In our household, we’ve been on a mission for years to make more conscious, sustainable choices. We swapped plastic bags for reusable totes, switched to concentrated cleaning pods, and started composting. But for the longest time, one everyday essential remained a stubborn holdout: toilet paper. The eco-friendly options we tried were, to be blunt, disappointing. They were often thin, scratchy, and felt like a significant downgrade in daily comfort. It felt like we had to choose between caring for the planet and caring for, well, ourselves. This dilemma is what led us to a deep dive into the world of alternative paper products, searching for a solution that didn’t force a compromise. We needed a product that was strong, soft enough for the whole family, and packaged with the same environmental ethos it was made with. The search for a toilet paper that could finally tick all these boxes brought us to the REEL 24 Rolls 3-Ply Tree-Free Toilet Paper, and we were determined to see if it could end our quest for good.
- Premium Bamboo Toilet Paper: We’re all connected- by earth, by the way we treat each other, and by the world we leave behind for the next generation. Reel Toilet Paper is made of 100% bamboo, making...
- Tree-Free 3 Ply: Reel Bamboo Toilet Paper is ultra-soft and strong, so you don’t have to sacrifice quality for sustainability. Individually wrapped rolls and shipping materials are biodegradable,...
- Reduce Your Carbon Footprint: Reel helps promote the use of earth-friendly, sustainable paper products. By purchasing Reel, you are supporting our mission to provide access to clean toilets to those...
What to Consider Before Buying Eco-Friendly Toilet Paper
Toilet Paper is more than just a disposable item; it’s a key solution for daily hygiene and comfort, but its environmental impact is significant. Traditional toilet paper contributes to deforestation, uses chlorine bleaching processes that can harm waterways, and is almost always packaged in single-use plastic. An eco-friendly alternative like the REEL 24 Rolls 3-Ply Tree-Free Toilet Paper aims to solve these problems by using sustainable materials like bamboo, eliminating harsh chemicals, and adopting plastic-free packaging. The primary benefits are a vastly reduced carbon footprint, a healthier product for your skin, and the peace of mind that comes with making a more responsible purchase without sacrificing performance.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone who prioritizes sustainability and natural ingredients. This includes environmentally conscious families, individuals with sensitive skin who need to avoid fragrances and dyes, and especially bidet users who require a paper that is strong and won’t disintegrate when damp. It’s a perfect fit for those willing to embrace a slightly different texture for a massive environmental gain. However, it might not be suitable for those whose absolute top priority is the pillowy, cloud-like softness found in luxury, tree-based brands. If you’re accustomed to ultra-plush, lotion-infused papers, the functional and sturdy feel of bamboo paper might take some getting used to. For those users, a transitional product might be a better first step.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Material Source & Sustainability: The core of an eco-friendly paper is its material. Bamboo is a leading choice as it’s technically a grass that grows incredibly fast, requires less water than trees, and regenerates from its own roots without needing to be replanted. This makes it a far more renewable resource than virgin hardwood trees. Consider the brand’s sourcing and mission to ensure it aligns with your values.
- Ply Count & Performance: Ply count directly impacts strength and softness. A 3-ply construction, like that found in the REEL 24 Rolls 3-Ply Tree-Free Toilet Paper, offers a great balance. It provides the necessary thickness and durability to prevent tearing and ensure a clean experience, while being significantly more robust than 1-ply or 2-ply options often found in the budget or eco-friendly space.
- Chemical Composition: What’s *not* in your toilet paper is just as important as what is. Look for products that are free of chlorine, added inks, dyes, and fragrances. These additives can cause irritation for those with sensitive skin. A clean, elemental chlorine-free (ECF) or totally chlorine-free (TCF) bleaching process results in a white paper without the harmful dioxins of traditional methods.
- Packaging & Environmental Impact: A product’s eco-credentials should extend to its packaging. A truly sustainable option will have zero plastic, from the box itself to the sealing tape. Look for recyclable and biodegradable materials throughout, ensuring that your purchase doesn’t simply trade one form of waste for another.
Making the switch to a sustainable toilet paper is a small change that has a large, cumulative impact. By considering these factors, you can find a product that works for your family, your plumbing, and the planet.
