Where Is Toilet Paper Made? [2025 Global Guide]

Have you ever thought about the relationship between your toilet and the toilet paper you use every day? While the toilet is the essential fixture in your bathroom, the humble toilet paper roll plays an equally important role in hygiene and comfort. Behind this simple product lies a massive, multi-billion-dollar global industry. According to the European pulp and paper industry association Cepi, sanitary paper production accounts for over 10% of total paper and board output in Europe alone, reflecting a significant global market size. Furthermore, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) identifies China, the United States, and Japan as the top producers globally, highlighting their central roles in the industry.

This guide will give you a clear look at where toilet paper is made, which countries are the biggest manufacturers, and how the global supply chain operates. Understanding this process helps explain why store shelves sometimes empty during periods of high demand and highlights the industry's shift toward more sustainable practices.

World’s Top Toilet Paper Producing Countries (2024–2025)

The global market for toilet paper is dominated by a few key nations. China leads in sheer volume, but the United States holds a strong position, especially in serving its own population.

China: The Global Leader in Output and Exports

With an estimated 680,000 metric tons of annual production, China stands as the world’s largest producer of toilet paper. Not only does it satisfy a massive domestic demand, but China also plays a leading role in international trade. Based on official statistics from the World Trade Organization (WTO), China recorded a net trade surplus of $724 million in 2024, making it the top global exporter in the tissue paper market.

United States: A Self-Sufficient Consumer Powerhouse

Producing around 370,000 metric tons annually, the United States ranks second globally. However, over 99% of its production is consumed domestically, reflecting a highly self-sufficient and mature market. Unlike China, the U.S. has minimal involvement in toilet paper exports, but its strong internal consumption gives it a solid 9.0% global market share.

India: A Rapidly Emerging Producer

India is quickly climbing the ranks, with an estimated 260,000 metric tons of toilet paper produced per year. Its market is expanding rapidly due to rising urbanization and improved living standards. While still developing its export capacity, India’s global market share has reached 6.3%, and it is poised for further growth in the coming years.

Japan: High-Tech, Low Export Volume

Japan produces approximately 230,000 metric tons annually and is known for its precision and quality in manufacturing. Although Japan does not export large quantities, its toilet paper is often positioned as high-end in regional markets. The country holds a 5.6% share of the global market and focuses primarily on quality over volume.

Germany: Key European Producer and Exporter

With about 180,000 metric tons of production each year, Germany is a major player within Europe. It not only serves its own population but also exports significantly within the EU. Germany’s share of the global market stands at 4.4%, supported by strong infrastructure and trade links.

Brazil: Forest-Rich and Regionally Strong

Brazil’s production totals roughly 150,000 metric tons annually, making it the leading producer in South America. Thanks to abundant forest resources, Brazil benefits from an accessible raw material supply. This has enabled it to become a consistent producer and emerging exporter, accounting for 3.7% of the global toilet paper market.

The following table breaks down the top producers, showing their massive output and role in the international trade of tissue paper.

Country	Annual Output (Metric Tons, est.)	Key Export/Trade Notes	Global Market Share (%)
China	~680,000	Largest global exporter with a net trade surplus of $724 million.	16.60%
United States	~370,000	Over 99% of production is for domestic consumption. A self-sufficient market.	9.00%
India	~260,000	A rapidly growing market with increasing export goals.	6.30%
Japan	~230,000	Known for high-tech, quality manufacturing but has limited exports.	5.60%
Germany	~180,000	A major producer and exporter within the European market.	4.40%
Brazil	~150,000	A key player in South America, leveraging vast forest natural resources.	3.70%

How Is Toilet Paper Made? A Global Process Overview

The transformation from tree to toilet tissue is a fascinating industrial process. While methods can vary, especially when using recycled paper, the core steps remain consistent across the globe—answering the common question of where does toilet paper come from. Here is the journey from forest to flush.

Sourcing Raw Materials

The process begins with sourcing fiber. This fiber primarily comes from two sources:

Virgin Wood Pulp: This is pulp created directly from trees, often a mix of hardwood (like oak or maple) and softwood (like pine). Many manufacturers use eucalyptus pulp to make toilet paper soft. Trees are sourced from sustainably managed forests.
Recycled Paper: A significant amount of toilet paper is made from recycled paper. This includes materials like office paper, newspapers, and cardboard. This process is more eco-friendly as it reduces waste and demands fewer natural resources.
Alternative Fibers: A growing trend is the use of bamboo toilet paper or sugarcane bagasse. These are fast-growing, renewable resources that offer a more sustainable alternative.

