Major Toilet Paper Brands Criticized for Unsustainable Forest Sourcing

A 2025 report by the Natural Resources Defense Council shows major U.S. toilet paper brands depend on unsustainable forest fiber. The report links brands to forest destruction. It notes that despite more recycled and bamboo choices, brands like Charmin, Angel Soft, and Kirkland still take fiber directly from delicate forests. For example, Canada’s boreal forest loses 1 million acres each year.

Key Findings from NRDC’s "The Issue with Tissue" Scorecard

• The scorecard rated 152 tissue products. It judged products on where their fiber comes from, if they avoid deforestation, and how they bleach the paper.
• Only 36 products earned A or A+ grades. They use 100% recycled content.
• About 80 products failed with D or F grades. They rely on virgin forest fiber.
• The Canadian boreal forest stores twice as much carbon as global oil reserves. It loses carbon and endangers species like the boreal caribou due to heavy logging.

Brand Performance Highlights

• Top Performers:
 – Aria, Green Forest, Natural Value, Trader Joe’s 100% Recycled, and 365 by Whole Foods Market earned A+ grades. They use high levels of recycled fiber.

• Moderate Performers:
 – 36 products earned B or B+ grades. They often use FSC-certified bamboo.

• Lowest Scores:
 – Charmin, Angel Soft, Quilted Northern, Amazon Basics, and Kirkland received F grades.
 – Procter & Gamble’s brands (Charmin, Bounty, Puffs) and Kimberly-Clark’s Cottonelle, Kleenex, and Scott mostly earned D or F grades.
 – P&G’s Charmin Ultra Bamboo made from FSC-certified bamboo earned a B grade. This shows a small move toward better practices.

Environmental Impact & Consumer Action

The report links using recycled fiber with big benefits for the planet. It states that switching can save over 1 billion gallons of water each year. It also saves 1.6 million trees and stops nearly 800 million pounds of carbon pollution. That is like taking 72,000 cars off roads for a full year.

Ashley Jordan, an NRDC campaign advocate, said:
"Softness shouldn’t cost a clear‑cut. Consumers should choose recycled or FSC‑certified bamboo tissue and demand industry change."

Conclusion

The report shows that the toilet paper industry must change. It must leave behind harmful forest fiber and use sustainable materials instead. Consumers can choose products that save forests, cut carbon, and conserve water. Supporting brands that use recycled fiber and responsibly sourced bamboo is key to protecting our climate and forests for the future.

About NRDC:
The Natural Resources Defense Council is a leading environmental nonprofit. With more than 3 million members, it works to solve the climate crisis, protect wildlife, and promote sustainable resource use worldwide.

Scorecard & Report:
Access the full "Issue with Tissue" 2025 scorecard and methodology here.

Design Delight Studio curates high-impact, authoritative insights into sustainable and organic product trends, helping conscious consumers and innovative brands stay ahead in a fast-evolving green economy.