While the REEL 24 Rolls 3-Ply Tree-Free Toilet Paper is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
- WHAT’S INCLUDED — 12 Double Rolls of Scott ComfortPlus Toilet Paper, 1-ply, 231 sheets per roll, 291.60 square feet total (12 double rolls = 24 regular rolls)
- SHIPMENT CONTAINS: 30 Rolls with 350 2-ply sheets per roll for a total of 10,500 sheets
- Packaging Information: our package contains 4 rolls of Christmas themed toilet paper, our Christmas toilet paper is made of three-ply toilet paper, soft and durable, moderate thickness, the paper is...
Unboxing Reel: First Impressions and Eco-Chic Presentation
The experience with the REEL 24 Rolls 3-Ply Tree-Free Toilet Paper begins the moment the box arrives. Our package was a simple, brown cardboard box sealed with paper tape—an immediate confirmation of the brand’s zero-plastic promise. Inside, the 24 rolls are individually wrapped in thin, recyclable paper with an elegant black-and-white design. This thoughtful touch serves two purposes: it keeps the rolls clean and sanitary, and it gives them a surprisingly stylish look. As one user noted, they look great stacked in a guest bathroom, a far cry from a garish plastic-wrapped multi-pack.
Upon unwrapping the first roll, we were struck by the texture. It’s not fluffy, but it feels substantial and dense. The 3-ply sheets are clearly visible, and they have a slight texture that hints at effective cleaning power. There’s absolutely no scent, which is a huge plus for our sensitive household. Compared to other bamboo toilet papers we’ve tried, Reel felt immediately more premium and less flimsy. It doesn’t have the artificial softness of a lotion-infused brand, but it also lacks the rough, industrial feel of some recycled papers. It felt like a well-engineered product designed for performance, and its thoughtful design and packaging made a fantastic first impression.
Key Benefits
- Made from 100% sustainable and fast-growing bamboo
- Completely plastic-free packaging, including paper tape
- Strong and durable 3-ply construction that resists tearing
- Free of chlorine, fragrances, inks, and dyes for sensitive skin
Limitations
- Not as plush or pillowy-soft as premium tree-pulp brands
- Some users have noted the rolls are smaller than expected compared to “mega” rolls
A Deep Dive into Reel’s Performance and Feel
After several weeks of using the REEL 24 Rolls 3-Ply Tree-Free Toilet Paper exclusively in our home, we’ve developed a comprehensive understanding of its strengths and weaknesses. We evaluated it on everything from its environmental claims to its real-world durability and comfort, putting it through the rigors of daily family life.
Sustainability Without Compromise: The Bamboo & Plastic-Free Promise
Reel’s entire brand identity is built on sustainability, and in our experience, this is not just marketing-speak. The choice of 100% bamboo is the cornerstone of their eco-friendly approach. Unlike trees that can take decades to mature, bamboo is one of the fastest-growing plants on Earth, making it an exceptionally renewable resource. Knowing that our daily use isn’t contributing to deforestation provides a genuine sense of satisfaction. This commitment extends right down to the unboxing experience. The fact that the entire package, from the outer box to the inner wrappers and even the cardboard core, is recyclable and biodegradable is a huge differentiator. It’s a closed-loop design that many other “eco-friendly” products fail to achieve, often still relying on a thin plastic overwrap.
This dedication to the planet is a major reason many users, ourselves included, choose Reel. As one long-time customer put it, “Although it costs a little more… it makes me feel like I’m supporting the environment with this tiny step.” This sentiment perfectly captures the value proposition. You are investing in a product that aligns with a desire to reduce personal environmental impact. For us, this wasn’t a compromise; it was the primary feature we were seeking, and Reel delivered on it flawlessly. It’s a product that lets you feel good about your purchase every single time you reach for a new roll.
