The Best Eco-Friendly & Non-Toxic Paper Towels for a Cleaner, Greener Home

Like everything we use, there is an opportunity to do less harm to both our bodies and the environment. Some conventional paper towels are still bleached white with chlorine or processed with other chemicals that can release toxins into our homes and waterways. Some even contain glues, dyes, or PFAS, which are “forever chemicals” that linger in nature long after we have tossed the roll. Add to that the fact that they are single-use, mostly tree-based (contributing to deforestation and biodiversity loss), and not recyclable (even when clean), and they start to feel less like a kitchen staple and more like a bad habit.

With that in mind, a big focus in this guide is on non-toxic paper towels. By this I mean, options that are free from the harmful chemicals mentioned above, making them safer for people, septic systems, and the natural environment. Eco-friendly paper towels, on the other hand, use renewable or recycled materials, ethical manufacturing, and thoughtful packaging, and can often be composted once used or at the end of their life. We try to find options that meet both definitions as much as possible.

Our team has gone down more paper towel rabbit holes than I care to admit, testing, comparing, rating, and obsessing over what makes the best mix of safe and sustainable. We have found some excellent options, from unbleached bamboo rolls to cloths that last for years. Read on for our list of the best non-toxic paper towels that do as little harm to the planet as possible. If you would like to learn more about why this matters and how we found these brands, head to the bottom of this article.

We have included a mix of reusable and disposable (compostable) options on this list. If you would prefer to focus your search only on non-disposable options, take a look at our guide to reusable paper towels. And remember that you don’t have to buy new! You can make your own from old towels or fabric scraps. There are tons of useful tutorials and guides out there!

Note: We use our brand rating system to assess brands against a wide range of criteria, including climate impact, chemical use, customer safety and product performance. Look out for the rated paper towel brands on the list below who have opted in to be rated and given us just that much more confidence in their approach to chemical use and other sustainability related initiatives. You can also find other rated brands in our directory.

Single Use Eco-friendly & Non-toxic Paper Towels

Reusable & Non-toxic Paper Towels

Paper towels may seem harmless, but conventional ones often come with a hidden environmental and health cost. Most are made from freshly cut trees, bleached white with chlorine, and sometimes treated with dyes, fragrances, or even “forever chemicals” (PFAS) to boost absorbency. The result? Products that can release toxins into your home and waterways while contributing to deforestation and waste.

The Problem with Conventional Paper Towels

• Deforestation: The pulp and paper sector uses about 13–15 % of the world’s wood resources, making it a major driver of forest pressure, deforestation and biodiversity loss. Hence the reason why more sustainable brands focus on “tree free” materials.
• Chemical Processing: Chlorine-based bleaching produces dioxins which are persistent pollutants that can harm both ecosystems and human health.
• PFAS (“Forever Chemicals”): Some paper towels are treated with PFAS to make them more absorbent or grease-resistant. These chemicals don’t break down in nature and can accumulate in our bodies over time.
• Additives: Synthetic dyes, fragrances, and glues can cause irritation, especially for sensitive skin, and add unnecessary chemical load to your home.
• Plastic Packaging: Most conventional brands wrap their rolls in non-recyclable plastic, which ends up in landfill or the ocean.

Non-toxic paper towels skip the harmful additives entirely. Look for:

• Unbleached or Low-Impact Whitening: Unbleached paper towels are the safest choice. If you prefer white, look for Totally Chlorine-Free (TCF), Processed Chlorine-Free (PCF), or Elemental Chlorine-Free (ECF) methods that use hydrogen peroxide or oxygen instead of harsh chlorine gas.
• PFAS-Free: Check whether brands test for or disclose compliance with AB 1200 (in the U.S.) or publish fluorine test results.
• No Synthetic Dyes, Fragrances, or Formaldehyde: These ingredients don’t improve performance, they just increase risk of irritation and pollution.
• Natural Materials: Bamboo and organic cotton are naturally hypoallergenic and antibacterial. Organic Cotton in particular requires fewer chemicals in processing.

Eco-Friendly Paper Towels Go a Step Further

Beyond being non-toxic, eco-friendly paper towels reduce environmental impact through materials, manufacturing, and packaging choices:

• Bamboo: A fast-growing, renewable grass that can regrow after harvesting and produces more oxygen than trees. Bamboo towels are strong, soft, and biodegradable.
• Recycled Paper: Uses post-consumer waste, saving energy and water. While trace BPA can sometimes appear from recycled content like receipts, it’s typically well within safety limits.
• Reusable Towels: Made from organic cotton or other natural blends, these can replace hundreds of rolls of disposable paper towels each year. Wash and reuse, they’ll last for months or even years, and save you money too!
• Plastic-Free Packaging: Look for paper wrapping or compostable alternatives instead of shrink wrap.

Certifications to Look For

• FSC® (Forest Stewardship Council): Ensures responsible forest and bamboo management.
• GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard): Confirms organic fibers and safe dyes. This is relevant for non-disposable towels.
• B Corp: Indicates verified social and environmental performance.

