Difference Between Toilet Paper Ply

The world has truly come to realise just how important toilet paper is, with toilet paper being amongst the first items to be wiped out from store shelves due to Covid-19 panic buying.

Toilet paper is a necessity in our modern lives and with this in mind, choosing the correct toilet paper for your home and business is more essential than ever.

Whilst we all have our personal preferences, there are a few things to consider:

• Cost-effectiveness
• Comfort
• Quality

Each of these three factors plays an important role in choosing toilet paper, especially when it’s to be used in a shared bathroom. Ply is what ties these three factors together, although it is not something many people think about.

Ply plays an interesting role in the quality, comfort and cost of toilet paper. It simply refers to the thickness of toilet paper or how many layers it includes. This is an important consideration as the lower the ply, the lower the thickness and in turn, the lower the comfort. Alternatively, the higher the ply, the higher the comfort but the higher the price point.

Have you ever visited the restroom at a shopping centre or big office building, maybe even a theme park and noticed the jumbo thin rolls of toilet paper they usually have? 1-Ply toilet paper is a good choice for bathrooms with high traffic because it’s generally cheaper and lasts a long time.

Overall, 1-Ply toilet paper is cheaper and can save time as it needs to be changed less frequently. Whilst 1-Ply might not be the most comfortable option, it can certainly be the most convenient for large businesses and venues. 1-Ply paper is easier to break down and is better for septic tanks. When used in moderation, this can help reduce clogs.

Slightly more durable, 2-Ply toilet paper has a double layer of paper making it stronger and softer. 2-Ply paper is more absorbent than 1-Ply and is softer to the touch. It’s a great choice for everyday use and is still relatively affordable when purchased in bulk, so businesses can purchase a large amount to keep the bathrooms stocked at all times. 2-Ply is in many ways, a ‘crowd pleaser’ so to speak, as it does the job and provides a reasonable level of comfort.

It’s a good choice for a commercial premise as it strikes a good balance between affordability and quality.

This option is certainly more luxe thanks to its softness, high absorbency and plush feel. 3-Ply is an excellent choice for restaurants and offices that want to make a good impression on its guests. Whilst it is softer and more comfortable, it does come at a higher price so if cost-effectiveness is your priority, 3-Ply may not be the best option.

It is a little pricier simply because it takes more resources to create. However, if this is for home, a business premise with less bathroom traffic or targeting a ‘more refined’ clientele (think executive office or a nice restaurant), this would be a great choice.

As with many other everyday items, premium versions of toilet paper are readily available for purchase. There are some options currently available on the market that promise to deliver silky soft layers and extra cushioning and many are scented, quilted or up to 4-ply. These types of products do come at a higher premium so be prepared to pay significantly more for such a luxury.

Many individuals and businesses are moving towards more sustainable options for their cleaning and office supplies. Eco Friendly versions of toilet paper do exist and are available for purchase if this is a priority for you. Environmentally friendly toilet paper is typically made from recycled paper, or sustainably grown timber.

If you haven’t tried an eco-friendly toilet paper version, you will likely be surprised by how similar it feels to regular toilet paper. It’s a great choice if sustainability is important to you or your business.

It is important to pay attention to the thickness and quality of the paper. 1-Ply toilet paper can still be a great choice if the paper quality is high. You can identify the quality of the paper by how transparent it is. A higher-quality paper will be harder to see through whereas a higher quality version will look opaque and thick. Overall, it’s important that you pay close attention to the type of toilet paper that you are ordering as it can impact your budget and comfort!

If you have any additional questions about toilet paper and what would be best for your particular circumstances, please feel free to reach out to us at [email protected] or (02) 9838 1220