GITNUXREPORT 2025

Toilet Paper Statistics

Toilet paper consumption impacts environment, economy, health, and evolving preferences globally.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

Women tend to use more toilet paper per day than men, averaging about 7.5 sheets more

Statistic 2

Approximately 27,000 trees are cut down each day to produce toilet paper in the United States alone

Statistic 3

Biodegradable toilet paper can decompose within six weeks, compared to synthetic types which can take years

Statistic 4

The use of recycled toilet paper is mandated in many government and corporate offices to promote sustainability

Statistic 5

The average waste generation per person in the U.S. related to toilet paper is approximately 250 pounds annually

Statistic 6

Approximately 10% of the world's population still practices open defecation, often without access to toilet paper or other sanitation facilities

Statistic 7

Innovations such as recyclable cores and plastic-free packaging are being adopted by 40% of toilet paper brands to promote sustainability

Statistic 8

The production of toilet paper contributes to significant water consumption, with estimates indicating about 37 gallons of water are needed per roll

Statistic 9

The environmental impact of toilet paper is a major concern, prompting over 25% of consumers to choose recycled or eco-friendly products

Statistic 10

In some regions, biodegradable toilet paper is made from recycled cardboard and agricultural waste, contributing to waste reduction efforts

Statistic 11

The average American uses about 23.6 rolls of toilet paper per year

Statistic 12

The global toilet paper market size was valued at approximately $49.3 billion in 2020

Statistic 13

The country with the highest toilet paper consumption per capita is the United States, with approximately 23.6 rolls per person annually

Statistic 14

In 2022, global toilet paper sales exceeded 9.7 billion rolls

Statistic 15

An estimated 270,000 tons of toilet paper are disposed of in the U.S. each year

Statistic 16

There are approximately 26,000 toilet paper brands worldwide

Statistic 17

Recycled toilet paper constitutes around 20% of the global market

Statistic 18

The average cost of a single toilet paper roll in the U.S. is about $0.53

Statistic 19

The U.S. consumes approximately 36.5 million rolls of toilet paper daily

Statistic 20

The global toilet paper market is expected to reach $63 billion by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 4.2%

Statistic 21

The most popular toilet paper brand in the U.S. is Charmin, accounting for approximately 33% of the market share

Statistic 22

In the U.K., about 87% of households buy toilet paper weekly or bi-weekly

Statistic 23

The largest consumer of toilet paper in Asia is China, with over 1.4 billion users

Statistic 24

In 2019, the average U.S. household used approximately 15 pounds of toilet paper per month

Statistic 25

Japan uses the most toilet paper per capita, averaging about 45 rolls annually

Statistic 26

During the COVID-19 pandemic, toilet paper sales increased by up to 695% in some regions

Statistic 27

The average person uses approximately 57 sheets of toilet paper daily

Statistic 28

Eco-friendly toilet paper made from bamboo is growing at an annual rate of about 10%

Statistic 29

The average person spends about 3 years of their life on the toilet

Statistic 30

In developing countries, the usage of toilet paper is less common, with many relying on water and other materials

Statistic 31

About 75% of Americans buy toilet paper in larger packs to save money

Statistic 32

During inflation periods, the price of toilet paper tends to rise faster than many other household items, with increases of up to 10% in some years

Statistic 33

Many consumers prefer soft and quilted toilet paper for comfort, leading to a rise in premium variants which now account for about 30% of sales

Statistic 34

The advent of toilet paper dramatically improved public health by reducing the spread of fecal-borne diseases in the early 20th century

Statistic 35

There is a growing trend toward biodegradable and compostable toilet paper to reduce environmental impact, with sales increasing annually by about 12%

Statistic 36

In some countries, public restrooms provide toilet paper free of charge, whereas in others, it is a paid item, influencing consumer behavior

Statistic 37

Around 60% of Americans prefer to buy toilet paper with no added dyes or fragrances for health and allergy reasons

Statistic 38

Many brands have introduced ultra-soft toilet paper options which are about 80% more expensive than standard products

Statistic 39

The use of bidets and water-based alternatives is rising in Western countries as environmentally friendly options, reducing toilet paper usage by up to 70%

Statistic 40

The average lifespan of a toilet paper roll in a household is about 75 days, depending on the number of users

