From Forest to Flush: Where is Toilet Paper Made

where is toilet paper made

 

Toilet paper is a long and smooth paper that is used in the bathroom and it has a roll shape; it is used to clean the anus and vaginal area after using the toilet. The origin of toilet paper is in forests and the end destination is in bathrooms. Trees are harvested and then processed into what is called wood pulp. This pulp is one of the most important materials used in manufacturing of toilet paper.

United States, China, Canada and Brazil are the biggest producers of this product. They have large forests and the ability to transform the trees into the soft rolls that we use on a daily basis. The manufacturing of toilet paper is not a very simple process but it involves several stages. First, workers prepare the raw materials by processing trees to make wood pulp or recycling paper. They then rinse and filter the pulp to make it into sheets. When these sheets are dried up and rolled into rolls, they are then cut into smaller ones that are used in our homes. It is, therefore, clear that from forest to flush, toilet paper is not simple but a highly processed product.

where is toilet paper made

Where is Toilet Paper Made: Major Countries

The United States dominates in production of toilet paper. There are factories all over the country that are working towards supplying the bathrooms. China comes next, and has many large mills that are used to manufacture a large amount of toilet tissue for domestic use and export. Canada is also one of the major producers due to the availability of timber and wood from the Canadian forests. They are also involved in the production of their share, only that they embrace the use of sustainable and quality tissue papers. Brazil is also another country that has embraced the trend of producing environmentally friendly tissues. Last but not the least, Indonesia has emerged as an important player in this sector as it exports products to various countries.

United States

Moving on from the major countries, we see that the United States plays a big role in toilet paper production. It makes a lot of it. In fact, Americans use more toilet paper than anyone else in the world.

Most of this comes from trees cut down in North American forests. These forests are home to a lot of wildlife and are important for clean air.

In the U.S., companies focus on both kinds of toilet paper: ones made from new wood and ones made from recycled stuff. They also work hard to make their process better for nature—using less water and energy, and cutting down fewer trees.

This way, they try to keep our planet healthy while making sure we have all the toilet paper we need.

China

In the production of toilet paper, China can be considered as the second largest producer after the United States. This nation uses advanced techniques to process wood pellets into comfortable and strong tissues which are used for wiping. Toyota has several plants across the country that are in operation to meet the high demand both within the domestic market and the international market using both new and old wooden pulp. This in turn allows them to produce enough toilet paper while at the same time helping in the conservation of trees. China also pays attention to how to produce better toilet paper in eco-friendly way. They look for other ways of recycling and how they can cut down on water and energy used in the production of toilet paper. Due to the large market which comprises both the local and the international market, Chinese companies are strategic in the distribution of toilet paper. This makes them to seek for ways of increasing efficiency and sustainability in their production systems.

Canada

Shifting focus from China, let us now turn to Canada for instance. This country also produces a lot of toilet paper. It is made from forests that are used as a source of paper. The forests are large and extremely cold and this is called the Boreal forest.

These trees turn into wood pulp. The pulp is very essential as it is used in making of soft and strong toilet paper.

Canada has a lot of trees and is careful about them. They do their best to ensure that their forests remain healthy even when exporting timber for products such as toilet paper. This means they plant new trees in place of the harvested trees.

Europe

Europe also plays a big role in making toilet paper. Many countries here focus on sustainable toilet paper. They use recycled paper and wood from forests that are managed well. This helps the environment.

Europe has strict rules for how to make things in a way that is better for the earth.

Next, we talk about Brazil and its part in making toilet paper.

Brazil

Brazil has a large impact on the production of toilet paper and is one of the leading countries that produce it. Most of the trees that are used in making this product. The country has vast forests that provide the wood pulp that is required for production. The pulp is then processed in factories to make toilet paper.

This country also does well in the management of its forests as well. They try to improve the process to be more friendly to the environment. Brazil gives us the insight that it is possible to take a responsible approach towards nature and manufacture products that we require on a daily basis, including toilet paper.

Indonesia

Indonesia is one of the biggest producers of toilet paper in the world, and this is because they have a lot of trees due to the forest coverage they have. The country does all it can to produce toilet paper in a way that will not cause a lot of harm to the environment. It also aims at ensuring that the trees are utilized in the best way possible, while at the same time maintaining the health of the forests.

