Posted by National Paper Systems.com on 13th Aug 2014
When choosing toilet/bath tissue, remember...
Check how many individual units/rolls are in the case and calculate the cost per unit/roll
Fewer units/rolls in a case can give the appearance of a better value if only the price is considered
Calculating and comparing the cost per unit/roll will give you a more accurate read on the value being offered
Compare the number of sheets and size of the sheets to compare the cost
Break the cost down by the number of sheets, if necessary, to compare price
Verify the size of the sheets. A smaller sheet equals a lower cost
Short or narrow sheets drive down the cost because there is less paper (and raw material)
Compare the type of paper
Embossed or quilted? Quilting/embossing adds higher absorbency, softer feel and additional cost versus “flat”sheets. They are more expensive because of the additional expense associated with enhanced raw materials and processes to finish the paper.
Whiter, brighter sheets? Making whiter, brighter sheets is a process that needs more virgin pulp to produce a whiter product.
One-ply or two-ply? Using less material reduces cost.
When in doubt, weigh the individual roll or case. That will help determine the quality of the product.
Some manufacturers will “cheat’ on paper basis weight to drive down the price with a lower quality product. They “cheat” by offering a product with thinner weight or thickness paperin its raw material state.
Loosely wrapped paper rolls can give the appearance of a larger roll but actually have much less paper on it.
Why is that toilet paper cheaper?
Less paper.
Standard roll – either a narrower/shorter sheet (sizes range from 3.1” to 4.5”wide and from 4” to 4.5” long), or fewer sheets per roll (these range from 176 to 1000, with standard at 500)
Jumbo roll – either a narrower (widths range from 3.25” to 3.625”) or shorter roll (varies widely – see above for standard lengths)
Lower quality paper – less bright, more particles, lower percentage virgin fiber, lower basis weight/thinner
Environmental certifications – these may add a premium to the price; the most popular are Green Seal and EcoLogo
End-user contracts – for branded items, manufacturers may offer contracts at a significant discount for high volume end-users.
Types of Toilet Tissue
Standard Roll
Also known as small roll
Used in all types of facilities
Available in one- or two-ply
Generally individuallywrapped
96 rolls per case, 500 sheets per roll OR 80 rolls/case and varying sheet count (new industry standard)
Jumbo Roll
Used in high capacity washrooms
Available in one- or two-ply
Not individually wrapped
9” or JRT Jr. (more common)
12” or JRT Sr.
JRT Jr - 1-ply has 2000’ on a roll, 2-ply has 1000’ on a roll
JRT Sr - 1-ply has 4000’ on a roll, 2-ply has 2000’ on a roll
Branded Proprietary Tissue
Look like and are similar to standard and jumbo towels
Notched, sized, or made coreless, such that they only fit a proprietary dispenser
Various versions are produced by most branded manufacturers
Available to only select distributors or end-users