Statistic 41

The highest quality toilet paper is often marketed as "luxury" and can cost up to $2 per roll, which is 4 times more expensive than standard options

Statistic 42

Despite the popularity of toilet paper, some cultures still prefer washing with water, reflecting diverse hygiene practices worldwide

Statistic 43

The average roll of toilet paper contains about 140 sheets

Statistic 44

The world’s first rolls of perforated toilet paper were invented in 1935 by the Scott Paper Company

Statistic 45

The average roll of toilet paper in the U.S. has about 100 to 150 sheets, depending on the brand

Statistic 46

The average thickness of toilet paper ranges from 1.0 to 2.0 ply, with 2-ply being the most common

Statistic 47

Toilet paper production accounts for about 15% of all paper pulp used globally

Statistic 48

The average newly manufactured toilet paper roll weighs about 227 grams

Statistic 49

The largest producer of toilet paper in the world is Georgia-Pacific, which owns the Angel Soft brand

Statistic 50

The first recorded use of toilet paper in ancient China dates back to the 6th century AD

Statistic 51

About 70% of the toilet paper used in the United States is manufactured domestically, with the rest imported from countries like Canada and South Korea

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Key Highlights

The average American uses about 23.6 rolls of toilet paper per year
Approximately 27,000 trees are cut down each day to produce toilet paper in the United States alone
The global toilet paper market size was valued at approximately $49.3 billion in 2020
Japan uses the most toilet paper per capita, averaging about 45 rolls annually
The average roll of toilet paper contains about 140 sheets
The country with the highest toilet paper consumption per capita is the United States, with approximately 23.6 rolls per person annually
In 2022, global toilet paper sales exceeded 9.7 billion rolls
During the COVID-19 pandemic, toilet paper sales increased by up to 695% in some regions
The average person uses approximately 57 sheets of toilet paper daily
Toilet paper production accounts for about 15% of all paper pulp used globally
An estimated 270,000 tons of toilet paper are disposed of in the U.S. each year
There are approximately 26,000 toilet paper brands worldwide
The average newly manufactured toilet paper roll weighs about 227 grams

Did you know that while the average American uses nearly 24 rolls of toilet paper annually—totaling billions of rolls—and that the industry consumes millions of trees each day, a growing global movement toward eco-friendly and sustainable alternatives is reshaping how we think about this everyday essential?

Consumer Behavior

Women tend to use more toilet paper per day than men, averaging about 7.5 sheets more

Consumer Behavior Interpretation

While the statistic might suggest women have a penchant for the finer things—like extra sheets—it's also a reminder that bathroom habits are as diverse as the tissues they choose to use.

Environmental Impact and Sustainability

Approximately 27,000 trees are cut down each day to produce toilet paper in the United States alone
Biodegradable toilet paper can decompose within six weeks, compared to synthetic types which can take years
The use of recycled toilet paper is mandated in many government and corporate offices to promote sustainability
The average waste generation per person in the U.S. related to toilet paper is approximately 250 pounds annually
Approximately 10% of the world's population still practices open defecation, often without access to toilet paper or other sanitation facilities
Innovations such as recyclable cores and plastic-free packaging are being adopted by 40% of toilet paper brands to promote sustainability
The production of toilet paper contributes to significant water consumption, with estimates indicating about 37 gallons of water are needed per roll
The environmental impact of toilet paper is a major concern, prompting over 25% of consumers to choose recycled or eco-friendly products
In some regions, biodegradable toilet paper is made from recycled cardboard and agricultural waste, contributing to waste reduction efforts

Environmental Impact and Sustainability Interpretation

While the lush forests face daily slashing to fulfill our bathroom banalities, innovative, eco-friendly toilet paper options—often mandated and embraced—are slowly turning the flush of environmental impact into a sustainable splash.