They also try new ways to be better for nature. It is also important to mention that Indonesia has an interest in preserving trees, and reducing water usage for the production of toilet paper. This is advantageous to the animals because it allows them to live freely in the forest, while at the same time maintaining clean air.

Primary Materials of Toilet Paper

Toilet paper manufacturing involves the use of two major raw materials which include the virgin wood pulp and the recycled paper. Let’s look closer at each one.

Virgin Wood Pulp

This is in its original form comes from the trees. In this regard, there are two types of trees namely the softwood and hardwood trees based on the length and the number of fibers that they have. Such fibers make the paper durable while at the same time making it smooth. The trees from the boreal forest are commonly employed, which makes them important to preserve.

Wood pulp is a crucial part of the process of manufacturing toilet paper. Trees are harvested and then they are processed to make wood pulp. This process does not involve the reuse of paper.

Instead, they use new trees from the forest.

The wood pulp used in the process is from trees that are grown in well managed forests. They plant new trees to compensate the cut down trees. This is to ensure that the forest is healthy and has trees that can be harvested in the future.

Recycled Paper

Old paper products are recycled here as well. Recycling prevents wastes from going to landfill and also requires less energy than the process of making new pulp from trees. Most of the time this type of paper is contributed by offices and schools in large quantities. It is then collected, cleaned and refined for use as toilet paper.

This paper is made from recycled materials and it helps save trees. It also requires less energy and water. First the ink is removed using chemicals at a plant which is called de-inking. They then break down the clean fibers to form new sheets of paper.

This makes it a sustainable choice reducing waste and negative impact on the environment.

Additional Ingredients of Toilet Paper

Toilet paper is not just made of paper. It also has other ingredients to make it soft and strong.

Water

Water is an important factor that is used in making of toilet paper. Most factories today rely on a lot of water to dilute wood pulp or recycled paper to produce the mixture. It becomes watery and has the consistency of pudding. Then, they squeeze this paste to extract as much water as possible and then they bake it into sheets.

Then, these sheets are cut, rolled and packaged as the products which we use every day. Water is an important resource and therefore its usage is crucial in making the process sustainable.

Bleaching Agents

After soaking in water, the toilet paper loses its color and becomes white due to the use of bleaching agents. These chemicals are used to break down the natural brown colour of wood and recycled paper fibers. The most often used chemical is chlorine dioxide. It makes the paper bright and clean-looking. However, such agents can have a negative impact on the environment as they are known to cause pollution and emit toxic by-products. However, there is a changing face at some companies today who are now exploring the use of oxygen-based compounds like ozone, hydrogen peroxide and sodium hydrosulfite. Out of these, the environmental impact of using these alternatives is positive as the manufacturing plants that produce toilet papers are located near rivers and forests.

Softening Agents

Softening agents make toilet paper soft. They are chemicals added during the making of toilet paper. These agents help the paper feel smooth on your skin. Without them, toilet paper would be rough and not nice to use.

They work by changing the fibers in the wood pulp. This makes the finished product much softer. So, every time you use toilet paper, it's these agents that make it gentle.

Adhesives

Adhesives play a key role in making toilet paper. They help layers stick together. This makes the paper strong and soft at the same time. The glue used is safe and does not harm your skin.

Toilet Paper Production Process

It is believed that toilet paper was originated from trees in the forest and then it goes through a long process to get to our bathrooms. Here is how it's made:

Raw Material Preparation

Creating toilet paper begins with the creation of the raw materials that are used in the making of the toilet paper. Trees are harvested and then they are processed into what is commonly referred to as wood chips. These chips are produced from the trees that are grown to be used in this manner. Workers use big machines to do this job. They then send the wood chips to a mill. At the mill these are chips a pulp. Pulp is the product that is obtained when wood chips are subjected to a process of kraft pulping using water and chemicals. It can be of two types: It can be of two types: The first one is the virgin wood pulp which is obtained from trees while the second one is the recycled paper which has been used by people and then thrown away. Recycled paper is better for the environment because it means that fewer trees are cut down.

