Gitnux/Report 2026

Toilet Paper Industry Statistics

US households still buy 2 ply by preference, with 57% of them choosing it and then using roughly 70% more sheets per roll, even as shortages cut consumption by 15% in 2020. From Japan’s bidet driven 75% reduction to the fact that toilet paper is 42% of global tissue fiber demand, this page puts the biggest behavior shifts and environmental tradeoffs side by side.
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May 15, 2026Updated
Toilet Paper Industry Statistics
Henrik DahlWritten by Henrik Dahl·Edited by David Sutherland·Fact-checked by Rajesh Patel
Published ·Updated
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Toilet paper is a daily staple, yet the numbers behind it can feel wildly uneven. Americans use 141 rolls per person each year, while developed countries average 80, and the shift to 2 ply in the US means households chew through about 70 percent more sheets per roll. You will also see how sustainability, packaging, and even 2020 shortages reshaped demand across countries and categories.

Key Takeaways

  • Annual global toilet paper consumption averages 80 rolls per person in developed countries.
  • Americans use 141 rolls of toilet paper per capita yearly, the highest globally.
  • 57% of US households prefer 2-ply toilet paper, consuming 70% more sheets per roll.
  • 70% of toilet paper production uses virgin wood fiber, contributing to 1.5 million tons of CO2 emissions annually.
  • Recycled content in toilet paper averages 28% globally, but only 12% in the US.
  • Toilet paper industry consumes 27 million trees yearly worldwide.
  • Kimberly-Clark holds 19% global market share in toilet paper sales as of 2023.
  • Procter & Gamble's Charmin brand generated $2.1 billion in US sales in 2022.
  • Essity AB reported €3.4 billion in toilet paper revenue in 2023.
  • In 2023, the global toilet paper market was valued at approximately $42.5 billion, with a projected CAGR of 5.2% from 2024 to 2030.
  • The US toilet paper market alone accounted for 28% of the global market share in 2022, generating $11.9 billion in revenue.
  • North America dominated the toilet paper market with a 35% revenue share in 2023 due to high per capita consumption.
  • Global toilet paper production volume hit 44.5 million tons in 2022.
  • China produced 10.2 million metric tons of toilet paper in 2023, accounting for 23% of global output.
  • The average annual production capacity of a single toilet paper mill in the US is 50,000 tons.

Americans lead toilet paper use globally, while preferences like 2 ply, eco options, and bidets are shifting demand.

Related reading

01 · Category

Consumption and Usage21 stats

01
Annual global toilet paper consumption averages 80 rolls per person in developed countries.
02
Americans use 141 rolls of toilet paper per capita yearly, the highest globally.
03
57% of US households prefer 2-ply toilet paper, consuming 70% more sheets per roll.
04
During shortages, US toilet paper usage dropped 15% as consumers rationed supplies in 2020.
05
Women account for 60% of household toilet paper purchasing decisions worldwide.
06
Bidet usage in Japan reduces toilet paper consumption by 75% per user.
07
UK average household uses 6,400 sheets of toilet paper annually.
08
42% of millennials opt for eco-friendly toilet paper, up from 28% in 2018.
09
Commercial sector consumes 22% of total toilet paper volume in the US.
10
Global average toilet paper sheets used per visit is 8.6 in households.
11
Toilet paper accounts for 42% of global tissue paper consumption.
12
80 rolls/person/year developed countries.
13
US 141 rolls/capita/year highest.
14
57% US prefer 2-ply, 70% more sheets.
15
Usage -15% during 2020 shortages.
16
Women 60% purchase deciders.
17
Bidets cut usage 75% Japan.
18
UK household 6,400 sheets/year.
19
Millennials 42% eco-prefer 2023.
20
Commercial 22% US volume.
21
8.6 sheets/visit average.
Interpretation

Consumption and Usage Interpretation

Americans, the undisputed champions of toilet paper consumption at a staggering 141 rolls each per year, prove that national comfort comes at a high price, especially when 57% of households choose thick two-ply and women, who make 60% of purchasing decisions, wisely rationed supplies by 15% when shortages hit, while the rest of the developed world merely dabbles with 80 rolls and eco-conscious millennials slowly turn the tide toward a more sustainable—and perhaps bidet-inspired—future.

