Where did all the colored toilet paper go?
Jul 16, 2009
RIP Pink Toilet Paper, Cherished Friend, Companion, and Always There When You Needed It Most; 1950-?
Think about it for a second – When was the last time you reached for some TP and saw anything but the standard white roll? Probably around the same time tie dyed t-shirts and Birkenstocks were still in style, right?
30 years ago colored toilet paper wasn’t the rarity it is today. Introduced in the 50’s and popular throughout the 70’s, many manufacturers produced a variety of colors including pink, blue, yellow, lilac, tan, and black. Homeowners loved matching the color of their toilet paper to the color of their bathrooms (it was the 70’s after all!). So besides the obvious reason that what was hip in the 70’s isn’t anymore, where did all the colored TP go?
According to the King of Toilet Paper, two major events occurred which hurt sales and thus led to the downfall of the colored toilet paper reign:
- Doctors started warning colored toilet paper could lead to skin irritation. As pretty as we once thought it looked, no one wants to deal with that!
- Ecologists also began warning the dye in the colored toilet paper rolls was harmful to the environment.
With an increased cost of production (it costs more to produce colored than white toilet paper) and a decrease in sales, manufacturers began to produce less and less. Up until 5 years ago, Scott was one of the last remaining manufactures to still produce our old friend in beige, blue, and pink. However, they have since cut production all together.
RIP Colored Toilet Paper – From the bottoms of our bottoms, we thank you for the service you have provided us over the years. We’ll miss you.
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Er, well actually, Scott does still, in 2009, seem to make colored toilet paper in their sandpaper 1000-sheet roll versions — but for some odd reason they are only marketed for the Hispanic market. They are marked “Suave Colores” and are available in pink and blue and maybe beige. They come in 1-roll and four-roll packs. I was shocked to see them in a local grocery store the other day and bought a roll of pink for 89-cents (10-2009). Who knows, I may start a trend! I forgot how rare these things have become.
Gee, i scored some from an old estate, kept it stored for 10yrs now, Wow, i can’t believe the the talk on toilet tissue. Do you think it would sell on E-Bay.??
That’s a very interesting observation. However, I will point out that there are still colorful details or pictures on TP still, along with other paper towels.
In a move which should be universally condemned, Scott has discontinued its colored toilet paper products as of December 2009.
They were the last major producer of colored toilet paper in the United States.
No more.
just last week, scott in colors appeared at my wegman’s–99 cent per roll. i was very excited–no beige yet but all other colors…green was lovely for the holidays
me again–commenting on Spectors observations–i went back to Wegmans and lo and belold the colored toilet paper says “Suaves colores” on the wrapper–they have it in pink, blue and green. Does this mean they haven’t discontuned it or is this just one last case of the stuff??
On their last cases. Stock up while you can — and even better, call Scott and complain about them discontinuing the colored versions. Frankly, if it wasn’t for the colors and the nostalgia factor, I wouldn’t be buying that lousy TP. Scott should be trying harder to retain me as a customer. Keep the colors!
I do not trust that colored tissue paper, it seems that it has bad effect to our skin.
its looks like a paper hey..
I don’t think I like the idea of colored toilet paper. Its just not an area that I think it is necessary to have color….
In a move which should be universally condemned, Scott has discontinued its colored toilet paper products as of December 2009.
They were the last major producer of colored toilet paper in the United States.
Wow! I didn’t think there could possibly be this many people interested in this subject as I am. I had been able to get the green Scott’s TP at my local Stop and Shop up until last week. I had been buying it 3 rolls at a time and it went with our vanity top almost exactly as far as the color was concerned. I suspect the main reason they would stop producing it would be cost verses demand. Probably not a whole lot of us buying it. But, the rather small inventory S&S had in stock seemed to sell pretty well. Oh well, it will be missed but plain old white works as well. Just not as pretty.
OMG–we must be related–i bought up most of the colored paper my Wegman’s had. But now that i know that’s it–who do I consider colored toilet paper worthy??
HA! I like the Seinfeld reference…Elaine would be proud! LOL.
My son has just started potty training and colors are his thing. I can make potty training fun and exciting just by giving him the choice of which color t.p. to use, and that makes him successful! WE STILL NEED COLORED T.P. just market it for toddlers! The t.p. companies will be revolutionized!
innovation that is less appropriate. should suffice with white toilet paper
Of course we can “suffice” with white toilet paper, obviously we do. But I just think it would be fun for potty training.
