Softest Eco-Friendly Toilet Papers (2026 Guide)

ecoHiny Team
January 30, 2026
Softest Eco-Friendly Toilet Papers (2026 Guide)
Contents
1. What Makes a Toilet Paper Soft and Eco-Friendly?
2. Is ecoHiny One of the Softest Eco-Friendly Toilet Papers?
3. Seventh Generation
4. Reel
5. Grove Collaborative
6. Public Goods
7. How Do You Choose?
8. Making the Switch

Key Points

  • Modern eco-friendly toilet paper options are better at balancing sustainability and softness.
  • Fiber length, ply, and production practices affect strength and softness.
  • Bamboo is a leading sustainable toilet paper material that is naturally soft.
  • Recycled toilet paper is another sustainable alternative to traditional toilet paper.
  • Choosing the right toilet paper involves evaluating your home, your purchasing preferences, and your environmental values.

It’s no secret that when it comes to toilet paper, everyone wants something soft, strong, and reliable. It’s a household necessity we use multiple times a day, yet rarely think about until we encounter a product that doesn’t meet our expectations.

Rough, thin recycled options and uncomfortable materials often force a choice between environmental responsibility and comfort.

Is it truly possible to find the perfect combination of sustainability, softness, and strength?

Eco-friendly toilet paper options have evolved dramatically in recent years, thanks to a spotlight on sustainability. Consumer demand has led to positive changes in production practices and to innovations in the use of alternative materials, helping brands avoid the traditional toilet paper approach of using hardwood tree pulp.

Some of today’s sustainable options deliver the plush feel and durability that you expect, proving that you don’t have to compromise comfort to care for the planet!

This guide explores the softest eco-friendly toilet papers available in 2026, helping you find the perfect match for your household’s needs.

What Makes a Toilet Paper Both Soft and Eco-Friendly?

When you’re shopping for eco-friendly toilet paper, it can feel like you have to choose between being kind to the planet and being kind to your body, or even sacrifice the level of performance you prefer.

Understanding what actually makes toilet paper soft and eco-friendly can help you find options that check both boxes without compromise.

Softness and Strength

Softness and strength are two distinct qualities in toilet paper. Softness refers to the tactile feel of the paper against skin. This quality is primarily determined by processing methods and surface treatments, such as additives applied to the sheets during manufacturing. (1)

Strength measures the paper's resistance to tearing and its ability to maintain integrity when wet. Strong toilet paper won't fall apart during use, but it can feel rough or harsh depending on its material composition.

The challenge is creating a product that feels comfortably soft while remaining durable enough to be effective.

Fiber length is perhaps the most critical element. Longer fibers create a softer, more durable sheet because they can be woven together more loosely without sacrificing strength. (2)

Ply refers to the number of layers bonded together to form the final sheet. Two-ply and three-ply options feel softer and more substantial than single-ply alternatives because multiple layers create cushioning and thickness.

Sustainability Factors: Materials, Bleaching, and Packaging

The environmental impact of toilet paper begins with sourcing raw materials. Traditional toilet paper made from hardwood pulp contributes to deforestation in alarming quantities. For example, the Canadian Boreal Forest is losing more than 1 million acres per year, largely to meet the logging demands of the paper industry. (3)

Eco-friendly alternatives include bamboo, recycled paper content, and other rapidly renewable fibers. Bamboo grows significantly faster than trees and requires far less water to thrive. Bamboo also eliminates the need for pesticides and fertilizers, making it an attractive, sustainable option.

Recycled content reduces demand for virgin materials, though it typically requires more processing to achieve comparable softness and can still contain hardwood pulp from the original source.

Sugarcane and hemp also offer unique advantages as sustainable choices due to their fast growth and biodegradability.

Bleaching processes represent another crucial sustainability consideration. Older methods of conventional chlorine bleaching used by the traditional toilet paper industry produced harmful dioxins and polluted waterways. Modern bleaching technologies used by many sustainable brands incorporate elemental chlorine-free (ECF) bleaching, which uses chlorine dioxide instead, reducing  environmental impact. (4)

Packaging choices also affect a toilet paper company’s environmental footprint. Traditional toilet paper packaging uses excessive plastic wrap, contributing to landfill waste and ocean pollution.

Sustainable brands are shifting toward paper-based packaging, compostable wrappers, or minimal packaging designs. Some companies now offer plastic-free delivery options with recyclable or biodegradable materials throughout the entire supply chain.

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Is ecoHiny One of the Softest Eco-Friendly Toilet Papers?

We’re a proud eco-friendly toilet paper company specializing in premium bamboo toilet paper that delivers both exceptional comfort and environmental friendliness.

Our 100% bamboo toilet paper with 3-ply construction delivers a uniquely comfortable experience thanks to the natural properties of bamboo fibers.