Pulping and Processing

The raw materials must be turned into a slurry called pulp.

For wood, logs are debarked and chipped into small pieces. These chips are then "cooked" with chemicals or mechanically ground to separate the wood fibers.
For recycled paper, the material is put into a large vat with water and chemicals to break it down, remove inks, staples, and other impurities.
The resulting pulp is washed and often bleached to achieve its white color. Modern methods increasingly use chlorine-free bleaching agents to reduce environmental impact.

Sheet Formation and Drying

The cleaned pulp, now mixed with a large amount of water, is sprayed onto massive, fast-moving mesh screens. The water drains away, leaving a delicate mat of intertwined fibers. Large, heated cylinders then press and dry this mat into a single, continuous, thin sheet of paper. This is where the giant parent rolls of paper are created, some weighing over a ton. No matter where is toilet paper made, the production stages—from fiber to final roll—follow a similar industrial pattern worldwide.

Cutting, Embossing, and Packaging

The large parent rolls are moved to converting machines. Here, the paper is often embossed with patterns to make toilet paper soft and improve its absorbency. It is then perforated, rolled onto the familiar cardboard tubes, and cut into individual rolls. Finally, the rolls are bundled into packages, ready for shipment to distributors and retailers. Automation and robotics play a huge role in this final stage, ensuring speed and consistency.

Where Is Toilet Paper Made? A Country-by-Country Breakdown

While the process is similar everywhere, the scale of production and market focus varies greatly by country. So, where is toilet paper manufactured specifically?

United States: A Model of Domestic Production

A common question is, "is toilet paper made in the USA?" The answer is a resounding yes. Over 99% of the toilet paper Americans use is made in the United States. The country's industry is built on a foundation of self-sufficiency, which proved critical during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Key Production States: The heart of American toilet paper manufacturing is concentrated in a few key states with access to forests and major transportation routes. These include Georgia, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.

Major Manufacturing Hubs:

Pennsylvania: The plant in Mehoopany is one of the largest toilet paper manufacturing sites in the world, operated by Procter & Gamble. If you're wondering where is Charmin toilet paper manufactured, this massive facility in Pennsylvania is the primary answer.
Wisconsin: The city of Green Bay is a historic center for paper product manufacturing, home to facilities run by companies like Georgia-Pacific.
Georgia: As a state rich in forests, Georgia hosts numerous pulp and paper mills, including those that make Angel Soft and Quilted Northern. For those wondering where is Angel Soft toilet paper made, the answer lies in Georgia-Pacific’s manufacturing facilities across the southeastern U.S.
Other locations include Albany, GA, Jenks, OK, Beech Island, SC, and Cape Girardeau, MO, where major producers have significant operations. Kimberly-Clark, the maker of Cottonelle, also operates major facilities in Oklahoma and other states—answering the frequent query where is Cottonelle toilet paper made. Similarly, many people ask where is Scott toilet paper made, Scott toilet paper is primarily manufactured in facilities operated by Kimberly-Clark across the U.S., including locations in Pennsylvania and other key states.

Economic Impact: These facilities are major employers, supporting thousands of jobs and contributing significantly to local economies. The robust domestic supply chain ensures that even with spikes in high demand, the nation can avoid long-term shortages. The US does not import toilet paper from China or other countries in any meaningful quantity.

China: The World's Largest Exporter

China is the largest producer of toilet paper, but unlike the United States, a significant portion of its production is for the global market.

Export Powerhouse: With a net trade surplus of $724 million in 2024, China is the world's leading exporter of finished toilet paper rolls.
Vertically Integrated Supply Chain: Many Chinese companies control the entire supply chain, from pulp production to the finished paper product. This integration gives them a competitive edge in pricing.
Upgrades and Sustainability: In recent years, Chinese factories have been upgrading their technology to improve efficiency and address environmental concerns, moving toward more sustainable manufacturing practices. As the leading exporter, China is often a central part of the answer to “where is toilet paper made”, especially for global markets.

Other Major Producers: A Global Snapshot

Beyond the top two, several other countries play a vital role in the global toilet paper industry.