Pulping and Refining Fibers

To make toilet paper, we first need to turn wood or recycled paper into pulp. This process mixes the materials with water and then beats them. It breaks everything down into small fibers.

For virgin wood pulp, trees are cut and chipped into pieces before this step. With recycled paper, old papers are gathered and stripped of inks and other stuff through a cleaning process.

Refining is next; it makes the fibers smooth and ready for making paper. Here, machines press and roll the fibers. This part decides how strong or soft the toilet paper will be. Different types of toilet tissue come from adjusting how much these fibers are worked over in the refining stage.

Sheet Formation, Drying, and Rolling

In this step, water is squeezed out from the pulp. This makes a thin sheet and then the sheet is dried further with the help of heat. And then formation of big rolls of paper from these sheets is done. These rolls are very large and heavy due to their size.

Then machines that cut and punch holes through the paper to facilitate this process of tearing off pieces follow. This is how toilet paper is processed for packaging and use in our homes.

Cutting, Perforating, and Packaging

After the toilet paper is dry and rolled, it's time for the next steps. Machines cut the big rolls into smaller ones that fit in your bathroom. They also make small holes. These holes help you tear off pieces easily.

Next, workers pack the rolls into packs or boxes. Some factories use robots to do this faster. Then, these packs are ready to go to stores all over the world. This way, when you need toilet paper, it’s easy to find and buy.

Beyond the Roll: Alternatives to Toilet Paper

Most individuals are seeking for various ways of cleaning besides using toilet paper. Some of the options include the wet wipes. It does the job of cleaning you but there are adverse effects that it has on sewers. Bidet toilets and bidet seats rinse with water stream to clean. This method does not waste paper. The future of bathrooms is the HOROW brand and their smart toilets such as the T05 and T38P. These come with many features that can help you conserve water and at the same time enhance your bathroom experience.

Wet Wipes

From using toilet paper, wet wipes are another means of cleaning ourselves. These are quite soft and contain water on them. It also helps people to feel clean. Wet wipes are applied in homes and even by people in transport. They do not dissolve like toilet paper when exposed to water. That is why they should not be released into the sewer system. Wet wipes have become a big issue in many cities as they clog pipes. It is not allowed to throw them into the toilet but into the bin. Wet wipes contain ingredients that help to clean the skin gently. Some include aloe or other materials that help the skin to become smooth. It is also suitable for babies, children, and even the elderly. But one has to be very careful when choosing them because if one is concerned with the environment, one should ensure that he or she selects those that are labeled as ‘biodegradable’. However, not all wet wipes are made to decompose at the same rate as regular trash, so it is best to always look for the label.

Bidets Toilets

After wet wipes, I would like to discuss about bidets toilets. Bidets are a huge improvement over traditional toilets in terms of features. It uses water to wash away dirt after you are done with your business in the toilet. This means that one can with less frequency use toilet papers. They are quite popular in many countries because people love to feel cleaner. There are many types of bidets. Some are standard toilets with a built in water jets system. The others are the seats that you can easily fix on your ordinary toilet in your home. They are similar to a douche that uses a jet of water to wash you. It is also beneficial for the planet in another way and that is by using a bidet one uses less toilet paper. Less toilet paper production means that fewer trees are cut down and less water and energy are consumed.

Bidet Toilet Seats

Bidet toilet seats are smart options for those who wish to reduce their consumption of toilet paper. These are devices that fit on your regular toilet and are equipped with a seating surface. These seats use water jets to wash the user and, therefore, help to reduce on water usage and paper towels. Bidet seats are also popular because many people view them as eco-friendly. The bidet seats also provide comfort and hygiene to the user. Some of the features that are found on some models include; water heated seats, drying and warm water. It is for this reason that people in other countries are embracing the change in order to conserve trees and decrease the amount of garbage created by paper.

The Future of Bathroom with HOROW Toilets

This is where HOROW toilets come in to help make bathrooms smarter and more sustainable. It also makes the cleaning process even easier. The design of these toilets are quite compact and would easily fit into any modern bathroom. Some of the features include heated seats which are quite comfortable. Next, we will see what other options are available instead of using the traditional toilet paper.