They’re exceptionally long and pliable, which makes them perfect for a combined soft texture and strength; something you don’t always get with other alternative materials or recycled brands. You also don’t always get ecoHiny’s 100% tree-free guarantee.

All ecoHiny toilet paper is made from 100% organic bamboo sourced from FSC-certified farms, ensuring the bamboo comes from responsibly managed sources that don’t contribute to deforestation, and honor all environmental, social, and economic values of local communities.

ecoHiny toilet paper is also fully biodegradable and septic-safe, breaking down quickly in water to prevent clogs in septic systems, RVs, low-flow toilets, and standard sewer systems. This makes ecoHiny suitable for a wide range of household and travel situations.

Who Should Choose ecoHiny?

ecoHiny is an excellent choice for many types of households, particularly those who value a balance of comfort, sustainability, and health-consciousness. The brand is ideal for eco-conscious families who want to reduce their environmental impact without compromising on toilet paper quality.

If you’re seeking a product that genuinely delivers on both softness and strength while supporting sustainable forestry practices, production, and shipping, ecoHiny is it!

Households with sensitive skin or allergy concerns will also enjoy ecoHiny’s hypoallergenic, chemical-free composition. You’ll never encounter PFAS, formaldehyde, BPA, fragrances, or dyes, reducing the risk of irritation or adverse reactions.

How Soft Is Seventh Generation Recycled Toilet Paper?

Seventh Generation is a brand of recycled toilet paper that prioritizes environmental responsibility by avoiding virgin tree pulp, using recycled fibers, and a whitening process that avoids the use of chemicals containing chlorine.

Seventh Generation employs 100% recycled fiber; however, 50% comes from post-consumer content, meaning that some contaminants from the original source or recycling process can be present in their toilet paper.

When it comes to texture and thickness, Seventh Generation offers a 2-ply paper. While softer and more durable than a 1-ply paper, the absorbency and strength of a higher ply are often preferable.

Recycled fibers tend to be a bit tougher than those in toilet paper made with naturally pliable fibers, but Seventh Generation is a choice with eco-friendly credentials.

Does Reel Paper Offer a Soft Eco-Friendly Toilet Paper Experience?

Reel Paper also offers a premium bamboo toilet paper that tries to balance sustainability and comfort.

One of Reel Paper’s biggest advantages is the inherent softness of bamboo fibers. Their 3-ply construction adds cushioning and thickness, enhancing overall plushness and making it soft enough for most consumers to comfortably use.

Reel Paper manages to achieve a sufficient balance between strength and softness.

All Reel products come in 100% plastic-free packaging that is fully recyclable and compostable. Each roll is individually wrapped in paper, and the outer shipping box is made from recyclable cardboard, making the entire package eco-friendly.

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Is Grove Co.’s Toilet Paper a Good Balance of Soft and Sustainable?

Grove Collaborative is an eco-friendly household products market, offering bamboo toilet paper that aims to balance sustainability with everyday comfort. Their bamboo toilet paper reflects this mission through thoughtful sourcing and manufacturing practices.

Grove Co.’s bamboo is pesticide-free, sustainably grown on family farms, and certified panda-friendly, meaning it doesn’t come from bamboo forests that serve as panda habitats.

The manufacturing process avoids harmful chemicals, creating a clean composition that is hypoallergenic and safe for sensitive skin.

As an added environmental commitment, Grove plants one tree for every 100 rolls sold through their partnership with reforestation programs.

It provides good comfort at a price point that makes sustainable toilet paper accessible to budget-conscious households.

How Does Public Goods Toilet Paper Compare in Softness?

Public Goods takes a unique approach to eco-friendly toilet paper by offering a bamboo-sugarcane blend.

As a membership-based company, Public Goods has positioned its tree-free toilet paper as a practical, everyday option that balances environmental responsibility with practical performance.

Unlike most eco-friendly brands that use 100% bamboo or 100% recycled paper, Public Goods employs 30% bamboo and 70% sugarcane pulp. This combination represents a thoughtful approach to sustainability that leverages the strengths of both renewable materials.

The toilet paper avoids wood pulp entirely and uses production processes that reduce environmental impact. It’s also biodegradable and safe for all types of plumbing or toilet systems.

Their overall material philosophy reflects Public Goods’ minimalist approach: simple, effective, and focused on essential sustainability without excessive frills or marketing hype.

The 70% sugarcane content, while sustainable and effective at repurposing waste, doesn’t provide quite the same softness that pure bamboo fibers offer. This makes Public Goods toilet paper a practical, functional choice rather than an indulgent one. It’s perfectly adequate for households prioritizing sustainability and value over maximum softness.

Overall, Public Goods toilet paper serves households looking for an affordable, reasonably soft, and genuinely sustainable option that doesn’t require perfection.

How Should You Choose the Softest Eco-Friendly Toilet Paper for Your Home?

