If you're trying to make more sustainable choices at home, you've probably come across bamboo toilet paper and recycled toilet paper.

One question I get asked all the time is...

"Which one is actually better?"

The truth is, it's a great question—but it's also one without a simple answer.

When I was creating HapeeBum, we spent a lot of time researching both options. The more we learnt, the more we realised this wasn't about finding one "perfect" material.

Both bamboo and recycled toilet paper have real benefits.

The best choice depends on what matters most to you and your family.

That's exactly why HapeeBum offers both.

What is bamboo toilet paper?

Bamboo toilet paper is made from bamboo pulp instead of traditional wood pulp.

One of the reasons bamboo has become so popular is because it's an incredibly fast-growing plant. Some species can grow remarkably quickly under the right conditions, and after harvesting, many varieties regenerate from the same root system rather than needing to be replanted.

That makes bamboo a renewable resource and an attractive alternative for many environmentally conscious families.

It's also naturally soft, strong and durable, making it well suited to everyday use.

What is recycled toilet paper?

Recycled toilet paper is made from paper fibres that have already been used.

Instead of those fibres ending up in landfill, they're collected, cleaned and processed into new toilet paper.

This helps reduce waste and gives existing materials a second life.

For many people, that's one of the biggest environmental advantages.

Rather than relying on new raw materials, recycled toilet paper makes better use of resources that already exist.

Which one is better for the environment?

This is probably the question I get asked most.

The honest answer?

Both have environmental benefits.

Bamboo

Bamboo grows quickly and is a highly renewable resource, making it an appealing alternative to traditional tree-based paper.

Recycled

Recycled toilet paper helps reduce waste by reusing fibres that have already been produced, lowering demand for new raw materials.

It's less about one being "better" and more about which environmental benefit aligns with your priorities.

What about softness?

This is another common misconception.

Years ago, recycled toilet paper often had a reputation for being rough.

Today's manufacturing processes have come a long way.

Modern bamboo and recycled toilet papers can both be soft, absorbent and comfortable to use.

At HapeeBum, we spent months refining both products because we wanted families to enjoy using them—not feel like they were compromising.

Why HapeeBum offers both

One of the biggest lessons I learnt while building HapeeBum was that families are all different.

Some people are passionate about bamboo because it's renewable.

Others love recycled paper because it gives existing materials another life.

I didn't want to tell people there was only one right choice.

I wanted to give families options.

Both of our products are made without intentionally added PFAS, BPA, parabens, dyes, fragrances or elemental chlorine.

The difference isn't about which one is "good" and which one is "bad."

It's simply about choosing the option that feels right for you.

So... which one do I recommend?

People are often surprised by my answer.

I genuinely think both are fantastic choices.

If your priority is supporting rapidly renewable resources, bamboo may be the better fit.

If your priority is reducing waste by giving existing paper a second life, recycled may be exactly what you're looking for.

The important thing is that you're making a thoughtful decision.

And I think that's something worth celebrating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is bamboo toilet paper softer than recycled?

Both can be soft and comfortable. Modern manufacturing has significantly improved the feel of recycled toilet paper, and bamboo is naturally known for its softness.

Is bamboo more sustainable than recycled?

They each have different environmental benefits. Bamboo is a renewable resource, while recycled toilet paper helps reduce waste by reusing existing fibres.

Why does HapeeBum sell both?

Because families have different priorities. We wanted to give people the freedom to choose the product that best suits their values and preferences.

Are both HapeeBum products PFAS-free?

Yes. Both our bamboo and recycled toilet paper are made without intentionally added PFAS, along with BPA, parabens, dyes, fragrances and elemental chlorine.

 

Elyse's Thoughts

"One of the biggest lessons I've learnt while building HapeeBum is that there isn't always one perfect answer. I could have chosen only bamboo or only recycled, but the more I researched, the more I realised families value different things. Rather than telling people what they should buy, I'd rather give them the information they need to make the decision that's right for them."

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