Shoppers are being warned that supermarkets could start to run out of some toilet paper next month thanks to new EU regulations. From May, new rules will start to come into force banning the sale of toilet paper linked to deforestation.
Chris Forbes, boss of Cheeky Panda, which produces toilet paper made from bamboo, said many companies are heavily reliant on virgin pulp as a raw material and so will struggle to make the changes needed in time for the new rules. UK companies wanting to trade with the EU will need to comply.
He told The Grocer: "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 said “the vast majority” of tissue products sold in the UK and EU are still made from newly harvested trees.
The EU’s new laws will mean all products linked to deforestation will be banned from import and export with the EU.
Essity, which produces toilet rolls under the Velvet, Cushelle and Tork brands in the UK said it was fully prepared for the new EU regulation and supports the introduction of the law.
"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," said a spokesperson.
"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 supply chain. We can say with absolute confidence that there will not be a shortage of toilet roll resulting from changes to EU laws."
