If you’ve ever wondered why toilet paper is white and not a fun colour like red or blue, you’re not alone! This common bathroom essential has an interesting history and some important reasons behind its iconic white colour. Let’s dive into why toilet paper is almost always white.
What Toilet Paper is Made From
Toilet paper is made from wood pulp, which is naturally brown in colour. So, why is the toilet paper we see so white? The answer lies in the manufacturing process. The wood pulp goes through a bleaching process to remove the brown colour. This doesn’t just make the toilet paper white but also has other advantages, such as making it softer and more absorbent. Bleaching the toilet paper also removes any rough impurities, which helps create that soft feel we all like.
Why Not Colourful Toilet Paper?
Once upon a time, colourful toilet paper was actually a thing! Back in the 1950s and 60s, you could find toilet paper in a variety of shades like pink, blue, and green. People enjoyed matching their toilet paper to their bathroom decor. But over time, people started worrying about the dyes used in coloured toilet paper. Some thought the chemicals might not be good for the environment or for our health.
White toilet paper became the standard because it’s free from dyes, making it a safer option. Besides, the bleaching process helps keep the paper soft and absorbent, so most people prefer white toilet paper.
White is Cleaner and More Hygienic
White is often seen as a symbol of cleanliness. In bathrooms, where hygiene is super important, white toilet paper gives the impression of being clean and fresh. When toilet paper is white, it’s also easier to spot if it’s dirty or contaminated, which helps us stay more hygienic.
Additionally, white toilet paper tends to decompose more easily than coloured paper, making it better for the environment in terms of waste management.
Does Bleaching Harm the Environment?
There are concerns about whether bleaching toilet paper is bad for the environment. Traditional bleaching uses chlorine, which can create harmful chemicals. However, many companies today use more eco-friendly methods, like oxygen-based bleaching, which is less harmful to nature. These methods help ensure that toilet paper stays white without causing too much damage to the environment.
Why White Toilet Paper Is More Popular
Here are the main reasons why white toilet paper has become the go-to choice worldwide:
- Softness: The bleaching process makes toilet paper softer and more comfortable to use.
- Absorbency: White toilet paper is more absorbent than unbleached, brown paper.
- Hygiene: White toilet paper looks clean and helps people maintain better hygiene.
- Environment: Many people believe white toilet paper is more eco-friendly because it breaks down faster than coloured versions.
Could Toilet Paper Come in Colours Again?
Though it’s rare to find coloured toilet paper these days, it’s still possible. Some companies produce unbleached brown toilet paper for people who want an even more eco-friendly option, but these are not as common. If colourful toilet paper were to make a comeback, it would likely be in more environmentally friendly colours and dyes
Conclusion– the white colour of toilet paper is not just about aesthetics. It’s about softness, absorbency, hygiene, and environmental impact. While there was once a time when colourful toilet paper was fashionable, today’s white paper is the result of careful consideration for both health and environmental reasons.
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