How We Approached Building This List Of Sustainable, Safe Paper Towels

In addition to the key attributes listed above, I also considered how these products perform in real homes and across different lifestyles, using the product testing that our team has done, and other customer reviews. I looked for brands that balance sustainability with practicality, offering paper towels that are functional while reducing environmental and toxin impact.

Where possible, we have included brands that are transparent about their materials, production, and packaging, as well as those we’ve rated through our own 22 criteria brand rating sustainability framework. I also tried to include a range of options to suit different values and needs. Some people prefer white paper towels, others care most about avoiding toxins, while many are focused on minimizing waste through recycled or reusable choices.

Personally, my preference is for reusables made from organic cotton. They are soft, washable, and long lasting, and this approach has meant I haven’t had to spend on disposable paper towels in years. If you need some more inspiration, perhaps Billie Eilish can help. Also see my video below where I go through a few paper towel options.

You may be interested in some of our other guides:

• Guide to Non-Toxic Living
• Non-Toxic Cleaning Products
• Non-Toxic Dish Soap
• Eco-friendly Tissues

FAQ: Non-Toxic & Eco-Friendly Paper Towels

Are paper towels toxic?

Many conventional paper towels are made using chlorine bleach, synthetic fragrances, or even PFAS (“forever chemicals”) to improve absorbency and color. These chemicals can leave behind residues that are harmful to both humans and the environment. Safer options are unbleached or processed chlorine-free and free from added dyes or scents.

What makes paper towels non-toxic?

Non-toxic paper towels avoid harsh chemicals altogether. That means they are unbleached or whitened using safer agents like hydrogen peroxide, made without PFAS, BPA, or synthetic fragrances, and use responsibly sourced materials such as FSC-certified bamboo, recycled paper, or GOTS-certified organic cotton.

Are bamboo paper towels safe and sustainable?

Yes, bamboo paper towels are generally one of the safest and most sustainable paper towel options. Bamboo grows quickly without pesticides or fertilizers and requires far less water than trees. Choose rolls made from FSC-certified bamboo and free from chlorine bleach or added fragrances for the lowest-tox, tree-free option.

Are recycled paper towels non-toxic?

Recycled paper towels are more sustainable than virgin wood pulp options because they reduce deforestation and resource use. However, they can sometimes contain trace BPA from thermal receipt paper in recycling streams. Look for brands that test for BPA and PFAS or use post-consumer waste verified as safe.

What does “chlorine-free” mean?

Chlorine-free refers to how the paper is whitened. WGAC provides a good explainer, but here’s a quick summary:

• ECF (Elemental Chlorine Free) uses chlorine dioxide, which is safer than elemental chlorine but still a chlorine derivative. While chlorine dioxide is still a chlorine-based compound, it’s considered a much safer and cleaner alternative and is widely accepted by environmental and health agencies, including the UNEP, U.S. EPA, and FDA, for use in food-contact-grade papers.
• PCF (Processed Chlorine Free) refers to recycled paper products that have not been re-bleached using chlorine or chlorine-based compounds. Instead, they are whitened using safer alternatives like oxygen, ozone, or hydrogen peroxide. Because the paper fibers were originally processed before recycling, small traces of chlorine may still remain from their previous life but no new chlorine is added during reprocessing. The U.S. EPA recognizes PCF as one of the safest and most environmentally responsible bleaching methods for recycled paper, as it prevents new dioxins from forming and reduces chemical discharge into waterways. PCF products are often labeled as the best balance between safety, sustainability, and performance for recycled paper goods.
• TCF (Totally Chlorine Free) means no chlorine compounds are used at all. This is the safest and most eco-friendly option.

What are the best eco-friendly paper towel materials?

The top materials are:

• Bamboo: renewable, strong, and tree-free.
• Recycled paper: minimizes waste and energy use.
• Organic cotton or linen: ideal for reusable, zero-waste options.

Which paper towels are safest for sensitive skin?

Unbleached or processed chlorine-free paper towels made from bamboo or organic cotton are gentlest on the skin. Avoid products with fragrances, dyes, or softening additives, which can cause irritation.

What’s the most eco-friendly choice overall?

Reusable options made from organic cotton or other natural fabrics are the most sustainable choice, since they eliminate waste completely. For disposable options, look for unbleached bamboo or recycled paper towels packaged without plastic and tested to be free from PFAS.

Switching to non-toxic, eco-friendly paper towels may seem like a small step, but it’s one that reduces deforestation, micro-pollutants, and exposure to harsh chemicals at home. Whether you choose unbleached bamboo, recycled paper, or reusable cotton cloths, these swaps eliminate exposure to unnecessary chemicals and keep more trees in the ground.

At Sustainable Jungle, we’ve tested many of these options ourselves and rated several through our in-depth brand assessment process. The key is progress, not perfection, because even cutting back a few rolls each week adds up.