Market Size, Sales, and Economic Data

The average American uses about 23.6 rolls of toilet paper per year
The global toilet paper market size was valued at approximately $49.3 billion in 2020
The country with the highest toilet paper consumption per capita is the United States, with approximately 23.6 rolls per person annually
In 2022, global toilet paper sales exceeded 9.7 billion rolls
An estimated 270,000 tons of toilet paper are disposed of in the U.S. each year
There are approximately 26,000 toilet paper brands worldwide
Recycled toilet paper constitutes around 20% of the global market
The average cost of a single toilet paper roll in the U.S. is about $0.53
The U.S. consumes approximately 36.5 million rolls of toilet paper daily
The global toilet paper market is expected to reach $63 billion by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 4.2%
The most popular toilet paper brand in the U.S. is Charmin, accounting for approximately 33% of the market share
In the U.K., about 87% of households buy toilet paper weekly or bi-weekly
The largest consumer of toilet paper in Asia is China, with over 1.4 billion users
In 2019, the average U.S. household used approximately 15 pounds of toilet paper per month

Market Size, Sales, and Economic Data Interpretation

With Americans hoarding over 23.6 rolls per person annually amid a global market valued at nearly $50 billion and over 9.7 billion rolls sold yearly, it's clear that when it comes to wiping, we’re not just cleaning up, but also cleaning out our wallets and planet—making the humble toilet paper roll both a symbol of comfort and a substantial industry worldwide.

Market Trends and Consumer Behavior

Japan uses the most toilet paper per capita, averaging about 45 rolls annually
During the COVID-19 pandemic, toilet paper sales increased by up to 695% in some regions
The average person uses approximately 57 sheets of toilet paper daily
Eco-friendly toilet paper made from bamboo is growing at an annual rate of about 10%
The average person spends about 3 years of their life on the toilet
In developing countries, the usage of toilet paper is less common, with many relying on water and other materials
About 75% of Americans buy toilet paper in larger packs to save money
During inflation periods, the price of toilet paper tends to rise faster than many other household items, with increases of up to 10% in some years
Many consumers prefer soft and quilted toilet paper for comfort, leading to a rise in premium variants which now account for about 30% of sales
The advent of toilet paper dramatically improved public health by reducing the spread of fecal-borne diseases in the early 20th century
There is a growing trend toward biodegradable and compostable toilet paper to reduce environmental impact, with sales increasing annually by about 12%
In some countries, public restrooms provide toilet paper free of charge, whereas in others, it is a paid item, influencing consumer behavior
Around 60% of Americans prefer to buy toilet paper with no added dyes or fragrances for health and allergy reasons
Many brands have introduced ultra-soft toilet paper options which are about 80% more expensive than standard products
The use of bidets and water-based alternatives is rising in Western countries as environmentally friendly options, reducing toilet paper usage by up to 70%
The average lifespan of a toilet paper roll in a household is about 75 days, depending on the number of users
The highest quality toilet paper is often marketed as "luxury" and can cost up to $2 per roll, which is 4 times more expensive than standard options
Despite the popularity of toilet paper, some cultures still prefer washing with water, reflecting diverse hygiene practices worldwide

Market Trends and Consumer Behavior Interpretation

Despite being a seemingly mundane necessity, toilet paper's soaring consumption in Japan, seasonal price hikes during inflation, and rising popularity of sustainable options underscore its surprising economic, cultural, and environmental significance across the globe.

Product Features, Innovations, and Usage Patterns

The average roll of toilet paper contains about 140 sheets
The world’s first rolls of perforated toilet paper were invented in 1935 by the Scott Paper Company
The average roll of toilet paper in the U.S. has about 100 to 150 sheets, depending on the brand
The average thickness of toilet paper ranges from 1.0 to 2.0 ply, with 2-ply being the most common

Product Features, Innovations, and Usage Patterns Interpretation

While the invention of perforated toilet paper in 1935 marked a groundbreaking step in hygiene, today’s again-evolving preferences—ranging from 100 to 150 sheets per roll and 1.0 to 2.0 ply—remind us that in the end, it's still all about quality over quantity when it comes to doing your business right.

Production and Industry Statistics

Toilet paper production accounts for about 15% of all paper pulp used globally
The average newly manufactured toilet paper roll weighs about 227 grams
The largest producer of toilet paper in the world is Georgia-Pacific, which owns the Angel Soft brand
The first recorded use of toilet paper in ancient China dates back to the 6th century AD
About 70% of the toilet paper used in the United States is manufactured domestically, with the rest imported from countries like Canada and South Korea

Production and Industry Statistics Interpretation

Despite the humble roll’s seemingly insignificant role, toilet paper's global production—accounting for 15% of paper pulp—hints that even in the 21st century, humanity’s most personal hygiene moments are a surprisingly heavyweight industry, with Georgia-Pacific leading the charge and a history stretching back to ancient China.