Haven’t seen it in S&S for quite some time now. Just the white stuff. B.O.R.I.N.G. I suppose if there is some health reason to not use it then it should remain obsolete until some paper company can figure out how to make it safely. The green went so well with your bathroom decor though…….
Maybe there are other ways to liven up your bathroom? Funny signs or toilet paper holders perhaps?
Excellent! First of all, i learned that colored toilet papers were already made back in 1950s. Second, i can’t imagine how a black toilet paper looks like.
Black toilet paper, perhaps for halloween?
If you miss the colorfull toilet paper, you can buy some tissue pulls that are covered and some of them have designs too. Just puzzled with it, what will be the difference since you will be using the same toilet paper to wipe the a** that has the same s***? Will it be different if you will be using the colored than the plain white? Just asking anyway.
Good idea, and good point Ginny!
I miss the colored toilet paper…..we used to go toilet papering in the summer….colored toilet paper was so cool hanging from the trees.
I am not comfortable using colored tissue. I believe colored tissues are mixed with more chemicals that may harm my skin and health. I may use colored tissue but not for personal hygiene.
[...] 9, 2010 Although colored toilet paper is no longer manufacturer by big companies like Scott, some novelty toilet paper companies are still [...]
What else do you use colored tissue for Karen?
Yeah. I didn’t noticed that colored toilet paper is out of the market already. Before I used to see a lot of it with different colors but now I only see white toilet paper.
I don’t use colored toilet paper, but I do have a blue and also a yellow toilet that I am jerking out of my bathrooms–American Standard. Does anyone like THOSE any more?
Colored toilets remind me of my grandmother’s house. I think she had a pink toilet!
You can find some colour in Europe. RENOVA makes fun toilet paper and they don’t come in boring ‘soft’ pink or blue or beige. Have a look at: http://shop.renovaonline.net/mall/departmentpage.cfm/Renova/_238932/1/6%2520Roll%2520Pack
No more boring toilets!!! Your bum wouldn’t notice but your visitors will!
What’s next: a return to all white underwear too? Yech! I HATE white. It is ugly and boring and makes me depressed.
Shame on you Scott! Besides manufacturing toilet paper in pretty pink and other colors, Scott is among the few brands whose product does not shred apart and leave lint behind (on one’s behind!) I’ll buy Scott’s white product but I will be annoyed with this company’s stupid decision everytime I use it. Start making the shredding, linty variety Scott, and I will abandon toilet paper altogether and use kleenex instead, as another poster suggested.
On a parallel, albeit OT, note, it’s been a long time since I’ve seen colored kleenex tissue.
Yes, we featured Renova’s black toilet paper on the blog earlier this year! See http://blog.toiletpaperworld.com/noveltyblack-toilet-paper/
There are only few colored tissue paper that is available in the market. Maybe many prefer to use a white tissue paper because it has fewer chemicals.
Hey, how about all those who, like me, have discovered that Scott’s has discontinued colored TP complain to their website?
And those who believe that colored TP is in some way bad, well, just don’t use it!
Colored or not the functionality for toilet papers should remain the same. We’d rather be environment friendly and cost effective than vain.
That’s a good point Claire!
I just bought very vivid Teal Blue and Lime Green colored toilet paper from the UK, online as http://shop.renovaonline.net. If you have PayPal they will convert the currency price. It is pricey, so I only put it out for holidays and when guests are expected. The colors come in (Teal)Blue, (Lime) Green, True Orange, (Hot) Fuchsia, Black, and Red, in 6-roll and 2-roll packs. I simply love the vivacious colors, and can’t wait to show them off for the upcoming holidays.
Colored Toilet Paper wasn’t introduced in the 50′s, it was around in the 30′s. I just saw an old ad for Zee’s Toilet Tissue… white, orchid or green in a famil circle printed in 1937! It’s so funny that I forgot about colored toilet paper. It may have been bad for women but it brings back memories of running ahead of my Mother at the Market so I could search for the color I wanted. I always liked yellow and mint green
I used some colored paper few days ago and I compared both of the colored and plain white, but theres nothing difference but just the color anyway. Both of them are usable but lets just say that new colored toilet paper is more colorful than the white.
