The best eco-friendly toilet paper in the UK for sustainable living

Did you know that a study published by Statista found that tissue consumption reached over 1.1 million tons in the UK? Although most toilet paper disintegrates by the time it gets to the sewage treatment plant, there are still products, like flushable wipes, that don't break down, and will probably end up in landfill.

Related: The best toilet paper in the world, tried and tested

What is eco-friendly toilet paper?

It isn't just the toilet paper itself to think about when it comes to being an eco-friendly product - it's also the waste from the toilet-paper production and the plastic used to wrapped in, you need to consider.

Eco-friendly toilet paper uses materials that aren't harmful for the environment and often reduces the amount of resources used to create this bathroom essential. Most sustainable toilet paper in the UK will have features like being made from recycled materials, being free from chemicals and bleach, using plastic-free packaging or using bamboo.

It's clear that the demand for eco loo roll is here to stay. Another study published by Statista found that, "In 2020, an estimated 3.23 million people used recycled/non chlorine bleached toilet papers."

Whether you're looking to switch to a plastic-free option or want to test out a new product, here at What's The best, we had a chance to try eco-friendly recycled toilet paper and give our honest opinion on them, ultimately so you could pick the right one for you.

How we test products:

What's The Best has spent months putting some of the biggest names in the toilet paper industry through their paces. After careful examination, we have looked at everything you would expect from regular options, like strength, look and feel. But our reviews have also considered the environmental impact, packaging, and if the material used is sustainably sourced.

The best eco-friendly toilet paper 2021

Features:

Ply-rating: 3-Ply

Rolls: 24

Sheet count: 200

Packaging: Plastic-free

We love: That this is kind to the skin and planet as it's hypoallergenic, features no pesticides and is BPA free.

Pros:

• Luxury textured feel to each roll

• Packaging is beautifully designed and includes information about the paper

• Made from bamboo

• From every box purchased, Bumboo plants a tree

Cons:

• Not the most absorbent option, but still did an incredible job

• Only 24 toilet rolls in a box

Rating: 4.5/5

As well as being made from 100 per cent recycled paper, this option is soft, strong and biodegradable. Best thing about it? Who Gives A Crap has donated over £5.3 million to charities like Water For People, Splash and Water & Sanitation for the Urban Poor. Read more about their vision for the future here.

Features:

Ply-rating: 3-Ply

Rolls: 48

Sheet count: 400

Packaging: Plastic-free

We love: That this offers carbon neutral shipping if you buy direct from Who Gives A Crap.

Pros:

• Made from one hundred per cent recycled fibres

• Looks trendy in the bathroom

• They are double length rolls = more sheets for your money

Cons:

• More expensive than other options on this list

Rating: 4.7/5

With three different toilet rolls available (100% Bamboo Toilet Paper, 100% Unbleached Bamboo Toilet Paper or 100% White Bamboo Toilet Paper) you're sure to find the right option for you.

You can even get the unwrapped white bamboo toilet paper delivered straight from Amazon.

Features:

Ply-rating: 3-Ply

Rolls: 24

Sheet count: 300

Packaging: Plastic-free

We love: Even with a naked toilet roll box, you still get one wrapped roll to display in your bathroom.

Pros:

• Scent-free and recyclable packaging

• Choose from 24 or 48 rolls in your order

• Price comparison available on the website

Cons:

• Wish we could get more of a mixture of naked and wrapped toilet paper

Rating: 4.6/5

Not only did this paper feel delicate on the skin, but you'll also only need a few sheets to get the job done. The only thing we would say is that you can easily pull the three-ply sheets apart, which are individually pretty thin. But as long as you aren't messing around with it, this shouldn't be a problem.

Features:

Ply-rating: 3-Ply

Rolls: 24

Sheet count: 200

Packaging: Plastic-free

We love: That this option is made from 100 per cent bamboo, yet feels silky smooth.

Pros:

• Lovely and soft

• Certified vegan-friendly and cruelty-free

• Uses plant-based natural ingredients

Cons:

• Most expensive option

• Not the thickest paper option on this list

Rating: 4/5

Recommended eco-friendly toilet paper

How to make eco-friendly toilet paper

Want to make loo roll out of recycled paper? If you're up for the challenge and can dedicate at least a few hours to creating this household essential, then making your own eco-friendly toilet paper might just become your new weekend hobby.

During the shortage of toilet paper in 2020 due to the COVID-19 outbreak, one YouTuber put it to the test. Follow whoisandrewfahmy as they create loo roll using items that you can easily find around the house.

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Lily Anderson is a Senior Commercial Writer at Bauer Media, where she tests products for titles such as Heat, Closer, What’s the Best and Mother&Baby.

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