Country	Production Focus & Distinctive Features
India	An emerging market with strong domestic growth and a focus on expanding its export capacity to serve Asia and the Middle East.
Japan	Renowned for high-tech manufacturing, producing premium and specialty toilet tissue products, often with advanced features. Exports are limited.
Germany	A key producer for the European Union, with a strong emphasis on products made from recycled paper and high sustainability standards.
Brazil	A major source of eucalyptus pulp, giving it a strong foundation for producing soft, high-quality tissue products.
Canada	A significant producer of pulp and paper products, Canada is a key trading partner with the United States, though finished toilet paper imports to the U.S. remain low.

Toilet Paper Supply Chains, Trade, and Distribution

How does a roll of paper get from a massive mill in Green Bay, Wisconsin, to your local store? The toilet paper supply chain is a model of efficiency designed for predictability.

A Localized System: For a large market like the United States, the supply chain is overwhelmingly domestic. Mills produce giant parent rolls, which are then sent to regional converting facilities. These facilities create the final product, which is distributed to warehouses and then to retail stores. This minimizes shipment distances and costs.
Global Trade Routes: For countries that import toilet paper, the supply routes are longer. Major exporters like China, Germany, and Poland ship containers of finished rolls to countries with less domestic production capacity.
Lessons from the Pandemic: The toilet paper shortage of 2020 was not caused by a lack of production. Instead, sudden panic buying emptied store shelves faster than the highly-tuned supply chain management system could restock them. In response, manufacturers have invested in making their supply chains more resilient, increasing warehouse capacity and using data analytics to better predict demand surges.

Sustainability in Global Toilet Paper Manufacturing

As consumers become more aware of their environmental footprint, the toilet paper industry is adapting. The question of what our toilet paper is made from is more important than ever.

Sustainable Fibers: The biggest shift is towards sustainable fiber sources.

Certified Forests: Many producers now use pulp from forests certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) or the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC). These certifications ensure that the forests are managed responsibly.
Recycled Content: Using paper is made from recycled content significantly reduces the need for virgin wood pulp, saving trees, water, and energy.
Bamboo: Bamboo toilet paper is gaining popularity because bamboo is a type of grass that grows incredibly fast, requires no pesticides, and can be harvested without killing the plant.

Lifecycle and Resource Use: Manufacturing toilet paper is resource-intensive. Companies are working to reduce their water and energy consumption through closed-loop systems that recycle water and more efficient drying technologies. A lifecycle analysis often shows that 100% recycled toilet paper has a much smaller carbon footprint than products made from virgin pulp.

How to Spot Sustainable Toilet Paper:

Look for third-party certifications like FSC or Green Seal on the packaging.
Check if the product is made from recycled paper. The label will often state the percentage of post-consumer recycled content.
Consider products made from alternative fibers like bamboo.

Economic and Community Impact

A toilet paper mill is more than just a factory; it is often the economic anchor of a community.

Regional Employment: A single large manufacturing facility, such as the one in Mehoopany, Pennsylvania, can employ thousands of people directly and support many more jobs indirectly through logistics, maintenance, and local services. This creates a powerful economic engine for entire regions.
Community Investment: Major manufacturers often invest in the communities where they operate, supporting local schools, infrastructure, and an ecosystem of smaller businesses that supply and service the plant.
Local Controversies: At the same time, the presence of a large industrial facility can raise environmental concerns. Local communities sometimes debate issues related to water usage, air quality, and the impact of logging on local ecosystems. Responsible companies work with communities to mitigate these impacts and operate sustainably.

Expert Insights and Consumer Awareness

What do industry insiders say about the state of toilet paper manufacturing?

An Industry Analyst might point out, "The U.S. toilet paper supply chain is one of the most resilient in the world. The challenges of the pandemic prompted significant investment in automation and logistics, ensuring a steady supply for the future. The focus is now on efficiency and sustainability."
A Sustainability Officer at a major paper company could add, "Our customers are asking more questions about where their products come from. We’re responding by increasing our use of recycled fiber and ensuring all our virgin pulp comes from certified, responsibly managed sources. It's good for the planet and good for business."
A Mill Manager might share, "During periods of high demand, our machines run 24/7. Our team works incredibly hard to make toilet paper and get it onto trucks. It's a non-stop operation that requires incredible coordination."

A quick poll would likely show that most shoppers do not check the country of origin for their toilet paper. This is because, in markets like the USA, it is almost guaranteed to be manufactured in the United States.

Conclusion and Resources

The story of "where is toilet paper made" is one of immense industrial scale and surprising local focus. For consumers in the United States, the journey of their toilet paper likely begins and ends within the country's borders, at manufacturing hubs in states like Georgia, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania. Globally, China leads production, serving as the world's top exporter.

