Does the UK manufacture its own toilet paper, or is most of it imported?”
Yes, the UK does manufacture its own toilet roll, but imports still play a critical role, especially for eco-friendly alternatives like bamboo toilet paper.
When UK buyers research toilet paper supply options, one question often comes up:
“Does the UK manufacture its own toilet paper, or is most of it imported?”
As a bamboo pulp toilet paper exporter based in China, we’ve worked with many UK clients — from wholesalers to private label brands. And here’s what we’ve learned: Yes, the UK does produce its own toilet roll, but imports still play a critical role.
Yes, the UK Manufactures Toilet Paper — But Not All Types
The UK has well-established domestic production. Brands like Andrex, Cushelle, and Velvet are manufactured in the UK by companies like Kimberly-Clark and Essity.
Local factories supply mainstream toilet tissue for supermarkets and retailers. According to industry data, over 80% of toilet paper sold in the UK is domestically produced.
So Why Do UK Companies Still Import Toilet Paper?
Despite a strong domestic industry, many UK businesses still rely on imports — especially for eco-friendly alternatives such as bamboo toilet paper. Here’s why:
- 🇨🇳 Bamboo pulp is not produced in the UK
- 💰 Overseas factories offer better pricing for bulk and OEM
- 🧩 More customization options (roll size, embossing, packaging)
As a manufacturer, we provide:
- Private label bamboo toilet paper
- FSC-certified, plastic-free packaging
- Flexible MOQ and container shipping
Our UK clients include importers, eco product brands, and hotels. Most prefer:
- Soft, lint-free texture
- Embossed patterns
- Neutral or kraft-style packaging for retail or B2B resale
Who Are the Current Bamboo Toilet Paper Brands in the UK?
While bamboo toilet paper is still a niche segment in the UK, several eco-conscious brands have entered the market, including:
- Who Gives A Crap
- The Cheeky Panda
- Bazoo
- Bumboo
These brands typically focus on:
- Plastic-free, sustainable packaging
- DTC (direct-to-consumer) sales online
- Placement in organic and eco-friendly retailers, such as Planet Organic and Whole Foods
Most UK bamboo toilet paper brands rely on overseas manufacturing and imported bamboo pulp, especially from Asia. As a result, private label opportunities remain open for UK-based distributors and retailers looking to launch their own sustainable toilet paper line.
We support those brands with:
- Custom packaging and embossing
- FSC-certified bamboo pulp
- Competitive OEM pricing for UK clients
Exporting to the UK: What We’ve Seen
From our experience with UK buyers:
- Typical orders are 1–2 containers/month
- Most clients request samples before production
- Sea freight delivery takes 30–45 days, depending on port and logistics
We assist with:
- Custom labeling and design
- Export documentation
- Compliance with UK import standards
Certifications Matter: SMETA & Ethical Sourcing for UK Retailers
If you aim to sell through UK retailers or upscale supermarkets, product certifications aren’t optional — they’re essential.
We support compliance with:
- ✅ FSC (Forest Stewardship Council)
- ✅ BPI (Compostability Certification)
- ✅ SMETA 4-Pillar Social Audit (upon request)
SMETA (Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit) is increasingly required by UK-based chain stores, especially those with strong CSR policies. It ensures responsible sourcing across:
- Labour rights
- Health and safety
- Environmental protection
- Business ethics
Our factory can provide SMETA reports for partners targeting large retailers or global retail groups.
Conclusion: UK Brands Still Import Bamboo Toilet Paper for Good Reasons
Yes, the UK does manufacture toilet roll — but bamboo-based, eco-friendly toilet paper still depends on imports, particularly from Asia.
If you’re a UK-based wholesaler, distributor, or private label brand looking to expand into sustainable tissue products, we’re here to support you with:
- Samples
- Custom packaging
- Reliable factory supply
Get in Touch with a Bamboo Toilet Paper Supplier
We offer:
- OEM & ODM services
- Private label solutions
- Global shipping and export support
Contact us for pricing, free samples, and lead time estimates.