It's been some time since we last introduced ourselves, and many of you may not know the people behind EcoRoll. Since launching, our community has grown significantly. Thousands of households across Aotearoa New Zealand now choose EcoRoll as part of their everyday routine, and many have joined us through subscriptions. As the business has grown, we thought it was a good time to reintroduce ourselves and share why EcoRoll exists.

EcoRoll was founded by James and Alex, who had spent almost a decade working in the  food service packaging industry through Ecoware. During that time, they saw firsthand how difficult it was for established industries to change, even when material alternatives already existed. That experience led to a simple question: if there are alternatives to cutting down trees for products that are used briefly and discarded immediately, why aren't more people using them?

Why bamboo toilet paper?

Figures published by the Forestry Corporation find that pine and Douglas firs which are used in conventional toilet paper manufacturing are only sustainably harvested within 30-40 years. In contrast, bamboo has emerged as one of the most widely used alternative fibres in toilet paper production because of its rapid growth - up to 91 cm in 24 hours and an ability to regenerate post harvest from existing root systems. 

In that sense, bamboo offers a rapidly renewable fibre source that can help reduce reliance on forest-derived pulp. It is for this reason that EcoRoll is made from FSC® 100% certified bamboo fibre. It is a simple idea: if alternative fibres exist for products that are used briefly and discarded immediately, they deserve consideration.

Addressing chemicals and processes standard in the industry

Another aspect to consider was the chemicals and processes used during manufacturing. Toilet paper has been traditionally marketed on softness and whiteness - both of which require a lot of bleach. At the same time we’re now thinking more about our exposure to environmental pollutants, and the chemicals that are a part of the industrial world and present in consumer products - there’s more awareness now and people are actively avoiding and seeking products that are not employing harsh chemicals and additives in their formulations. Toilet paper is no different. 

Decisions we make daily and over time, can have profound impacts on our bodies and health. We started EcoRoll because we wanted a better everyday option, one that felt safe to use and that meant questioning what’s normally accepted. That meant avoiding chlorine. So EcoRoll is bleached using a Totally Chlorine Free (TCF) process, which uses hydrogen peroxide instead. Ensuring we found a supplier who could provide independent testing for PFAS and heavy metals was also important. Having that level of transparency and accountability remains relevant to us today. 

EcoRoll toilet paper is tested by Société Générale de Surveillance SA (SGS), an independent laboratory, in accordance with the Toxics in Packaging Clearinghouse (TPCH) Model. This testing verifies compliance with limits for lead, cadmium, mercury and chromium VI. In addition, our suppliers have undertaken independent screening for perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). No PFAS were detected as confirmed by SGS. Independent testing supports our broader approach to avoiding the intentional use of chemicals of concern. 

While EcoRoll has evolved since founding, the underlying mission remains the same: to challenge assumptions about everyday products and demonstrate that practical alternatives exist. Whether you've been with us since the beginning or only recently discovered EcoRoll, we're grateful to have you with us. Every roll purchased supports a different approach to materials, packaging and industry transparency. 

James and Alex,
Founders of EcoRoll and Ecoware Compostable Packaging.