I would be concerned too of getting skin irritation from colored toilet paper. It might look cool but I rather not have irriation where the sun doesn’t shine!
That’s true. Comfort over style!
We have all the toilet paper colours..pink, orange, yellow, blue..we even have some coloured in rainbow..
) To bad that you don’t find colourful toilet paper.. 
I can send you some.. 
Jeez, I grew up with colored t.p. Never had a rash, irritation or anything… don’t know of anyone who did. I miss the colors. Still. After all these years. Life is so short, why not have something that makes you happy? Anyone know where I can find it on the Internet or in Maryland? My kids would be psyched to see it (just like they are about black and white movies, I guess!).
It has annoyed me for years that the paper with colors & lovely designs disappeared from the world. It is really stupid when you think of the major pollutants that are allowed to continue destroying the world/big profits no ban and as for skin problems don’t use it if you have a problem/have yet to hear of one person attacked by killer TP.
I know it is all going the same place, same use but why does everything have to be stupid white bland crap.
I am 31 years old and I’ve never seen colored toilet paper. LMBO!!!!!! Are you serious? This really amazes me.
[...] hereCannot add comment at this time. Dave Fallon, Marketer and cabling technology From: http://blog.toiletpaperworld.com…30 years ago colored toilet paper wasn’t the rarity it is today. Introduced in the 50’s and [...]
That’s funny. We used to have pink toilet paper in my college and I kind of miss it too.
And here is another interesting note – did you know that using good quality toilet paper is one of the best clear skin tips?
Duddes and Duddettes The world is changing! No colored tp! What the hell is next chocolate or alchohol! billyass
wow interesting never thought there were choices, I’m sick of using the same old-colored toilet paper. Anyway interesting post, take care
_
I’m also sure that there was some sort of “health hazard” also associated with the use of colored toilet paper. It seems everything these days is bad for our health. Although, you would think they would have colored TP for potty training purposes. I would that it would be a hit with the kids.
My daughter would love these colored toilet papers! We finished remodeling our home last month. She asked for her room to have every shade of purple imaginable. I guess a purple toilet paper in her bathroom would be the icing on the cake!
I would love to have colored toilet papers in my house. However, would it be dangerous to sensitive skin since the toilet paper is colored (I’m guessing due to color dye)?
I am 31 years old and I’ve never seen colored toilet paper. LMBO!!!!!! Are you serious? This really amazes me.
Thanks for sharing
I believe colored tissues are mixed with more chemicals that may harm my skin and health. I may use colored tissue but not for personal hygiene. Thank you.
Wow, toilet paper is quite a topic. Toilet paper that is colored is bad for your septic system. Us country folk had to stop buying it or risk high poop sucking costs.
Natalie
http://birkenstocks.sandals4less.com
Thanks for all the helpful hints at sprucing up our bathroom now that we cannot get the same colered toilet paper as our counter top is in the bathroom. (no kidding the green Scott’s paper was exactly the same color) But, it is already pretty well gussied up. The colored TP just added another little touch. We never had any problems with our septic system while using the colored stuff though. But, if the chemicals used to make it colored are harmful, it had to go. Back to the boring old white stuff these days. But, I still have one last roll of the Scott’s green TP! Yup! Might put it up on Ebay..heh, heh, heh.
I’m pretty glad colored tissue paper are almost extinct these days. My grandmother used to like these colored, scented and embossed tissue papers that feel really quite unhygienic to use. I always like white, unscented ones.
I live in Slovakia and here we have no problem buying coloured toilet paper. Actually we were buying one blue one for a couple of years until we found one superstore with plenty of other TP that are more eco-friendly and cheaper (interestingly they’re white).
The 70′s was such a cool era! Black toilet paper! Now that would have been so interesting to see … and use.
Thanks for sharing such interesting information, Molly!
I prefer the white color for my toilet. :p
In the UK we can get white, cream,peach toilet paper but i want the vibrant colours like we used to have in Kleenex boutique facial tissues. Now that was a great 2 colour team. The ones from Renova are expensive. I am sure someone could come up wiyh a cheaper version. I know there are also more intense colours available in Europe, like France and Switzerland as I bring some home each time I have visited that country.
