If we try to do the right thing for the planet, we assume that using recycled or bamboo paper, as opposed to traditional wood pulp, is a get out of jail free card, so to speak, in terms of trees and carbon footprints. But in terms of chemical purity, there are a number of issues, some of which are a little ironic.
The Recycled Paper Paradox: While recycled toilet paper can be a fantastic option for the circular economy, it can be a “magnet” for unwanted chemicals. Consider what we put in the recycling bin. Glossy magazines, shipping labels, and thermal cash register receipts can all make their way into the recycling bin. These items can have BPA or PFAS to make them water-resistant or printable. If we mash them up into pulp, we can end up with unwanted microscopic chemicals in the finished product. Unless a company has extremely stringent filtration, your “eco-friendly” option could have more of these chemicals in it than virgin wood pulp.