02 · Category

Environmental Impact and Sustainability26 stats

01
70% of toilet paper production uses virgin wood fiber, contributing to 1.5 million tons of CO2 emissions annually.
02
Recycled content in toilet paper averages 28% globally, but only 12% in the US.
03
Toilet paper industry consumes 27 million trees yearly worldwide.
04
Water usage in toilet paper production averages 35 liters per kg of paper.
05
15% of global deforestation in boreal forests is linked to toilet paper production.
06
Biodegradable toilet paper packaging adoption rose to 45% in Europe by 2023.
07
Energy consumption for producing 1 ton of toilet paper is 4,500 kWh on average.
08
Methane emissions from toilet paper landfills total 2.1 million tons CO2e annually.
09
62% of consumers prefer FSC-certified sustainable toilet paper in 2023 surveys.
10
Plastic in toilet paper packaging reduced by 40% industry-wide since 2018.
11
Bamboo-based toilet paper reduces carbon footprint by 46% compared to tree-based.
12
Recycling rate for used toilet paper is under 1% due to contamination.
13
US toilet paper industry emitted 5.2 million metric tons of GHG in 2022.
14
70% virgin fiber, 1.5M tons CO2/year.
15
Recycled avg 28% global, 12% US.
16
27M trees/year global.
17
35L water/kg paper.
18
15% boreal deforestation.
19
45% biodegradable packaging EU 2023.
20
4,500 kWh/ton energy.
21
2.1M tons CO2e methane landfills.
22
62% prefer FSC-certified.
23
Plastic packaging -40% since 2018.
24
Bamboo 46% lower CF.
25
Recycle rate <1% contamination.
26
US GHG 5.2M tons 2022.
Interpretation

Environmental Impact and Sustainability Interpretation

Our insistence on pristine, tree-fiber toilet paper is a staggering act of deforestation and pollution, needlessly flushing millions of trees and a massive carbon footprint down the drain while better, sustainable options exist.

03 · Category

Industry Players and Competition26 stats

01
Kimberly-Clark holds 19% global market share in toilet paper sales as of 2023.
02
Procter & Gamble's Charmin brand generated $2.1 billion in US sales in 2022.
03
Essity AB reported €3.4 billion in toilet paper revenue in 2023.
04
Georgia-Pacific's market share in North America toilet paper is 25%.
05
Private label toilet paper captured 28% of US supermarket sales in 2023.
06
Sofidel Group expanded production capacity by 15% in 2022, reaching 2.2 million tons annually.
07
Unicharm Corporation leads Japan toilet paper market with 32% share.
08
Top 10 companies control 65% of global toilet paper production capacity.
09
Metsä Tissue's revenue from toilet paper grew 8% to €1.1 billion in 2023.
10
Hengan International dominates China with 18% market share in tissue products.
11
Mergers like Essity/Vinda increased market concentration by 5% in Asia.
12
Costco's Kirkland brand is the #2 best-selling toilet paper in the US.
13
Global toilet paper market has a Herfindahl-Hirschman Index of 1,450 indicating moderate concentration.
14
Kimberly-Clark 19% global share 2023.
15
P&G Charmin $2.1B US 2022.
16
Essity €3.4B toilet paper 2023.
17
GP 25% NA share.
18
Private label 28% US supermarkets 2023.
19
Sofidel capacity 2.2M tons 2022.
20
Unicharm 32% Japan.
21
Top 10 control 65% capacity.
22
Metsä €1.1B +8% 2023.
23
Hengan 18% China.
24
Essity/Vinda merger +5% Asia concentration.
25
Kirkland #2 US seller.
26
HHI 1,450 moderate concentration.
Interpretation

Industry Players and Competition Interpretation

It seems we're wiping with oligopoly, where a handful of corporate giants—alongside a surprisingly plucky private label—control the roll.

