Toilet Paper By Will Jones and Peter Norton Thin, absorbent paper, usually in rolls, used to clean oneself after defecation or urination. Also called toilet tissue.
Extraction and Processing Usually 70% hardwood and 30% softwood Most paper is from newly processed trees Wood is cut into chips
Manufacturing- Part 1 Wood chips are cooked with chemicals Chemicals are washed out Mixed with water to make paper stock
Manufacturing- Part 2 Paper stock flattened to a sheet, then heated and compressed Sheet is softened then cut and rolled onto tubing
Usage Used mainly to wipe one’s buttocks Used for vandalism (TP-ing houses) Used as costume (mummy) Also can be used as Kleenex substitute
Disposal Flushed down toilet or can be thrown away. Goes to sewers and septic tanks Not easily recycled
Recycled Made from recycled colored and white paper Uses same processes as un-recycled
Sources How toilet paper is made- Background, History, Raw Materials, the manufacturing of toilet paper Retrieved April 20, Frequently asked questions about Charmin Toilet Paper- Safe for sewers and septic systems. Retrieved April 20, Definition of “Toilet Paper”, what recycled toilet paper is Retrieved April 22,