Refresh the page or go to another page on the site to log in automatically. Please refresh your browser to sign in.
Bazu and Bambu’s article identifies acacia trees linked to deforestation in countries including Indonesia.
A “green” toilet paper company’s claims about its products are being called into question after testing.
Which consumer champion? said it has tested the fiber content of five popular brands that claim their rolls are made from “pure bamboo” or “100% bamboo.”
The study found that Bumboo, Naked Sprout and Bazoo samples contained very low or very low levels of bamboo grass fiber at 2.7%, 4% and 26.1% respectively.
Instead, it turned out that toilet paper is mainly made from fast-growing virgin hardwoods, and less environmentally friendly ones – mainly eucalyptus.
Bamboo is a fiber that is often touted as a green alternative to virgin paper due to its rapid growth, although this may be due to unsustainable use of pesticides and fertilizers and uncertified forest conversion.
Bazu and Bambu’s article also identifies acacia trees as being linked to deforestation in countries such as Indonesia.
However, two other brands—Who Gives a Crap (WGAC) and The Cheeky Panda—have been certified as containing 100% bamboo.
Emily Seymour, which one? The sustainability editor said: “With so many shoppers taking steps to become more sustainable, it’s important they trust brands’ claims – especially when they’re paying for products they believe are better for the environment. When additional charges apply.
“Companies must take responsibility for ensuring their products contain what they say on the packaging, so consumers who want to make sustainable choices can trust the information they are given.”
Which? said its testing was carried out in an independent laboratory using a standard TAPPI test known as T 401, which breaks down a paper sample into its constituent fibers to quantify and identify them.
While the consumer watchdog did not assess the brand’s supply chain, it said the test results highlighted the challenges UK companies face in ensuring quality control when materials for products are sourced thousands of miles away.
Bamboo, Bazoo and Naked Sprout source their bamboo from China and say they use Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified bamboo. The Forest Stewardship Council is an international non-profit organization that certifies responsibly managed wood supply chains.
A Bamboo spokesperson said the company “identified the issue in its supply chain and quickly took action to ensure this did not happen again.”
They added: “We have contacted all affected customers and are increasing fiber testing to ensure each batch is independently verified.”
The company said it currently uses the “gold standard” TAPPI T 401 test to test the fiber content of each batch and posted the results on its website.
Meanwhile, Bazoo said the FSC carries out thorough checks every six months from the start of trading.
“Finding a 100% FSC certified bamboo supplier and manufacturer was very important and integral to us,” the spokesperson said.
The company added that it is currently conducting an in-depth investigation with the FSC agency and its manufacturer regarding the request “Which?” Discover.
Naked Sprout claims to sell ‘the UK’s most eco-friendly toilet paper’, but which one? says the claim is largely based on fossil fuel-free production and is certified as a B Corp, meaning it meets high social and environmental standards.
The company said the bamboo pulp it uses is verified through rigorous audits, and FSC also conducts thorough audits of its supply chain and raw materials.
The company said its supply chain is intentionally small, consisting of just four suppliers and one manufacturer.
As a result, all materials used are FSC certified and fully traceable from raw materials to the final product, the company added.
Naked Sprout also claims that TAPPI T 401 has limitations and questions the objectivity and validity of the test method.
But which one? said the test is a globally recognized industry benchmark, adding that it believes the clear results are beyond doubt.
TAPPI said it saw no inconsistency in the application of Which?’s testing methods, adding that it “seems disingenuous” to suggest that other brands’ testing methods, successfully applied to the tests in this article, were insufficient for Naked Sprout.
An FSC spokesperson said: “We take our integrity seriously and are committed to working with relevant organizations to ensure this matter is fully investigated and any appropriate action is taken to ensure that FSC labels accurately reflect the ingredients of FSC-certified products.”
What does FSC mean, what does “Caring” mean? The test results were shared with the supply chain integrity team.
Want to bookmark your favorite articles and stories for later reading or reference? Start your Standalone Premium subscription today.
Refresh the page or go to another page on the website to log in automatically. Please refresh your browser to sign in.
Post time: May-31-2024