Breaking it Down: The Surprising Differences Between Recycled and Non-Recycled Paper Towels

As a business owner, you want to make choices that are both cost-effective and environmentally friendly. When it comes to paper towels, one option that's gaining in popularity is recycled paper towels. But how do they compare to non-recycled options? 

Environmental impact

The environmental impact of paper towels is a crucial factor to consider when choosing between recycled and non-recycled options. The most significant difference between the two types of paper towels is how they are produced.

Recycled paper towels are made from post-consumer waste, which means they're made from materials that have already been used and would otherwise end up in a landfill. By using these materials to make new paper products, we're reducing the amount of waste that goes into landfills, which helps to conserve space and reduce the negative impacts of waste on the environment.

In addition, because recycled paper towels are made from post-consumer waste, they reduce the demand for primary materials, such as trees. This is important because the production of non-recycled paper towels requires the harvesting of trees and the use of water and energy to produce. This process contributes to deforestation, which can have negative impacts on biodiversity and the climate, as well as air and water pollution.

Non-recycled paper towels also require more energy to produce because they require more processing steps than recycled paper towels. For example, in addition to harvesting trees, non-recycled paper towels also require bleaching and other chemical treatments to achieve their desired texture and absorbency.

Quality

One concern that some business owners have about using recycled paper towels, is their quality.

Paper towels made from non-recycled pulp tend to be of a higher quality than those made from recycled pulp because the fibers have not been broken down as much. 

The process of recycling the paper means the pre-used paper is shredded and mixed with water, before contaiminants are removed and the paper is cleaned. This results in a weaker fibre where the quality is often not as good as a non-recycled paper towel.

This means that non-recycled paper towels may be more absorbent and stronger than recycled paper towels. Of course some of the cheaper priced non-recycled paper towels can be low quality as well, so trialling different samples is recommended.

Cost

Another key consideration when choosing paper towels is the cost. As recycled paper towels are beoming more popular these have decreased in price, they are no comparable with non-recycled paper.

Sometimes due to the nature of recycled paper having weaker fibres this may result in needing to use more when you are drying your hands. Generally people will use 2-3 paper towels per hand wash.

Availability

When it comes to availability, non-recycled paper towels are more widely available than recycled options. However, as the demand for environmentally friendly products increases, recycled paper towels are becoming more widely available in New Zealand.

There is an increasing number of different materials being used to make paper towels, including sugarcane and bamboo pulp (that would otherwise be disposed of), and used juice and beverage cartons. As the options become more readily available, so do our choices

Sustainability

When we talk about the long-term sustainability of our choices, we're looking at the bigger picture and considering the environmental impact of our actions. In the case of paper towels, this means taking into account the resources used to produce them, as well as the waste generated by their disposal.

As we mentioned earlier, recycled paper towels are a more sustainable option than non-recycled paper towels. This is because they're made from post-consumer waste. By using recycled paper towels, you're reducing the amount of waste that goes into landfills, which helps to conserve space and reduce the negative impacts of waste on the environment.

In addition, by choosing recycled paper towels, you're also reducing the demand for primary materials, such as trees, that are used to produce non-recycled paper towels. This helps to conserve natural resources and reduce the negative environmental impacts of activities such as deforestation.

By making a conscious choice to use recycled paper towels, businesses are taking a step towards a more sustainable future. This not only benefits the environment, but it can also help to improve a business's reputation among environmentally conscious consumers. By demonstrating a commitment to sustainability and making responsible choices, businesses can build a positive image and contribute to a better future for everyone.

What is your preference? 

While there are some differences between recycled and non-recycled paper towels, the environmental benefits of using recycled paper towels are significant. They're comparable in quality to some non-recycled options, and while they may be slightly more expensive, they're a more sustainable choice in the long run. By choosing recycled paper towels, you're demonstrating your commitment to the environment and making a positive impact on the planet.