Strength, Durability, and the All-Important Bidet Test
This is where the REEL 24 Rolls 3-Ply Tree-Free Toilet Paper truly shines and sets itself apart from many competitors. The 3-ply construction is not just a number on the package; it translates to real-world strength and reliability. The paper is robust and doesn’t tear, shred, or pill during use. We found we could use fewer sheets per visit compared to thinner, 2-ply eco-brands, which helps offset any perceived difference in roll size. This durability also means it produces virtually no lint, a quality several users celebrated, with one humorously referring to the absence of “clitty litter.” It’s a clean, effective paper that holds together.
Where this strength becomes a game-changer is for households with a bidet. This was a consistent theme in user feedback, and our testing confirmed it unequivocally. We use a bidet attachment, and traditional toilet paper can often turn into a soggy, useless mess when used for drying. Reel, however, stays intact. Its dense bamboo fibers absorb water without falling apart, allowing for a proper pat-dry. One user stated it perfectly: “I need something that holds up well when damp, and this stuff doesn’t fall apart or get gross like regular toilet paper.” This makes it arguably one of the best toilet papers on the market for bidet users. Furthermore, the sturdy cardboard core prevents the annoying “roll sag” that happens with flimsier tubes, and its septic-safe formulation ensures it breaks down properly after flushing, protecting your plumbing.
The Softness Spectrum: Balancing Comfort and Natural Materials
Let’s address the most subjective and debated aspect of any toilet paper: softness. If you are exclusively familiar with ultra-premium, lotion-treated brands that feel like silk, the REEL 24 Rolls 3-Ply Tree-Free Toilet Paper will feel different. It is not a “plush” or “cushiony” paper. However, to describe it as rough or scratchy, as a few negative reviews have, feels like a significant exaggeration in our experience. We would describe the texture as smooth and substantial, with a very slight grain that contributes to its cleaning effectiveness. It’s soft enough for daily use without any irritation, a point echoed by the majority of users who describe it as having “just the right amount of softness” or being “not scratchy but not soft like some tree based products.”
The key is managing expectations. Reel prioritizes strength, sustainability, and a chemical-free composition. The resulting texture is a natural outcome of using strong bamboo fibers without the artificial softening agents found in other products. As one reviewer insightfully put it, “The only difference between Reel and our previous tree toilet paper is the softness, but Reel is still soft! Just not extra plush like some brands market themselves.” This is the perfect summary. It’s a comfortable and effective paper that feels natural. For our family, and for the thousands of repeat buyers, this balance is ideal. It feels clean, safe, and responsible, and that combination is a feature worth valuing.
What Other Users Are Saying
Our positive experience with the REEL 24 Rolls 3-Ply Tree-Free Toilet Paper is largely reflected in the broader customer feedback. Many long-term users express fierce loyalty, with one simply stating, “I have purchased this 16 times… I love this toilet paper!!!!” The most common points of praise center on its impressive strength, its compatibility with bidets, and its eco-friendly mission. Users consistently describe it as “strong, absorbent toilet paper” that “doesn’t leave behind residue.” The plastic-free packaging is another huge selling point that resonates with a growing base of conscious consumers.
However, the feedback is not universally perfect, and it’s important to consider the critiques. The most frequent complaint is that the rolls seem smaller than the “mega” or “jumbo” rolls from mainstream brands, leading some to question the value. The other major point of contention is softness, with a minority of users finding it too rough for their liking, with one user describing it as feeling “like high grit sanding screens.” While this was far from our experience, it highlights the subjective nature of comfort. Finally, there are isolated but serious reports of quality control issues, such as a roll arriving with mold or, in one shocking instance, a user finding a sharp blade within the layers. While these appear to be extremely rare occurrences, they are concerning and worth noting for any potential buyer.
How Reel Compares to Traditional Toilet Paper
While the REEL 24 Rolls 3-Ply Tree-Free Toilet Paper excels in its niche, it’s crucial to understand how it stacks up against well-known, traditional alternatives. Each serves a different consumer with different priorities, from ultimate softness to budget-friendliness.