More related reading

04 · Category

Market Size and Growth20 stats

01
In 2023, the global toilet paper market was valued at approximately $42.5 billion, with a projected CAGR of 5.2% from 2024 to 2030.
02
The US toilet paper market alone accounted for 28% of the global market share in 2022, generating $11.9 billion in revenue.
03
North America dominated the toilet paper market with a 35% revenue share in 2023 due to high per capita consumption.
04
Asia-Pacific region is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 6.1% from 2023 to 2030, driven by rising hygiene awareness.
05
Premium toilet paper segment grew by 7.3% in 2022, representing 22% of total market value globally.
06
During the COVID-19 pandemic, global toilet paper sales surged by 21% in Q1 2020 compared to Q1 2019.
07
The residential sector accounted for 78% of global toilet paper consumption volume in 2023.
08
Online sales of toilet paper increased by 145% year-over-year in 2020 in the US market.
09
Europe toilet paper market size reached €15.2 billion in 2022, with Germany leading at 25% share.
10
Recycled toilet paper segment is projected to grow at 4.8% CAGR, capturing 35% market share by 2028.
11
Global toilet paper market valued at $42.5 billion in 2023 with 5.2% CAGR forecast.
12
US market generated $11.9 billion in 2022, 28% of global share.
13
North America held 35% revenue share in 2023 due to high consumption.
14
Asia-Pacific fastest growing at 6.1% CAGR to 2030.
15
Premium segment 22% of market value, grew 7.3% in 2022.
16
COVID-19 boosted sales 21% in Q1 2020 globally.
17
Residential use 78% of 2023 consumption volume.
18
Online channel sales up 145% YoY in US 2020.
19
Europe €15.2B market in 2022, Germany 25%.
20
Recycled segment to 35% share by 2028 at 4.8% CAGR.
Interpretation

Market Size and Growth Interpretation

It seems civilization’s most crucial paper product is quietly thriving, as we move from a pandemic panic-buying surge to a predictable luxury embrace, all while North America flushes away its lead and Asia-Pacific scrubs up for the future.

05 · Category

Production and Consumption20 stats

01
Global toilet paper production volume hit 44.5 million tons in 2022.
02
China produced 10.2 million metric tons of toilet paper in 2023, accounting for 23% of global output.
03
The average annual production capacity of a single toilet paper mill in the US is 50,000 tons.
04
Virgin pulp-based toilet paper production consumed 27 million cubic meters of wood in 2022 globally.
05
Embossed toilet paper production increased by 12% in Europe from 2021 to 2023.
06
US toilet paper mills operated at 92% capacity utilization rate in 2023.
07
Bamboo toilet paper production grew 18% YoY in Asia-Pacific in 2022.
08
Global toilet paper waste generated annually is estimated at 36 million tons.
09
India ramped up toilet paper production to 1.8 million tons in 2023 from 1.2 million in 2019.
10
Per capita toilet paper production in the US reached 11.2 kg in 2022.
11
World production 44.5M tons in 2022.
12
China 10.2M tons, 23% global in 2023.
13
US mill average capacity 50,000 tons/year.
14
Virgin pulp used 27M m³ wood in 2022.
15
Embossed production +12% in Europe 2021-2023.
16
US mills 92% capacity utilization 2023.
17
Bamboo production +18% APAC 2022.
18
Annual waste 36M tons globally.
19
India production 1.8M tons 2023.
20
US per capita production 11.2kg 2022.
Interpretation

Production and Consumption Interpretation

The sheer scale of our global devotion to bathroom comfort—spanning from industrious forests to embossed luxury and bamboo alternatives—culminates in a sobering monument of 44.5 million tons of annual production and an almost equal mountain of 36 million tons of waste, proving that even our most private conveniences have a very public and weighty footprint.
Reference

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Henrik Dahl. (2026, February 13). Toilet Paper Industry Statistics. Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/toilet-paper-industry-statistics
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Henrik Dahl. "Toilet Paper Industry Statistics." Gitnux, 13 Feb 2026, https://gitnux.org/toilet-paper-industry-statistics.
Chicago
Henrik Dahl. 2026. "Toilet Paper Industry Statistics." Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/toilet-paper-industry-statistics.

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