Questions have been raised over whether there will be a potential toilet paper shortage as the EU introduces a new regulation banning products linked with deforestation. Some industry experts have warned consumers across the nation about a potential loo roll shortage, after a suggestion that some companies will struggle to make the changes they need in time for the new rules.
But do you really need to worry about a lack of loo roll at your local corner shop? We've had a look at what some of the biggest brands have said about the upcoming change.
Can I still buy loo roll in Wales?
Yes, you can still buy loo roll in Wales. Currently, there is no toilet paper shortage ongoing in the UK. There was previously a shortage of toilet paper during the Covid-19 pandemic. In March 2020, consumers rushed to the shops for essentials, leaving Welsh supermarkets' shelves bare.
Tesco also introduced a buying limit on certain essential items in the same month, which included toilet paper.
Will we run out of loo roll in Wales and why?
Supermarkets have not reported a toilet paper shortage and toilet paper manufacturing giants like Essity say they are prepared for the regulation change. However, certain experts in the industry fear the new EU anti-deforestation law could have a knock-on effect on the amount of toilet paper we see on our supermarket shelves.
What is the law?
On April 19 the European Parliament approved a law that would see a ban on imports and exports connected to deforestation from the EU, including products such as soy, beef and coffee. Christophe Hansen, the Parliament’s negotiator on the law said: “European consumers can now rest assured that they will no longer be unwittingly complicit in deforestation.”
But it’s not only beef and coffee beans under the microscope, as the new regulation also raises questions about the future of toilet paper on our supermarket shelves. Virgin pulp contributes to worldwide deforestation in a big way, and several companies commonly use this ingredient to make toilet roll.
Chris Forbes, co-founder of Cheeky Panda which makes its toilet paper from bamboo, told the Grocer the “vast majority” of toilet paper-like products sold in the EU and UK are made from newly harvested trees. He 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."
How would an EU law affect toilet paper in Wales?
Although, we are no longer part of the EU, UK companies wanting to trade in Europe still must comply with EU regulations. So, if we want to continue importing loo roll via the EU, we have to ditch the virgin pulp.
Are making a mountain out of a molehill?
Despite worries from experts like Mr Forbes, you might not need to rush to the supermarket shelves just yet. Several toilet paper manufacturers such as Accrol, which produces own-label tissue for many UK shops, and Essity, a global hygiene and health company responsible for producing toilet roll under brand favourites like Velvet, Cushelle and Tork, both fully support the new legislation and say they are well-prepared for the change.
An Essity spokesperson said: "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."
Vikki Makinson, Accrol’s head of marketing and communications echoed a similar message to the Grocer: “We don’t anticipate paper supply shortages as a result of these regulations. We welcome regulation that discourages environmentally damaging practices within our industry.”
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