Fears of a potential toilet paper shortage are growing following a new EU ban.
The Covid-19 toilet paper fears that reared at the beginning of the pandemic may still be in people’s minds - the point during the first lockdown when many people panic-purchased rolls of toilet paper resulting in rationed sales in some places.
Now, the boss of a leading toilet paper company has warned people that due to a lack of preparation for the new deforestation laws, there could be a shortage.
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The fears stem from a European authority plan to bring in a ban on products linked to deforestation, something which Cheeky Panda owner Chris Forbes said will have a "gigantic effect" on the industry.
Speaking to The Grocer, Forbes said: "There will definitely be a squeeze on availability and we can expect the price of recycled tissue to rise as demand for alternatives increases."
He added that the "vast majority" of products like paper towels, facial tissues and toilet paper all use raw material garnered from newly harvested trees. The loo roll boss also claimed that some major brands could have to splash out "billions" on an "operational transformation" to keep in step with the new laws.
The new laws would require all companies trading commodities like wood, coffee, soy and cocoa to follow strict processes to trade with the bloc, meaning that products linked to deforestation will be banned from imports and expert with the EU.
However, even in light of Forbes’ gloomy outlook, one of Europe’s biggest toilet paper producers, Essity, explained to the Mirror that it was fully prepared for the introduction of the new regulation.
The hygiene and health company, headquartered in Sweden, produces toilet paper under the Velvet, Cushelle and Tork brands. However, according to the one-use product giant, they have “absolute confidence” there will not be a shortage.
"Essity fully supports any legislation designed to combat deforestation. We have a long history of working closely with our suppliers under strict requirements to ensure that all of our raw materials are sourced ethically and responsibly.
"For companies of Essity’s size, the new EU legislation will come into full effect in 2024 following a transition period that will enable organisations to adapt to any required changes in the supply chain.
“We can say with absolute confidence that there will not be a shortage of toilet roll resulting from changes to EU laws."
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