If you’re trying to make your bathroom routine a little greener, toilet paper is an easy place to start. But with so many brands claiming to be “eco,” it can be hard to know which rolls are truly sustainable — and which are just greenwashing.

From bamboo to recycled paper, UK shoppers now have more choice than ever when it comes to low-impact toilet paper. 

In this guide, we’ll break down what makes a toilet paper genuinely eco-friendly, compare the leading sustainable brands available in the UK, and explain why Cheeky Panda consistently ranks as the top choice for softness, sustainability, value and everyday performance.

→ Jump to at-a-glance comparison table 

What makes toilet paper sustainable?

Before comparing brands, it helps to know what makes toilet paper genuinely eco-friendly. The goal: reduce environmental impact across sourcing, production, packaging, and delivery — without compromising on comfort or affordability.

1. Renewable or recycled fibres

Look for bamboo or recycled paper that’s FSC®-certified. Bamboo grows fast, regenerates naturally, and needs less water — which is why Cheeky Panda’s FSC® 100% bamboo rolls are a strong low-impact choice.

2. Verified certifications

Credible eco toilet paper brands show proof, not just claims. Key marks include FSC®, B Corp™ etc. These confirm responsible sourcing and measurable environmental action.

3. Plastic-free packaging

Truly sustainable rolls use recyclable packaging. Cheeky Panda’s bamboo toilet roll packaging is 100% plastic-free.

4. Transparent carbon data

Look for brands that publish carbon footprints or lifecycle data. Cheeky Panda’s bamboo rolls produce around 177 g CO₂e per roll — significantly less than both tree-based and recycled alternatives.

5. Quality and value

Doing better by the planet shouldn’t require any compromise. You should get strong, soft toilet paper that performs well, lasts longer and offers great value. Focus on cost per use, not cost per sheet.

Quick checklist — Is it really eco?

• Made from bamboo or recycled fibres, and FSC®-certified 

• Plastic-free packaging

• Verified certifications

• Published impact data

• Strong, soft, long-lasting and great value

What are the top sustainable toilet paper brands in the UK?

Sustainability has become one of the biggest priorities for UK shoppers — and toilet paper is no exception. The good news? There are now several credible, eco-conscious brands on the market. Below is a quick look at the most popular options, comparing materials, packaging, and overall performance.

1. Cheeky Panda — Best Overall

Best for overall sustainability and softness: Cheeky Panda leads the category by combining verified sustainability credentials with premium comfort and excellent value.

• Made from 100% FSC®-certified bamboo (verified by Which?) — tree-free and rapidly renewable.

• B Corp™, Vegan, and Cruelty-Free certified.

• Plastic-free packaging across all rolls and bulk boxes.

• Rated No.1 eco toilet paper by Which? and Good Housekeeping.

• Softness and strength comparable to leading wood-pulp brands.

• Offers flexible subscriptions and bulk-buy options for better value and lower waste.

Best for households seeking the softest, most sustainable and affordable bamboo toilet roll available in the UK.

2. Who Gives A Crap

Who Gives A Crap offers both bamboo and recycled-paper toilet rolls, donating 50% of profits to sanitation projects worldwide.

• 100% recycled paper and 100% bamboo (verified by Which?) options available. Both are FSC-certified.

• Bright, colourful individually wrapped rolls — fun but less efficient for packaging sustainability compared with unwrapped formats.

• Strong charitable focus.

• The recycled rolls have a rougher texture, and the bamboo rolls offer lower absorption (as per Which? Best Buy ranking)

3. Naked Paper

Naked Paper positions itself as a locally made, low-carbon alternative, but there are doubts around both the quality and sourcing of their products.

• Marketed as UK-made and tree-free, though it’s unclear whether the fibres are truly bamboo — as disclosed by a recent Which? Test.

• 100 % plastic-free packaging and minimal transport miles are genuine positives.

• However, quality and softness scored poorly in independent testing, earning a “Don’t Buy” rating from Which?.

• Smaller range and limited disclosure on fibre sourcing.

4. Bumboo

Bumboo takes a design-led approach to sustainable bathroom essentials.

• FSC®-certified bamboo rolls, but unclear whether the fibres are truly bamboo — as disclosed by a recent Which? Test. 

• Presented in decorative, individually wrapped paper, that, while attractive, create extra packaging waste compared with unwrapped alternatives.

• Plastic-free packaging and a tree-planting scheme with each purchase.

• Significantly higher price point than other brands.
  

At-a-glance comparison table

*Based on Which? 2025 Best Buy toilet paper ranking
Indicative lifecycle data based on published LCAs and brand disclosures.

Best sustainable toilet paper: why Cheeky Panda tops the list

When it comes to finding the best sustainable toilet paper in the UK, Cheeky Panda stands out for combining eco-friendly materials, premium comfort, and accessible value.

1. Lowest verified carbon footprint – Each roll generates around 177 g CO₂e.

2. 100 % FSC-certified bamboo – Made exclusively from fast-growing, renewable bamboo, as verified by Which? — no recycled pulp or tree-based fibres, ensuring consistently soft yet strong toilet paper.

3. Plastic-free packaging – Every box and core is fully recyclable, helping to eliminate single-use plastics from your bathroom routine.

4. B Corp™ certified – From sourcing to delivery, Cheeky Panda meets rigorous B Corp™ environmental and social standards.

5. Trusted and widely available – Stocked by major UK retailers and available through a convenient direct-to-consumer bamboo toilet paper subscription, switching to Cheeky Panda is the most natural thing in the world!

→ Shop Cheeky Panda bamboo toilet paper – the UK’s best-rated sustainable toilet roll for everyday comfort with minimal environmental impact.

FAQs — Best sustainable toilet paper

• Which toilet paper has the smallest carbon footprint?
  Among major UK brands, Cheeky Panda bamboo toilet paper records one of the lowest verified carbon footprints, around 177 g CO₂e per roll. Bamboo grows rapidly without pesticides or replanting, making it far less resource-intensive than tree-based paper. Verified life-cycle data confirm it as one of the most climate-efficient toilet paper options available in the UK.

• Is bamboo better than recycled for UK households?
  Both bamboo and recycled toilet paper reduce environmental impact compared to virgin pulp, but bamboo often delivers lower carbon emissions and superior softness. Bamboo regenerates naturally, absorbs CO₂ as it grows, and requires less water and energy to process. If you’re looking for a balance of comfort, renewability, and verified eco-credentials, FSC-certified bamboo paper like Cheeky Panda is a strong choice.

• Is eco toilet paper septic-safe?
  Yes. Bamboo toilet paper is generally septic-safe and biodegradable, breaking down easily in standard plumbing and off-grid septic systems. Cheeky Panda has passed the Slosh Box Disintegration Test with flying colours, and this has been confirmed through Which? recent toilet paper Best Buy testing, noting that our bamboo toilet paper “broke apart into tiny pieces during [their] dissolvability tests”. Cheeky Panda toilet paper contains no added dyes, fragrances, or plastic fibres, so they dissolve as efficiently as conventional rolls.

• Where can I buy sustainable toilet paper in bulk?
  You can buy sustainable bamboo toilet paper in bulk from Cheeky Panda’s official online store (right here!) and we’ll deliver it straight to your door (easy!). Bulk packs and subscription options reduce packaging waste and carbon from repeat deliveries, making them a cost-effective and planet-friendly choice for households and small businesses.
  Alternatively, Cheeky Panda is also available in major UK supermarkets, including Tesco, Waitrose and Ocado, eco-focused retailers and e-tailers, and Amazon.