Eco-friendly toilet paper: a responsible choice for the environment

Nowadays, protecting the environment is at the heart of our concerns. Among the everyday actions we can take to reduce our ecological footprint, choosing eco-friendly toilet paper stands out as an obvious one. But what sets this type of product apart from the other toilet papers on the market? What are its benefits and how do you make the right choice? In this article, we will present the eco-friendly alternatives available when it comes to toilet paper.

The criteria for eco-friendly toilet paper

Eco-friendly toilet paper is characterised by several criteria that make it more respectful of the environment than traditional papers:

The origin of the fibres: the fibres used in the manufacture of eco-friendly toilet paper generally come from renewable or recycled sources, such as bamboo or recycled paper.

Certification: labels such as FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) or PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification) guarantee sustainable forest management and therefore responsible fibre sourcing.

Manufacturing processes: eco-friendly toilet paper manufacturers favour production processes that minimise water and energy use, as well as waste production.

Absence of chemicals: eco-friendly toilet papers contain no bleaching agents or other chemicals that are harmful to our health and the environment.

Other criteria?

Other criteria can also be taken into account, such as the thickness of the paper and the packaging. Indeed, thinner paper uses fewer resources during manufacture, whilst recyclable or compostable packaging is an added bonus for the environment.

Eco-friendly toilet paper in France: an ever-evolving offering

An increasing number of French manufacturers are now offering ranges of eco-friendly toilet paper. The growing public awareness of environmental protection explains this development. Here are some French brands that have chosen to produce responsible toilet papers:

Tork: this brand offers various types of eco-friendly toilet paper, some of which are composed of 100% recycled or FSC-certified fibres. Tork also ensures that its packaging materials are recyclable.

Remy: a French manufacturer specialising in hygiene and cleaning products, Remy offers an eco-friendly toilet paper range composed of 100% recycled cellulose fibres, with no chemical bleaching agents.

Lotus: the iconic French toilet paper brand now offers a "Just Green" range that is FSC Mix certified and made with 100% natural paper, free from colouring and fragrance.

Where to find eco-friendly toilet paper?

Shops specialising in eco-friendly products, as well as certain supermarkets, now offer a selection of eco-friendly toilet papers. It is also possible to order these products online to benefit from a wider choice and compare prices.

The washable roll, a zero-waste alternative to eco-friendly toilet paper

For those who wish to go even further in their eco-friendly approach, the washable toilet paper roll is an interesting alternative. Made from fabric, this roll generally consists of several washable squares attached together. After use, simply detach a square and wash it before putting it back in place. Compared with other solutions, this alternative generates less waste and has the advantage of being reusable multiple times.

Making your own eco-friendly toilet paper: reality or pipe dream?

Some people opt to make their own eco-friendly toilet paper from recycled materials. This solution may be appealing as a way to reduce your ecological impact and save money, but it is important to consider whether this approach is realistic and viable in the long term.

Making toilet paper at home: a complex and time-consuming process

Making your own toilet paper from old paper involves a number of steps:

Collecting old paper such as newspapers, telephone directories, and so on.

Shredding the paper and then soaking it in water to form a pulp.

Mixing the pulp with soap shavings or another natural cleaning agent.

Pressing the pulp to extract the water and obtain sheets of paper.

Drying the sheets in the sun before cutting them into pieces to form the toilet paper squares.

This process requires time, energy, and perseverance. Moreover, the end result will not necessarily be as comfortable or effective as eco-friendly toilet paper bought in a shop.

A final word

Choosing eco-friendly toilet paper is a simple gesture that contributes to protecting the environment and reducing our ecological footprint. Various criteria can help identify the most environmentally friendly toilet papers, such as the origin of the fibres, certification, or manufacturing processes.

In France, several brands offer eco-friendly toilet paper ranges, and the washable roll represents an interesting zero-waste alternative. Although making your own toilet paper from recycled materials may seem appealing, this solution proves to be complex and impractical for everyday use.