Moving forward, the industry's direction is clear: an increasing emphasis on a resilient supply chain, efficient manufacturing, and, most importantly, sustainability. From using recycled paper to sourcing from responsibly managed forests, the simple roll of paper is becoming a smarter, greener product. The next time you are in the aisle, take a moment to check the packaging for sustainability certifications—it’s a small choice that supports a healthier planet. Consumers today are not just asking what it's made of, but also where is toilet paper made, and whether that process is environmentally responsible.

Frequently Asked Questions about Where Is Toilet Paper Made

1. Is US toilet paper 100% domestic?

American toilet paper is essentially homegrown . This is thanks to those strong pulp and paper mills around the United States, with them, more than 99% of American families with toilet paper, are “Made in America”. This high degree of self-sufficiency is particularly reliable, even in the event of an epidemic or natural disaster, when the demand for toilet paper soars, the supply chain can be stable, without worrying about stock-outs. Of course, the United States will also import a little toilet paper from Canada, Mexico, China and these countries, but most of them are some special or high-end products, imports of even 1% of the total consumption is not even to the supply of the country as a whole will not have any impact. Said

2. What country makes the most toilet paper?

China is the world's largest producer of toilet paper by total output. This is due to a large population base, rising hygiene standards, and manufacturing facilities all over the world. China is able to produce around 680,000 tons of tissue annually. Not only does it satisfy the huge domestic market demand, but it also supplies buyers abroad. China is not only the world's largest consumer of toilet paper, but also the largest exporter. The trade surplus of toilet paper products exceeds 700 million dollars. This large scale of production is thanks to a mature pulp and paper industry, combined with low manufacturing costs. This makes Chinese tissue particularly competitive in the global market.

3. Does the US get toilet paper from China?

In fact, the U.S. does not have to rely on China at all for its supply of toilet paper. The amount of finished toilet paper rolls imported from China is exceptionally small, accounting for only a small fraction of total U.S. consumption, less than 1 percent. The United States own manufacturing base is very thick, like Georgia Pacific, Procter & Gamble, Kimberly-Clark, these large companies, almost all the toilet paper sold on the U.S. market. These manufacturers have so many paper mills all over the United States that they can ensure that the local supply is always very stable. Of course, there may be some raw pulp or basic tissue material trade between countries, China is no exception. But the vast majority of consumer-grade toilet paper used by Americans is produced in their own country. This strong self-sufficiency greatly reduces dependence on foreign imports, and even if the global situation is unstable, the supply chain can still carry the load.

4. Where are popular brand-name toilet papers made?

The major manufacturers have plants across the United States.

Kimberly-Clark (makers of products like Scott and Cottonelle) operates major facilities in places like Jenks, Oklahoma, and Beech Island, South Carolina.
Procter & Gamble (produces Charmin) has large manufacturing sites, including a massive one in Mehoopany, Pennsylvania, and another in Albany, Georgia.
Georgia-Pacific (responsible for Angel Soft and Quilted Northern) has a strong presence in the Southeast, including hubs in Georgia and a plant in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

5. How did the pandemic reshape toilet paper production?

The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the fragile side of the global toilet paper supply chain to the fullest extent, especially in the early days of the epidemic when there was a mad rush to buy. Store shelves were instantly empty of toilet paper and demand skyrocketed, making it clear that there was a need for greater flexibility and speed in production and distribution. To cope with this, U.S. manufacturers have put a lot of effort into beefing up their operations. A good number of companies have invested in automation, robotics and digital inventory management systems. It's all about making the production process easier and less reliant on labor-intensive processes. Not only that, but manufacturers have restructured their supply chains. Buying more materials domestically, expanding warehouse capacity and upgrading logistics networks. These improvements have not only made response times faster, but they have also allowed the entire system to carry the shock in the event of a sudden increase in demand in the future.

6. Are bounty paper towels made in the USA?

Bounty paper towels are made right here in the United States. It is manufactured by Procter & Gamble and is produced in several factories in the United States, with major plants in Mehoopany, Pennsylvania and Oxnard, California. These factories produce not only Bounty paper towels, but also Charmin toilet paper, a common household necessity. Bounty is made primarily from North American softwood and hardwood pulp, with some recycled content in the packaging. While some of the raw materials may be imported, the vast majority of the finished products sold in U.S. stores are produced domestically. This is a particularly good thing, both in terms of providing jobs for Americans and making the local supply chain more solid and reliable.