands a place on our list.
It’s hard to switch to a more sustainable toilet paper if it’s scratchy and thin, so we prioritized brands with excellent user reviews that mention comfort. Shoppers have a range of concerns, so we chose a variety of toilet paper types, from organic to septic-safe products, to cater to different consumers.
FAQs
When measuring environmental impact and performance, bamboo toilet paper is among the best sustainable toilet paper for the environment. For those looking to lower their carbon footprint, bamboo toilet paper is an excellent alternative to toilet paper made from virgin wood pulp. If you’re still hesitant about making the switch, here are some frequently asked questions and answers about using bamboo toilet paper.
Q. Is bamboo sensitive skin friendly?
Yes, bamboo toilet paper can be an ideal choice for those with sensitive skin. For reactive skin, look for bamboo toilet paper that’s unbleached, fragrance-free, and made without harsh chemicals.
Q. Is bamboo toilet paper safe for toilets?
Yes, bamboo toilet paper is made to break down easily, making it a safe choice for toilets.
Q. Why is bamboo toilet paper so expensive?
Bamboo toilet paper is more expensive than regular toilet paper because it’s created on a smaller scale and with a different manufacturing process than regular toilet paper.
Q. Does bamboo toilet paper dissolve easily?
Yes, a good bamboo toilet paper should dissolve easily to prevent any clogged pipes.
Q. How is bamboo toilet paper made?
Bamboo toilet paper is made similarly to regular toilet paper, but instead of using wood or recycled materials, bamboo fiber is turned into the pulp that is manufactured into toilet paper.
Q. Is bamboo toilet paper more expensive than regular toilet paper?
Yes, bamboo toilet paper usually costs more than regular toilet paper.
Q. Is bamboo really better than reusable cotton paper?
It depends on your preference. If looking for disposable, flushable toilet paper, bamboo is the way to go. For those who want to venture into the world of reusable toilet paper (an excellent waste-free option), cotton toilet paper is the best environmentally friendly toilet paper since it can be washed and reused several times.