Bamboo Toilet Paper Showdown – PlantPaper vs Who Gives A Crap

Most of us rarely stop to consider what’s actually in our toilet paper even though it’s used on such a sensitive area of the body.

But recent testing has found that some commercial toilet paper brands contain trace levels of PFAS (often referred to as “forever chemicals”). Others may include formaldehyde, and many conventional products are chemically bleached during processing to achieve a bright white finish. 

That’s why our editors became interested in exploring toxin-free, bamboo TP. Two of the most talked-about brands in this space are Who Gives A Crap and PlantPaper.

Here’s what we found when we compared them both.

Key Similarities

• Both brands aim to reduce the environmental impact of traditional, tree-pulp toilet paper.
• Both offer toilet paper made from bamboo rather than virgin trees.
• Both operate as direct-to-consumer brands, delivering products straight to your door for added convenience.

Key Differences

Toxins

• PlantPaper: made from completely unbleached bamboo and produced without harsh chemicals, formaldehyde, and PFAS. The result is a natural, off-white tone.
• Who Gives A Crap: uses an Elemental Chlorine Free (ECF) bleaching process to achieve a brighter white appearance.

Aesthetic

• PlantPaper: opts for a minimal, neutral look. The natural-toned rolls and simple packaging blend seamlessly into modern, understated bathroom spaces.
• Who Gives A Crap: known for its colorful, patterned wrappers, which add a playful, decorative element to bathroom storage.

Packaging

• PlantPaper: ships its rolls unwrapped inside a single cardboard box, minimizing additional materials.
• Who Gives A Crap: individually wraps each roll in printed paper, which contributes to its signature look.

Sheet Quality

• PlantPaper: 3-ply, 4.25″ × 4.3″ sheets with dual-texture embossing for grip, strength, and softness; reduces pilling, crumbling, and dust.
• Who Gives A Crap: 3-ply, 3.94″ × 3.94″ sheets with extra-cushy texture.

Cost

• PlantPaper: Costs more per sheet, but the larger sheet size and grippy dual-texture embossing mean many people use fewer sheets per visit.
• Who Gives A Crap: Costs less per sheet upfront, but the smaller sheet size and smoother texture can mean using more sheets per visit.

PlantPaper Overview

PlantPaper is a next-generation toilet paper that’s tree-free, toxin-free, septic-tank friendly, and entirely biodegradable. Unlike conventional toilet paper made from virgin trees or recycled paper (which can contain harsh chemicals and require heavy bleaching to achieve a bright white color), PlantPaper uses completely unbleached FSC®-certified bamboo. 

Bamboo is one of the fastest-growing plants in the world, regenerates naturally after harvesting, requires less water, and is considered a carbon-neutral fiber source.

The paper is also regularly tested for PFAS and other contaminants, reinforcing the brand’s focus on health-first materials rather than just sustainability claims.

Its 3-ply, softly embossed sheets offer a balance of strength, absorbency, and comfort, and the rolls arrive unwrapped in 100% plastic-free boxes, reflecting the brand’s zero-waste mission. PlantPaper positions itself as a cleaner, smarter alternative that’s as good for your health as it is for the planet.

PlantPaper sheets measure roughly 4.3″ × 4.3″, slightly larger than standard sheets. The grippy, dual-texture embossing allows users to get more coverage with fewer sheets per visit, increasing efficiency and reducing waste.

Who Gives A Crap Overview

Who Gives A Crap is an eco-focused toilet paper brand known for its vibrant packaging and bold branding. The individually wrapped rolls are designed to be displayed, often doubling as colorful bathroom décor.

The brand often highlights its high sheet count per roll, positioning it as a strong value option.

The brand offers bamboo and recycled paper options and uses an Elemental Chlorine Free (ECF) process to whiten their bamboo paper. While more sustainable than traditional tree-based toilet paper, it may not appeal to consumers specifically seeking unbleached TP. 

The deliveries are completely plastic-free, but because each roll is individually wrapped, it generates more packaging than unwrapped alternatives – though some users appreciate the visual appeal and organization of the wrappers.

Who Gives A Crap sheets measure 3.94″ × 3.94″. With slightly smaller sheets than PlantPaper and a noticeably thinner (if still pretty soft) feel, users may need more sheets per visit to achieve the same coverage and comfort, depending on personal preference.

Final Thoughts

Both brands are making meaningful efforts to move away from traditional tree-based toilet paper. If your priority is bathroom aesthetics, Who Gives A Crap is a strong contender.

But for us, the deciding factors came down to overall quality, materials, and a simpler, lower-waste approach – which is where PlantPaper ultimately stands out.

The sheets feel sturdy yet soft, striking a balance that’s noticeably more premium compared to many alternatives. Because it’s made from 100% unbleached, FSC-certified bamboo and shipped without individual wrappers, the product experience feels streamlined and intentional from start to finish. 

Although PlantPaper costs more upfront, our editors noted that its larger sheet size and grippy texture meant we consistently used fewer sheets per visit – about ⅓ fewer sheets than Who Gives a Crap, mostly erasing the apparent price difference.

For something you use every single day, that small difference feels like a worthwhile upgrade – especially if you value toxin-free materials as well as softness, durability, and minimal packaging.

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