HOROW T05
If you are in the market for a top of the line bidet toilet that is both highly effective and extremely comfortable, the HOROW T05 should be at the top of your list. This is an elegant one-piece elongated smart toilet which has an instant heating seat and water temperature control to ensure that you are comfortable every time you use it. You can control the drying level between four options and feel as good as new always. The T05’s design is an elongated one-piece construction which makes it comfortable to use while the automatic lid and flush functions as well as the ability to open the lid with a kick mean that one does not have to bend down to use it. Also, there is a built-in deodorizer to help you maintain a fresh bathroom even when it is cold outside. The remote control is quite convenient as it allows you to control the water temperature as well as the type of flush from four options. With its stylish look and advanced technology, the HOROW T05 is a great addition to any bathroom as it provides improved comfort and hygiene.

where is toilet paper made

HOROW T38P
You can transform your bathroom with the HOROW T38P which is an improved model of the T38 here. This smart toilet has a water-saving function, an automatic lid opening and closing as well as an automatic flush function to help you out. Due to the unique design of the T38P, it will easily fit into large as well as small bathrooms. It is a beautiful addition that provides proper hygiene with the help of sensor that flushes the toilet automatically. Also, it has an ADA compliant feature which makes it easier and more comfortable to use for people with limited mobility. If you are in the market for a smart toilet that is both stylish, highly technologically advanced, very convenient, and also conserves water, the HOROW T38P is the product for you.

HOROW T0338W-10
The HOROW T0338W-10 is the best option for those in the market for a small toilet that doesn’t sacrifice power. With its 10-inch rough-in, it is ideal for small spaces and yet comes with the same contemporary look, as its larger counterpart the T0338W.

This toilet is suitable for everyone with its high ADA height of 17.3” ensuring that everyone is comfortable. The dual flush system gives you a choice of using either 0.8/1.28 GPF which is water conserving and highly powerful. The soft close seat is an added bonus that gives the toilet a luxurious feel as it does not slam. And the clean surface means that it is easy to maintain. Whether you want to free up some space or reduce on water usage the T0338W-10 is the solution you need.

HOROW T0338B-10
If you are looking to give your bathroom an edgy and contemporary makeover, then the HOROW T0338B-10 is a great choice. The HOROW T0338B-10 is a black one-piece toilet that not only looks modern but also performs well. Made to fit a 10-inch rough-in; this one piece toilet is small yet it provides a modern design and a very low maintenance system.

This toilet is also available in an ADA height and comes with a dual flush system for the maximum comfort of the user and at the same time help to conserve water. This is because it has a MAP flush score of up to 1,000g, which will provide you with strong flushing that will not lead to clogging. The T0338B-10 is different from other toilets, in that it has a black finish that will give your bathroom a classy look, thus recommended if you are planning to change the look of your bathroom.

HOROW B0403
To get the maximum level of comfort and cleanliness, the HOROW B0403 bidet toilet seat is the ideal choice. This seat comes with a built-in control panel through which you can regulate the water temperature, pressure, and the position of the nozzle to suit your preference. The heating seat as well as the air drying function that is instant makes for a comfortable and clean experience always. If you are in a lot of pain from hemorrhoids the B0403 has a great massage function that will help. The settings can be adjusted freely so that one can get the best out of it and the heated seat and drying function are an added bonus that gives a clean and warm feel for any season.

HOROW HWPP-8733
The HWPP-8733 toilet seat is made specifically for the HOROW 8733 one-piece toilet. It is manufactured from white polypropylene which is a very strong material and it is designed to provide long service. It comes with a soft close feature that ensures that the seat does not shut with a loud thud. This well thought out seat not only adds to the comfort of your bathroom but also offers a quiet and seamless performance each time you sit on it. It is a great choice to finish your HOROW 8733 toilet and it comes with a contemporary look that you will surely love.

 

Reading next

how to plunge a toilet
ADA-Compliant Toilet: HOROW T20YA Toilet with Bidet Toilet Seat for 12-Inch Rough-In

Leave a comment

This site is protected by hCaptcha and the hCaptcha Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.