That’s awesome! We have begun to make custom printed toilet paper again on ToiletPaperWorld.com check it out – http://www.toiletpaperworld.com/custom-toilet-paper.aspx
Oh, I remember toilet paper when it was blue and pink. It was so much fun but I guess that it wasn’t the best for us.
Of-course, i have to say nice sharing because it is very usefull think which we need in daily life. I will back to know more . thanks to share.
It is so irritating that such nonsense destroyed the market for colored paper. The world is polluted every second of the day around the world with stuff a lot more dangerous than TP dye and HELLO if it irritates your bottom then obviously don’t use it. Why is everyone forced to use the boring white TP. For the life of me I cannot remember a sudden mass outbreak of skin irritation. I can still find colored Kleenex and am wondering how long that will survive.
I heard the colored paper was going out….terrible decision…so I had my local Longs Drugs order boxes for me. They are stacked in the garage….pink, blue. beige, and green….all nice, soft Scott tissue…more than a thousand rolls.
I blame the enviro nuts…what a miserable bunch.
More than a thousand rolls?? Send a picture please!! molly@cicgo.com
Hi Molly,
Well they are in the cardboard Scott shipping boxes.
My panty does have a top shelf full of pink, blue, almond, and green toilet tissue and the matching tissue boxes /Kleenex/ in the same colors.
I also remember in the 60′s there was avocado, hot pink, gold and deep blue…with matching tissues.
White is so blah…
My prize possession is a kitchen paper towel roll in yellow! In the original Zee brand wrapper. Kitchen towles used to come in pink, light blue, pale green also. Mom had them in NY in the early 60′s.
OOPS…Pantry
Nice post, it is so different when i use it here. thanks for your article. Now i got it.
Wow – a blog about toilet paper! The Internet strikes again as a dumpster for peoples wasted time.
Bravo, this is a true work of art. Utterly useless.
Calling it colored toilet paper is insensitive. It’s african American toilet paper now.
Infidels!!!!
Sand and your left hand only is the only proper method of cleansing that area down below after defalcating.
Ecologists also began warning the dye in the colored toilet paper rolls was harmful to the environment.
____________
Another knee-jerk reaction to stopping consumers from buying what they want. There is no proof whatsoever that colored TP harms the environment.
There’s still colored toilet paper available! Check out http://extracolorful.com/
Whoa, I’m not gonna go there.
Thanks for keeping us PC Bob!
Ah Ah, this is so true. As I was reading this, I was searching my memory if I had seen colored toilet paper in grocery stores recently and the answer is NO.at least now I know some of the reasons they went into extinction lol.
Glad to know the funny but important point you have been made. Great blog. Nice one for comment also…
They still sell colored paper in my local shop, my partner insists on buying it. I hate it!! It must be white!!
Really sweet printed customizable tp http://www.printedtp.com. They will do whatever you like in whatever color or amount and it’s a US company!
Thanks for the tip! We do customizable toilet paper too, see http://www.toiletpaperworld.com/custom-toilet-paper.aspx
I didnt like the idea of colored toilet papers. I mean why do you need a colored toilet paper? What difference does it make?
[...] last 700 years there has been little change and innovation. We have seen color rolls come and go (http://blog.toiletpaperworld.com/where-did-all-the-colored-toilet-paper-go/) as well as great commercials selling toilet paper (Mr. Whipple). Is there any other product on the [...]
I was at my locak Goodwill store today and lo and Behold I found a semi new rool of Scotts BLUE Toilet Paper! Semi New it didn’t have the paper wrapper on it but it was Still Scotts I got it for free and I was amazed that I hadn’t seen it in years and me and a neighber were actually talking about it and won’t she be surprised to see this roll of Scotts! LOL
I really don’t get the idea of different colored toilet papers. Though the colors are great and look cool, there is no necessity for the different colors here nor do they have a different usage.
[...] but more in relation to the inclusion of dyes and such, and that she had never bought into the colored TP craze in the 70s. Random, I [...]
I use this color as toilet paper in the cheapest store I will subscribe to your rss feed …
Good even very fantastic idea colored toilet paper. it is so different when i use it here. thanks for your article.
I have used color toilet papers when I was very young. Then we had this pink and blue colored papers. Once we also had a printed one. To think of all that now is funny, but then we children would fight for different colored papers to be kept in our bathrooms:)