1. Cottonelle Ultra Comfort Toilet Paper 24 Family Mega Rolls
- WHAT'S INCLUDED — This toilet paper pack includes 24 Family Mega Rolls of Cottonelle Ultra Comfort 2-Ply Toilet Paper with 296 sheets per roll (748.80 square feet total); packaging may vary
- OUR SOFTEST EVER — Our toilet tissue is made with our softest CleaningRipples ever designed to help you feel luxuriously clean and comfortably dry
- OUR MOST ABSORBENT — Ultra Comfort is 3x more absorbent and removes more in just one wipe than the leading US value brand
Cottonelle Ultra Comfort represents the pinnacle of plushness in the toilet paper world. Its primary selling point is its “Cushiony CleaningRipples Texture,” designed for a supremely soft and gentle feel. Compared to Reel, Cottonelle is undeniably softer and thicker in a pillowy sense. However, it is a tree-based product and comes in conventional plastic packaging, making it a less sustainable choice. Someone who prioritizes a luxurious, cloud-like feel above all else and is less concerned with the environmental impact would likely prefer Cottonelle. For them, the functional strength of Reel might feel like a step down in comfort.
2. Scott ComfortPlus 12 Double Rolls Toilet Paper
- WHAT’S INCLUDED — 12 Double Rolls of Scott ComfortPlus Toilet Paper, 1-ply, 231 sheets per roll, 291.60 square feet total (12 double rolls = 24 regular rolls)
- COMFORT’S NOT JUST A NAME — We made Scott ComfortPlus 3x thicker than the leading value brand so you can have extra comfort every time
- SOFTNESS + STRENGTH — Yes, Scott ComfortPlus is soft toilet paper, but we don’t stop there. Our bath tissue is also 4x stronger than the leading value brand
Scott is a household name synonymous with value and reliability. The Scott ComfortPlus is designed to be a straightforward, budget-friendly option. Its biggest difference from Reel is its 1-ply construction (though it’s marketed as being as thick as other double-ply options). In a direct comparison, Reel’s 3-ply design is significantly stronger and more durable. Scott is an excellent choice for the highly budget-conscious shopper or for high-traffic bathrooms where quantity is more important than quality. A user who wants the most affordable, functional option and isn’t focused on eco-friendly materials or premium feel would gravitate toward Scott.
3. Angel Soft 8 Mega Rolls Lavender Scented Toilet Paper
- The softness and strength you already love with the heavenly scent of fresh lavender on the tube!
- Each Mega Roll is equal to 4 Angel Soft Regular Rolls, so you can change the toilet paper rolls less often
- Mega Rolls deliver the long-lasting toilet paper rolls you need at a price you’ll love. How divine!
Angel Soft stakes out a unique position by adding a fresh lavender scent to the cardboard tube. This feature is a major differentiator, appealing to consumers who enjoy a light fragrance in their bathroom. This is in direct contrast to Reel, which is proudly and intentionally fragrance-free to cater to those with sensitivities or a preference for unscented products. While Angel Soft offers a good balance of softness and strength for its price point, the addition of fragrance makes it unsuitable for many who would choose Reel. This is a clear choice for someone who values a scented product over a natural, chemical-free one.
Our Final Verdict: Is REEL 24 Rolls 3-Ply Tree-Free Toilet Paper Right for You?
After extensive testing, we can confidently say that the REEL 24 Rolls 3-Ply Tree-Free Toilet Paper is a top-tier product that successfully delivers on its promise of sustainability without a major sacrifice in performance. It is exceptionally strong, wonderfully lint-free, and perfect for bidet users. Its commitment to 100% bamboo and zero-plastic packaging is not just a gimmick; it’s a core feature that makes you feel good about a purchase you make month after month. While it may not win awards for “cloud-like” softness, it is more than comfortable enough for daily use and its textured strength provides a superior clean.
We highly recommend this toilet paper to any consumer looking to reduce their environmental footprint, households with bidet users, and anyone with sensitive skin seeking a product free from harsh chemicals and fragrances. It’s a premium, thoughtful product for the conscious consumer. If you value strength, sustainability, and a clean ingredient list, we believe you will be incredibly satisfied. For a truly eco-friendly bathroom staple that actually works, we think Reel is the real deal.
If you’re ready to make a switch that’s better for your home and the planet, you can check the latest price and availability for Reel toilet paper today.
Last update on 2025-11-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API