Today we feature a guest post from Stephane Lopez on the new brown toilet paper.
One of the latest trends in consumer marketing is greener products that are better for the environment. Businesses use green or eco-friendly products in an attempt to improve their image, and consumers want to do their part in becoming more eco-conscious. But how will consumers respond to brown toilet paper?
What is Brown Toilet Paper?
Brown toilet paper is bathroom tissue made of 100 percent recycled materials. The manufacturing process reduces or eliminates the amount of bleach used to whiten the paper. Recycled toilet paper uses labels like “unbleached” or “chlorine-free.” Some producers use 100 percent post-consumer materials, such as office paper, which makes the toilet paper gray with darker speckles. To achieve a desirable brown or beige color, producers can use a percentage of recovered cardboard. To reduce the amount of waste even further, some companies are eliminating the use of cardboard tubes inside of the roll.
Benefits to the Consumer
Since the production cost of recycled bathroom tissue is lower, companies can reduce the price for customers. Consumers are more willing to purchase environmentally friendly products, and purchasing greener products gives them satisfaction. Many consumers would be happy to buy brown toilet paper, especially if it came at a reduced cost.
Benefits to the Environment
When comparing white and brown toilet paper, the environmental impacts are vastly diverse. Since brown toilet paper uses only recycled materials, there is no need to cut down more trees for production. By eliminating the use of chlorine and other bleaching agents, the production process consumes about 50 percent less energy than white toilet paper. Conventional toilet paper pollutes the waterways by producing harmful dioxins from bleach, dyes and fragrances. Some of the negative effects of dioxins include increased cancer risks and developmental problems. Brown toilet paper does not use such chemicals, so the water is safer for humans and the environment.
Downsides of Brown Toilet Paper
Some companies believe that consumers have a preference for white toilet paper because the color white is associated with cleanliness. Some consumers are concerned that recycled bathroom tissue will not be as soft as the plush, two-ply brands. Top producers have eliminated this concern by implementing recycled cardboard in their product to achieve a softer texture.
Will Brown Toilet Paper Sell to Modern Consumers?
Studies performed on consumers indicate that the majority would consider buying this type of product. The initial response is negative, but once consumers feel the softness, they are pleasantly surprised. Cascades’ opinion is that consumers are ready to switch to brown toilet paper. Consumers are accustomed to using brown napkins and paper towels, so toilet paper is the next logical step in eco-friendly practices.
Stephanie Lopez’s passion for people and the environment has lead her to pursue a career in writing. At this time, Stephanie is working as a part-time writer for HomeInsurance.org specializing in Disaster Insurance.
Would You Use Brown Toilet Paper?
Respond in the comments below: 5 people will receive a ToiletPaperWorld.com reusable shopping bag. Make sure to include your e-mail address to win! Deadline for eligible comments: Earth Day-April 22, 2012.