Choosing the right eco-friendly toilet paper for your household involves balancing practical considerations and ensuring they align with your environmental values.

While softness is important, other aspects also play a role in finding the perfect sustainable option for your daily life.

Let ecoHiny help point you toward the toilet paper that’s both planet-friendly and perfectly suited to your home’s needs! We suggest evaluating factors related to your home, your purchasing preferences, and your environmental concerns.

When it comes to your home, consider:

  • Household size
  • Number of bathrooms
  • Septic system vs. sewer
  • Toilet type (for example, low flow or alternative toilets)

Think of your purchasing preferences like:

  • Subscription services
  • Shipping costs and delivery protocols
  • Bulk buying options
  • Sheets per roll
  • Frequency of shipments

Weigh your environmental expectations:

  • Sustainable materials
  • Responsible and ethical sourcing
  • Reputable certifications
  • Eco-friendly wrappers and packaging
  • Carbon-neutral shipping

By carefully considering these factors together, you can find an eco-friendly toilet paper that meets your household’s practical needs while staying true to your sustainability values.

Making the Switch: Why ecoHiny Stands Out as Your Best Choice

After exploring the landscape of eco-friendly toilet paper options in 2026, one thing becomes clear: you no longer have to choose between comfort and conscience!

The days of rough, scratchy recycled paper or flimsy alternatives are behind us, replaced by innovative bamboo-based products that deliver genuine softness alongside environmental responsibility. Among the many excellent options available, ecoHiny emerges as a standout choice that truly checks all the boxes for modern households.

While some brands excel in one area but fall short in others, ecoHiny delivers across the board.

The 3-ply bamboo construction provides authentic softness that rivals conventional brands, with long, pliable fibers creating a comfortable feel that’s gentle on even the most sensitive skin.

ecoHiny’s sustainability credentials speak for themselves.

100% organic bamboo from FSC-certified farms, completely free from toxic chemicals, plastic-free packaging made from recycled materials, and carbon-neutral shipping are all practices that demonstrate an unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship.

Every purchase helps prevent deforestation, reduce toxic chemical pollution, and support responsible farming practices that protect the planet for future generations.

Try ecoHiny bamboo toilet paper and enjoy the sustainable choice that doesn’t require sacrifice!

Ready to make the change? Your conscience (and your comfort) will benefit.

Source:

  1. Pawlak, Joel J., et al. "Review: The Softness of Hygiene Tissue." BioResources, vol. 17, no. 2, 2022, pp. 3509-3550, bioresources.cnr.ncsu.edu/resources/review-the-softness-of-hygiene-tissue/.
  2. Graham, Jake, et al. "Phthalate and Novel Plasticizer Concentrations in Personal Care and Consumer Products." Environmental Science & Technology, vol. 56, no. 9, 2022, pp. 5436-5446, doi:10.1021/acs.est.1c06716. PubMed Central, pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9079690/.
  3. Jordan, Ashley. "The Best and Worst Toilet Paper, Paper Towel, and Facial Tissue Brands." NRDC, 3 Dec. 2025, www.nrdc.org/stories/best-worst-tissue-brands.
  4. "Facts About the Use of Bleaching Agents in Tissue and Paper Towel Manufacturing," The American Forest and Paper Association, www.afandpa.org/sites/default/files/2023-02/FactsAboutBleachingAgents.pdf.

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Is Bamboo Toilet Paper Actually Better for the Environment?
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FAQ

Is bamboo toilet paper softer than recycled toilet paper?

Bamboo toilet paper is generally softer than recycled toilet paper. Bamboo fibers are naturally smoother than wood fibers, which means bamboo toilet tissue can feel gentler on your skin, while recycled options tend to be slightly rougher due to previously processed fibers that result in a different texture.

Can eco-friendly toilet paper still be strong?

Yes, eco-friendly toilet paper can be strong and durable! Bamboo toilet paper is typically 3-ply, providing enhanced softness and absorbency, and bamboo toilet rolls offer a perfect balance between softness and strength.

Is soft toilet paper bad for the environment?

Traditional soft toilet paper can be harmful to the environment because it's typically made from virgin hardwood tree fiber sourced from precious forested lands. These regions are integral to climate regulation, clean air, and house delicate ecosystems and animal habitats, which are in danger due to the demand for hardwood trees.

What toilet paper is best for sensitive skin?

Bamboo toilet paper is best for sensitive skin because it's hypoallergenic and free from harsh chemicals. Bamboo toilet paper is gentle on the skin, making it an excellent choice for people who need a softer, more skin-friendly option.

Does eco-friendly toilet paper clog plumbing?

Eco-friendly toilet paper does not clog plumbing and is often safer for septic systems than conventional options. Both bamboo and recycled options are biodegradable and dissolve faster due to their fiber composition and minimal chemical processing.

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