The Role of Toilet Paper: Why Do We Need It?

We’ve all had that sudden panic when you go into a toilet cubicle and there’s no toilet paper left. This highlights just how important toilet paper is. It is one of, if not the most, important item in a washroom! But how did toilet paper become so vital and why do we need toilet paper at all?

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In this guide, we take a closer look at the history of toilet paper and how it became the household staple we know today. From new and improved toilet paper to toilet paper hygiene, join us as we shine a light on the role of toilet paper.

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The History of Toilet Roll Unravelled
Toilet Roll As We Know It Today
Why is Toilet Paper Important?
Is Toilet Paper Wasteful?
Choosing the Right Toilet Paper for Your Washroom Facilities
Provide Your Washroom Users with Soft and Absorbent Toilet Paper

The History of Toilet Roll Unravelled

Toilet rolls have not been around for as long as you might think. Well, not toilet rolls as we know them today anyway. The earliest form of “toilet roll” we know of is a sponge soaked in salt water which was used in Ancient Rome. Fast forward to 6th Century China and toilet roll closer to what we know today was first recorded. But the modern stuff we all use wasn’t actually invented until 1857 by Joseph Gayetty. So toilet paper is a pretty new invention!

Toilet Roll As We Know It Today

The toilet paper we know today is much different. With various styles, layers, perfumed options and more, the variety of toilet paper is almost endless. But new innovations have also led to more eco-friendly toilet paper. Traditional toilet paper production would require virgin wood pulp but, more recently, environmentally friendly options have become more readily available with toilet paper made from bamboo, eucalyptus and more. This allows you to keep clean and fresh while reducing your impact on the environment.

Why is Toilet Paper Important?

Every time you reach for a toilet roll, you're continuing a tradition of cleanliness that dates back centuries - even the Ancient Romans cared about staying clean! But today, toilet paper serves an even more crucial purpose.

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In our modern world, proper hygiene isn't just about feeling fresh. It's a vital defence against bacteria and germs. Each time we use toilet paper, we're taking a simple but important step in preventing the spread of disease.

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That's why keeping washrooms well-stocked with toilet paper isn't just about convenience - it's about protecting public health. After all, good hygiene starts with the basics!

Is Toilet Paper Wasteful?

Contrary to popular belief, toilet paper doesn’t have to be as wasteful as you might think. In the UK, the average person uses about 2.5 rolls a week which adds up to about 127 toilet rolls annually. Now this might seem like a lot but statistics also show that the consumption of toilet roll has actually decreased over time. In 2022, over 26 million toilet rolls were used by Great Britain but in the following year, only about 25.5 million were used. This shows we are reducing our consumption of toilet roll but why?

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It could be due to the wide range of toilet rolls on the market. As we mentioned earlier, there are many different forms of toilet roll nowadays. One of the most important variations is the different types of ply. Ply is the number of layers your toilet roll is made of. The first iterations of toilet roll typically only had one layer that didn’t provide much absorbency. Today, you can purchase 2 ply, 3 ply and even 4 ply to ensure absorbency and comfort and reduce the need for unnecessary amounts of toilet paper. This can help reduce your consumption of toilet paper overall, saving you money and minimising your waste.

What About Toilet Roll Dispensers?

It’s not just the toilet roll itself that may be reducing the amount of toilet paper we use. Toilet roll dispensers also play a role as they can help restrict the use of unnecessary amounts of toilet paper. They also protect the toilet paper from all the nasties that hide in washrooms, minimising the amount of unused toilet roll thrown away due to spillages or other washroom accidents. Why not take a look at our range of toilet roll dispensers today to reduce your waste and environmental impact?

Choosing the Right Toilet Paper for Your Washroom Facilities

When choosing the right toilet paper for your needs, you need to consider what is most important to you and your washroom users. Here are some factors to think about:

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Ply Count and Strength: There are many different ply options that will affect the toilet paper’s absorbency, durability during use, resistance to tearing and thickness of paper.
Environmental Impact: Modern toilet paper can be made from sustainable sources like recycled materials or bamboo but you can also choose virgin paper options.
Cost Effectiveness: Cost is a significant factor in choosing toilet roll as you will be purchasing a lot of it. Why not opt for bulk buying options?
Softness and Comfort: The texture of the paper can also make all the difference in the experience of your washroom. From quilted options to roughness levels, there are various options available.
Dissolving Properties: You may not have thought about this but how quickly the toilet paper breaks down can be crucial to ensure your plumbing doesn’t get blocked!
Brand Reliability: Manufacturing quality plays a big role in high quality toilet paper as it ensures you will be receiving consistently good toilet paper.

Provide Your Washroom Users with Soft and Absorbent Toilet Paper

We all know toilet paper is a necessity in a washroom. And if you didn’t know that already, you certainly do now! At Woosh, we have a range of bulk toilet paper to ensure you never run out. From luxury toilet rolls to Maxi Jumbo toilet rolls, we have something for every washroom. We even stock toilet roll dispensers to keep your washrooms looking sleek and reduce your toilet paper usage. Shop Woosh today to transform your washrooms into eco-friendly havens.

FAQs

What was the purpose of toilet paper?

Toilet paper was invented to provide a hygienic, disposable solution for personal cleaning after using the bathroom. However, the primary purpose of the toilet paper created by Joseph Gayetty was actually meant to be used to treat haemorrhoids!

Why do we still use toilet paper instead of water?

Some countries use bidets instead of toilet paper for personal cleaning after using the bathroom but this is not seen as much in Western cultures due to existing infrastructure, cultural familiarity and the cost of installing these systems. Toilet paper offers a quick and convenient solution that doesn’t require special plumbing or power sources making it more accessible.

What is the use of toilet paper?

Toilet paper serves as a sanitary tool for personal cleaning and hygiene after using the bathroom, effectively removing waste and maintaining cleanliness. It provides a convenient, disposable solution that helps prevent the spread of bacteria and disease while maintaining comfort and dignity in daily hygiene practices. It can also be used to dry your hands or to open doors when leaving a washroom!

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